13th-ranked Hokies seek quick turnaround against Dukes

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09/08/2010 - Blacksburg, VA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Coming off a heart-breaking loss, the 13th- ranked Virginia Tech Hokies now set their sights on the James Madison Dukes this weekend at Lane Stadium.

In the most anticipated game of the opening week, it was the Hokies who came up short, dropping a last-minute 33-30 decision to third-ranked Boise State at FedExField on Monday.

"I firmly believe we're going to be a good football team," Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. "We weren't a great football team tonight. We made too many critical mistakes, but I firmly believe we're going to be a good football team."

It marked the third straight season opening loss for the Hokies, who dropped to 1-26 all-time against AP Top-5 teams. Tech however, has shown it is capable of bouncing back, as the Hokies are one of only two FBS schools to have won 10 or more games in each of the past six seasons. That is certainly reason to believe this squad can overcome another opening week setback.

As for JMU, it is a Top 25 FCS program walking into what could be a nightmare of a situation with Tech seeking to take out its frustrations. The Dukes though, were impressive in their opener, posting a 48-7 win over Morehead State last weekend to improved to 7-5 in lidlifters under head coach Mickey Matthews. The program however, is just 3-15 against FBS members and that includes 10 straight defeats.

This is the seventh all-time meeting between JMU and Virginia Tech on the gridiron, with the Hokies winning each of the prior six, including a 43-0 blanking in the most recent clash in 2003.

The Dukes had their way with Morehead State over the weekend, dialing up 483 yards of total offense, including 294 and four scores on the ground. JMU used a plethora of runners to dominate on the ground, with Jordan Anderson and Griff Yancey racking up a team-high 66 yards apiece.

QB Drew Dudzik accounted for half of the team's rushing TDs, while also throwing for two more scores and 189 yards on 8-of-15 tosses. Dudzik emerged as the starter this spring and was successful in his return after missing the final six games of '09 with a foot fracture. His main target was Kerby Long, who enjoyed a career day with 112 receiving yards and two TDs on three receptions.

JMU was every bit as impressive on defense and the unit didn't surrender a point to Morehead State until the final three minutes of the game. The unit held Morehead State to only 152 total yards, including just 67 rushing, while forcing five turnovers. What was even more impressive was the mere six first downs given up by this unit. Ryan Smith had five tackles and one of the team's two INTs to lead the defense in the win.

The Hokies were sloppy on offense at times and never really establish their dynamic ground attack, which averaged 208.2 ypg in '09. VT finishing the night with 128 yards, but it took 44 carries to reach that number, an average of just 2.9 yards per carry.

TB Ryan Williams scored two TDs on the ground and another through the air, but ended up with just 44 rushing yards on 21 carries. It was obviously a tough night running the ball for Williams, who set a school record with 1,655 rushing yards as a freshman in '09.

"We've got to look at the film and figure out what was going on," Williams said of the rushing attack. "All I know was there were a lot of times when I got the ball and there were defenders in my face."

QB Tyrod Taylor actually led the team with 73 rushing yards, as he used his legs to avoid consistent pressure. The dual-threat gunslinger also hit on 15- of-22 pass attempts for 186 yards and two TDs in a solid all-around performance. Jarrett Boykin was his favorite target with six receptions for 102 yards and a score.

Defensively, Tech wasn't all that bad, but the unit didn't step up when it was needed. Leading 30-26 late in the fourth quarter, the Hokies allowed Boise State to march 56 yards in just 38 seconds, with the driving ending on a 13- yard game-winning TD pass with just over a minute left. It was a big letdown from the unit, which was gashed for a 71-yard TD run by Boise State in the third quarter.

Aside from that, the unit did a decent job limiting a stout Boise State attack to 383 total yards. Eddie Whitley had seven stops and a forced fumble for the Tech defense, which may need some time to gel after losing a chunk of last year's starters from a unit that gave up just 15.6 ppg.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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