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5 Key Storylines to Watch in the 2017 FCS National Championship Game

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Youngstown State Penguins cornerback Eric Thompson (1) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Youngstown State Penguins cornerback Eric Thompson (1) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Bryan Schor (17) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Donnie Miles (15) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Bryan Schor (17) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Donnie Miles (15) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. James Madison Has One of the Most Balanced Offenses in the Nation

While Youngstown State was stellar at running the ball, James Madison was even better in 2016. The Dukes carried for 27 more yards per game than the Penguins to finish fourth in FCS in rushing average. Khalid Abdullah has run for over 1700 yards and is just 92 yards away from taking over the lead in individual rushing yards on the season. Three others have run for at least 500 yards this season. No team had more rushing touchdowns than the 48 piled up so far by the Dukes.

One of the three behind Abdullah to carry for at least 500 yards is quarterback Bryan Schor, who has also thrown for nearly 2900 yards this year. The junior has been the most efficient quarterback at the FCS level and ranked second among all Division I players behind only Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield. James Madison’s passing game was ranked eighth in touchdowns through the air thanks to the experienced run/pass threat they have leading the offense.

The ability to threaten teams in so many different ways on offense meant that only Sam Houston State averaged more points per game than the Dukes. They are also one of just five teams at the FCS level to average less than one turnover per game. Not only do they beat up on opposing defenses, but James Madison is also great about not beating itself when it has the ball.

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