Richmond aims to detain JMU’s McGee this time

Colonial Athletic Association football coaches and selected players convened in Baltimore on July 29 for the league’s media day. University of Richmond coach Mike London hugged James Madison return specialist Scotty McGee.

Rather than a warm embrace, it was a mock tackle. London said he just wanted to establish that somebody from UR could hold McGee.

In a meeting of CAA heavyweights last October at UR Stadium, McGee scored on a 69-yard punt return at :01 to beat the Spiders 38-31.

That dramatic dash—McGee caught a short punt, split two Spiders, then sprinted along the right sideline—capped Madison’s comeback from a 31-23 deficit in the last 3:21.

The play sticks out for two reasons. It likely was the most exciting CAA highlight of the season. Also, that was the last time the Spiders lost. They went on to nine consecutive games and the 2008 Football Championship Subdivision title. The FCS’s No.1-ranked team is 4-0 this year (2-0 in the CAA).

Richmond, off last weekend, had extra time to determine how to deal with McGee in the rematch. Asked Monday what approach he would implement, London answered, “I’m open for suggestions.“

There’s no good one. Allowing McGee to field punts and kickoffs puts JMU opponents in jeopardy because the senior from Virginia Beach during his Dukes’ career has scored on three kickoff returns and three punt returns. Apart from TDs, he consistently sets up Madison with quality field position when he is given the opportunity.

“Most of the people in our league kick to him,“ said JMU coach Mickey Matthews, whose 13th-ranked Dukes (0-1, 2-2) come off last Saturday’s surprising 24-17 setback at Hofstra.

Several times this season and last, opponents have chosen to punt out of bounds, or squib kickoffs to increase the likelihood that another Duke picks up the football before it reaches McGee. Madison commonly acquires quality field position even when McGee is not directly involved in the kicking game, Matthews noted.

“Hopefully, Scotty’s sick or has got something wrong with him,“ said London, who called McGee “a game-changer.“

McGee, a 5-9 190-pounder who also starts at cornerback, chose not to be interviewed for this article. He preferred to concentrate fully on Saturday’s game, said a JMU spokesman.

London acknowledged that “human nature” causes reflection on the manner in which last season’s UR-JMU game concluded. But the Spiders’ focus, he added, was to win a game that could help determine the CAA champion. It’s likely UR will punt. And if McGee handles it?

“We’re just going to have to rely on 11 guys to try to tackle him, and maybe some sideline help,“ London said.

Contact John O’Connor at (804) 649-6233