Curt Cignetti Named a Finalist for STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award

CHICAGO, Ill. – James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti was honored as one of 15 finalists for the 2019 STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award, which is presented annually to the top head coach in the Football Championship Subdivision.

In his first year at the helm, Cignetti guided JMU to an 11-1 record during the regular season and a perfect 8-0 mark in Colonial Athletic Association play, leading to the Dukes winning their third outright conference title in four years and fourth total league title in five years.

The Dukes rank in the top 10 nationally in 21 statistical categories, which includes leading the FCS in rushing defense (62.8), first-down defense (14.6) and completion percentage (69.9%).

JMU is second in scoring offense (42.3), fewest interceptions (4) and third-down conversions (54.9%), third in in scoring defense (15.7) and tackles for loss (9.2), fourth in total defense (276.6), third-down defense (30.4%) and red-zone offense (93.7%) and fifth in blocks (6). It is also top 10 in first-down offense (24.2 – 6th), interceptions caught (16 – 7th), total offense (470.6 – 9th), sacks (3.17 – 9th) and rushing offense (249.0 – 10th).

The Dukes earned the No. 2 overall seed for the 2019 FCS Playoffs and has a first-round bye for the third time in four seasons.

A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winners. Voting is based on the regular season.

Other finalists include: Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas), Kevin Callahan (Monmouth), Bob Chesney (Holy Cross), Bernard Clark Jr. (Robert Morris), Matt Entz (North Dakota State), Greg Gattuso (Albany), Mark Hudspeth (Austin Peay), Dale Lindsey (San Diego), Connell Maynor (Alabama A&M), Ryan McCarthy (Central Connecticut), Buddy Pough (South Carolina State), Troy Taylor (Sacramento State), Buddy Teevens (Dartmouth) and Scott Wachenheim (VMI).

The winner of the Robinson Award will be recognized at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 in Frisco, Texas.

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