FRISCO, Texas (STATS) – The sullen looks on the faces of the James Madison players were obviously understandable.
Hopes of repeating as the FCS national champion were dashed but worse, perhaps, was knowing they failed to take advantage of the ample opportunities to achieve that impressive goal Saturday in north Texas.
Losing to now six-time FCS national champion North Dakota State 17-13 at Toyota Stadium is really no reason for the Dukes to hang their heads, but the manner in which it happened was uncharacteristic of a team that rode a 26-game winning streak into the contest.
“Obviously, a disappointing end to a phenomenal season,” emotional JMU coach Mike Houston said. “We made too many mistakes. That’s what it boils down to.”
The Dukes didn’t commit more than two turnovers all season prior to turning the ball over three times Saturday. More devastating for James Madison was that all three came in North Dakota State territory.
Senior quarterback Bryan Schor threw three interceptions in the previous six games but was picked twice without throwing a touchdown against the Bison.
“Things like that happen in a game,” said Schor, who was also sacked four times. “You just got to try to overcome them.”
The Dukes were quick to credit NDSU’s defense as a big reason they went 3 of 6 in the red zone, but also knew they continued to pick themselves up to make this a competitive and memorable championship contest.
Despite sacking NDSU quarterback Easton Stick – the game’s most outstanding player – three times, forcing a fumble, blocking a field goal and executing a late fake punt, the Dukes could not overcome those uncharacteristic blemishes on a unseasonably mild winter day.
JMU was also whistled for roughing the NDSU punter to prolong the Bison’s first drive that ultimately ended with a touchdown. Several dropped passes and a first-half blocked field goal also added to a frustrating day for last year’s champs.
“Yes, it was uncharacteristic of us,” Dukes senior linebacker Kyre Hawkins said. “But we gave our all to the last second.”
JMU’s defense certainly did, holding NDSU to 264 total yards – its second-lowest total of the season – and no points in the second half. However, that unit also gave up a 50-yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 17 in the first half.
For every step forward James Madison took on the field, it also seemed to take a couple more back. When it all added up, the Dukes fell short of a repeat after being held to season lows for points and total yards (241).
When the tears dry up and the pain subsides, James Madison has reason to look back on its two-year run and smile. The senior class leaves as the winningest group in the school’s history.
And for guys like Schor, the memories and companionship will last forever.
“(James Madison University) is such a special community, not just football,” Schor said. “We have the love, the camaraderie, like a family, the brotherhood. It’s a bond that goes beyond the football field.”
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