Defense puts clamps on Tutt, UR offense

Saturday, JMU showed why its defense is as good as advertised.

"JMU is a better team than us," University of Richmond coach Dave Clawson said.

Coming into their contest against UR, the Dukes claimed the top-ranked defense in the A-10 — holding opponents to an average of 269.3 yards of total offense per game.

Against UR’s offense and its quarterback Stacy Tutt, the Spiders’ second leading season rusher, the Madison defense held Tutt to negative 12 net yards on 15 carries in the Spiders’ 26-20 loss.

"Their D-line did a great job," Tutt said. "From the beginning of game, they got into the backfield and caused havoc. I can’t give them enough credit."

The Dukes sacked the converted wide receiver six times for negative 29 yards.

"They’re definitely up there with N.C. State," Tutt said. "They were fast and came after us all day."

Thus far, the Spiders have averaged 159.5 yards on the ground per game. Against JMU, U of R only could manage 34. Richmond’s leading rusher Saturday, David Freeman couldn’t make it past the 50-yard barrier, posting 41 yards on 11 touches.

"They’re more physical and did a great job of establishing the line of scrimmage," Clawson said. "There’s a reason they’re the best defense in the Atlantic 10."

Despite Richmond’s struggles on the ground, the Spiders’ made a dent through the air as Tutt posted a career day. He passed for 310 yards, completing 26 of 41 passes for two touchdowns — one of which came with six seconds to go in the first half. Tutt connected with Arman Shields on a Hail Mary that went 41-yards for the score.

The Dukes will be tested through the air in coming weekends — primarily, against the 5-2 College of William & Mary, who brandish one the A-10’s best quarterbacks in Lang Campbell. Campbell lit up the University of North Carolina for 322 yards and two touchdowns earlier this season.

JMU also takes on the defending I-AA national champion, the University of Delaware.

The 5-0 Fighting Blue Hens are one of two teams basking in A-10 perfection after its 31-28 besting of the Tribe Saturday, the other being JMU — which also stands at 5-0 within the conference. JMU and Delaware currently are tied for first in the A-10’s south division.

Overall, both the Dukes and Hens are 6-1 with UD’s lone loss coming at the hands of the University of New Hampshire in its season opener. JMU was downed by West Virginia University in its third game of the year.

JMU meets Delaware in two weeks on Nov. 6, followed by the Tribe Nov. 13. Both games are at Bridgeforth Stadium.

"Every game you play has championship implications," JMU coach Mickey Matthews said. "They’re going to be good ones going home — but they’re in Harrisonburg and our record is very good at home."

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