Dukes ready for playoffs on road

In 2004 , James Madison had three road wins on its way to the national title.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- James Madison University is hoping that it can find the same type of magic that it did in 2004 when it begins the NCAA Division I Football Championship Series on the road Saturday night.
The Dukes (9-2, 7-1 Atlantic 10) will visit Youngstown State in an opening round matchup at Stambaugh Stadium in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff that will be televised nationally over ESPN2.
In 2004 the Dukes became the only team in what was formerly called Division I-AA playoff history to win three straight road games in the playoffs and then go on to win the national championship.
Coach Mickey Matthews, now in his eighth season with a 56-39 record, guided the Dukes to that national crown, beating Lehigh, Furman and William & amp; Mary on the road before toppling Montana, 31-21, in the national title contest in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Although the Dukes and Penguins have not met on the gridiron since 1992, Matthews is very familiar with the Penguins since he was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Marshall from 1990-95 when The Herd and Penguins had several key battles, including three for the national championship from 1991-93.
Thought they would be at home
Matthews is very high on his 2006 Dukes and is somewhat disappointed that James Madison didn't get a first-round home playoff game.
"Nothing the NCAA selection committee does surprises me anymore," Matthews said. "We felt that we deserved a home game and a close regional matchup with Hampton would have sold out our stadium."
"Now we have to do it on the road, but that's something that we've had to do before," he said.
"We have a great challenge ahead of us playing at Youngstown State, but its a challenge we look forward to," he added.
The Dukes' only two losses this season were a Sept. 9 loss to defending national champion Appalachian State (21-10) in Boone, N.C. and a 21-20 loss at Villanova in the next to last game of the season.
Outstanding performers
James Madison has some outstanding individual performers including four who received pre-season All-American recognition.
Leading the Dukes' offense is senior quarterback Justin Rascati (6-foot-2, 220 pounds), who Matthews feels is the best quarterback in the country.
Rascati has passed for 1,900 yards (139-of-207) and 19 touchdowns with just six interceptions. He has also rushed for 425 yards on 103 carries and scored three touchdowns.
When Rascati isn't dominating the offense, he's handing the ball off to junior tailback Eugene Holloman (5-11, 170), a speedster who has rushed for 996 yards on 172 carries and eight touchdowns. Senior backup running back Alvin Banks has 246 yards and seven touchdowns, including a four-TD game against VMI this season.
Rascati's top receivers include junior L.C. Baker (5-7, 155) who has 42 catches for 597 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Ardon Bransford (5-10, 180) has 26 catches for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
Senior tackle Corey Davis (6-4, 325) anchors the offensive line and was a preseason All-American choice.
Tough against the run
The Dukes' defense, which is only allowing 84 rushing yards per game this year, is led by senior linebacker Akeem Jordan (6-0, 235) who has amassed 126 tackles in 11 games.
Senior defensive end Kevin Winston (6-3, 230) leads the team with 11 sacks, while junior free safety Tony LeZotte (6-0, 200) is a two-time All-American already.
In six previous playoff appearances the Dukes are 3-3 in first round games, including 2-3 on the road.
mollica@vindy.com