Withers Named Finalist For Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year

HARRISONBURG, Virginia – James Madison Head Coach Everett Withers has been named one of the 20 finalists for the 2014 Eddie Robinson Award which is given to the FCS coach of the year, The Sports Network announced Nov. 20.

Among five first-year coaches on the list, Withers has led the Dukes to an 8-3 mark, including six straight victories. The team enters the regular-season finale against Elon in third place at 5-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association after being picked eighth in the preseason poll.

JMU has also won five of seven road games one year after going winless in five road contests. The last time JMU won at least five games away from home in a single season was in 2004, as the team was 8-1 (including playoffs) in road and neutral games en route to the National Championship. The Dukes last had five regular-season road victories in 1995 when they went 5-1 overall and had their only road loss in the opening round of the playoffs at Appalachian State, 31-24.

JMU's offense has set several single-season school records, including total yards, passing yardage and passing touchdowns. His players have won CAA weekly honors nine times this season as well as three weeks with national player of the week awards.

A national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries select the Robinson Award, now in its 28th year. The winner will be announced Dec. 15 at The Sports Network FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation.

Currently on a six-game winning streak and closing in on a possible FCS Playoff Berth, JMU closes the regular season Saturday, Nov. 22 when it hosts CAA newcomer Elon at noon. As part of the 2014 JMU Football season presented by CarMax, the team will recognize its 2014 senior class in a pregame ceremony, with tickets available by contacting the JMU Ticket Office at 540-568-3853 or online at JMUSports.com/tickets. Students can begin reserving their tickets for Elon today, as the dorms and dining halls will stay open until 5 p.m. on Nov. 22 to accommodate the game. Also tickets can be reserved for a possible first-round home playoff game - for more information check out the story here.

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