THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411100761
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLIE DENN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
The success of James Madison sophomore tailback Kelvin Jeter might be a surprise to some observers because he didn't start in the Dukes' first three games of the year.
But Jeter's emergence as the Dukes' top runner doesn't shock the JMU coaching staff. They had counted on Jeter as a potential starter before he was slowed by a preseason injury.
``Kelvin's a tough back,'' said coach Rip Scherer. ``He adds a lot to our offense.''
Jeter has rushed for 584 yards in the team's last seven games, six of them as a starter. He gained 95 yards in 20 carries against VMI last week to pass quarterback Mike Cawley as JMU's rushing leader.
The Dukes, 8-1 and ranked ninth going into Saturday's home game with Connecticut, have won their last two games in less-than-convincing fashion. They trailed early against Richmond, and scored three times in the final quarter to pull away from VMI.
``I don't think we've been getting a lot better as a team,'' Scherer said. ``But we've been finding ways to win.''
The Dukes' defense has been the team's most consistent element all year. JMU is second in the Yankee Conference in rushing defense and has held five opponents to fewer than 300 total yards.
COACHING WATCH: With six consecutive losses and a 3-7 record, Richmond coach Jim Marshall's status might be in jeopardy. Marshall has a 19-46 record in six years as the Spiders' coach.
The Spiders, who are off this week, have not been to the Division II playoffs in Marshall's tenure. They've had only one winning season - 7-4 in 1992 - since Marshall took over.
Marshall's contract was extended after the 1992 season. But alumni are starting to wonder openly if he is the man to make the team competitive in the Yankee Conference.
RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Last year, Connecticut running back Wilbur Gilliard scored five touchdowns in the Huskies' 45-34 rout of James Madison. Nagging injuries have restricted his playing time this year, but Gilliard is expected to play this week against the Dukes.
UConn has struggled offensively this year. They netted only 111 yards of total offense last week against Boston University, due in part to injuries to Gilliard and fullback Ed Long.
BACK ATTACK: Although his own Thomas Haskins leads the Southern Conference in rushing, VMI coach Bill Stewart is highly impressed with Terrance Rivers of The Citadel.
Rivers has gained 779 yards and is fifth in the league overall. Teammate Travis Jervey leads the Bulldogs with 852 yards, but Rivers averages an amazing 9.5 yards per carry and has scored 11 touchdowns on 82 carries.
``Rivers is as good as any back in the league,'' Stewart said. ``He's not real big (5-foot-10, 180 pounds), but he can take it inside on you, and he's tough. When he breaks a run, you're not going to catch him.''
NO SOFT TOUCH: Liberty (3-6) hosts Division II New Haven this weekend in a game most people figure the Flames should win. After all, they are a level above New Haven.
But New Haven is 7-2 and ranked in the top 10 in Division II. And the Chargers have running back Robert Graham, Division II Player of the Year in 1993. Graham has rushed for 1,498 yards this fall.
The Chargers made the quarterfinals of the playoffs last season before losing to national finalist Indiana (Pa.). by CNB