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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 cornerback Rashad Robinson (22) is called for a penalty as he defends North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Bug Howard (84) at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; James Madison Dukes cornerback Rashad Robinson (22) is called for a penalty as he defends North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Bug Howard (84) at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. James Madison Also Boasts a Disruptive Defense

Though James Madison allows nearly a field goal more per game than their opponent in the FCS national championship game, they still field one of the most fearsome defenses in the country. The Dukes are not quite as good against the run as Youngstown State, but they are far superior at stopping the pass. That will mean less against the Penguins given their propensity to run the ball, but will still be critical to watch when YSU is forced into passing downs.

James Madison is tied for first nationally with 20 interceptions, a big reason why they ranked in the top ten in the FCS in turnover margin. Senior defensive back Raven Greene led the way with a six-pack of picks, including one returned for a touchdown in the 84-7 win over Rhode Island. Four times this year the Dukes held an opponent to a single touchdown, including in their 65-7 quarterfinal win over Sam Houston State.

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The key will come down to James Madison’s front seven as they try to stop Webb, Ruiz, and the rest of the multifaceted Penguins rushing attack. The Dukes were ranked 119th out of 122 FCS teams in tackles for loss, and while they held teams to an average of just 138 rushing yards per game they have a hard time getting leverage at the line of scrimmage.

Be sure to watch this and all the other interesting battles we’ve discussed when James Madison and Youngstown State meet on January 7.

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