The Coach Everett Withers and quarterback Bryn Renner era starts at North Carolina Saturday against a dangerous opponent in James Madison.

“We know we’re opening up against a tough opponent,” Withers said. “Obviously last year what they did against Virginia Tech has been on our kids’ minds since the spring.
I feel like we’re excited and ready.”

JMU defeated Virginia Tech in Blacksburg last season. Withers said he used that information as motivation for the younger guys earlier but the emphasis has been on getting his team ready.

“We just have to play our game. It’s about us,” Withers said. “We believe it’s about us, not turning the ball over, good kicking game, making sure we can make plays on defense. Tackle, fit the run,
leverage the ball, don’t give up big plays.”

He said he hasn’t been wrapped up in the fact that it’s his first game as head coach. Instead his excitement is about watching his players execute on the field.

The one player most will be looking to is QB Renner.

“He’s excited to be out there on that practice field, almost to the point where you have to calm him down,” Renner said. “He’s so excited, he’s so anxious. His personality is
infectious to the rest of our football team.”

Not only does he bring an attitude, he brings a strong arm. “I remember this past spring him throwing some ball deep out cuts, balls down the field,” Withers said. “I turned, looked at Coach Shoop, and
said, ‘Goodness gracious, I haven’t seen that since I left the NFL.’”