By James Parziale and Darren Sands
Who knew a 62-43 win could be so costly. Quarterback Bobby Seck, who bruised his knee on his eighth and final touchdown pass Saturday against Rhode Island, has not practiced all week according to coach Joe Gardi.
Back-up Anton Clarkson has taken all the snaps in practice so far this week while Seck has tried to stay off his knee. Gardi would not give odds on Seck’s chances of playing this week.
Cornerback Thomas Green has a possible torn ACL and is likely out fr the year. Linebacker Cole Haley has a separated shoulder. Defensive tackle Ed Greene tweaked a hamstring, while receiver Issac Irby, defensive tackle Mickey Keene and safety Michael Momo all have undisclosed injuries.
ON THE DEFENSIVE
The Pride defense was on the field for 98 plays against URI, giving a misperception of the unit’s play, Gardi said. “The time of possession is ridiculous. It looks like the defense is quiting. They were tired,” he said.
After spending over 35 minutes on the field in the last two games, the offense must run the ball more effectively to keep the time of possession down. But Terry Crenshaw, who fumbled the ball twice Saturday, must work on ball control. “I’m not a happy camper about giving up the football,” Gardi said.
“O” BOY
James Madison University coach Mickey Matthews believes that the Pride offense may be too much for his team to handle.
“I’ve talked to coach Gardi and he’s OK’d that we try to play 13 players on defense,” Matthews quipped. “When you have the players that Hofstra has, you just try to slow them down, you’re not going to stop them.”
HIGH PRAISE
It comes as no surprise that Matthews was high on praise in his evaluation of the Pride receivers, Seck and the offensive line.
“The young kid, [Devale Ellis] is playing pretty good, he’s just an outstanding player. They’re all so good I don’t think you can focus on just one,” Matthews said.
A LOOK AHEAD
The Pride will get a look at both Justin Rascati and Matt LeZotte in Harrisonburg, Va. when it faces JMU on Saturday. Both quarterbacks played in last weeks 45-10 loss to West Virginia. The newcomer, Rascati, is a transfer from Louisville, while the senior, LeZotte, is third all-time in JMU history for career completions.
A LOOK BACK
In last year’s meeting, the Pride jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, sparked by a 65-yard touchdown from Anton Clarkson to Marques Colston. The Pride gave up a safety with 1:24 to go in the game, and JMU marched down the field to score with only 54 seconds remaining. The Pride lost the game 23-20. “Every year Coach Gardi brings a good football team to the table,” Matthews said. “They totally blew Rhode Island out of the stadium.”
Quarterback Bobby Seck, who left last Saturday´s game in the fourth quarter, is questionable for this coming week. (Staff Photo)