re: Arkansas Hot Board 11/17 Update: Goodbye Franklin / Hello Womack, Chesney, Fitzgerald

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What’s the deal with Chesney?

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Here’s a breakdown of how his teams performed in terms of offensive and defensive strength over the last three seasons under his leadership (2021–2023 at Holy Cross, plus his first season at JMU in 2024).

Holy Cross (FCS) – 2021, 2022, 2023

Offense
• 2021:
• Holy Cross averaged 421.6 yards per game. ?
• They had a very strong run game, averaging 216.1 rushing yards per game in Patriot League play. ?
• They also scored 35.5 points per game in league play, leading the Patriot League. ?
• Scheme-wise, they ran a multiple offense in 2021. ?
• 2022:
• The offense was very efficient. Their coordinator was Chris Smith by then. ?
• They averaged 245.1 rushing yards per game, which was among the best. ?
• Scoring: they averaged 37.4 points per game. ?
• In terms of turnover control: in 2022, Holy Cross had very few turnovers. ?
• They also ranked second in FCS in yards per completion, meaning their passing game made big plays. ?
• 2023:
• In 2023, their offensive scheme is listed in sources as a spread offense. ?
• Their quarterback that year was Matthew Sluka, who was a dual threat: he threw and ran a lot. ?
• In the Patriot League postseason honors, Sluka was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, reflecting how central he was to the offense. ?
• Specific yardage numbers for 2023 are a little harder to find in publicly aggregated sources, but his rushing production was a major feature (he rushed for 1,247 yards in 2023). ?

Take on Offense at Holy Cross: Over these years, Chesney’s offense was very balanced, but with a real emphasis on running — especially early, and then with a dual-threat QB. He could efficiently mix power running with big-pass potential (as shown by yards per completion).

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Defense
• 2021:
• The defense was very strong. According to League awards, Holy Cross’s defense finished second in FCS in total defense, giving up 253.7 yards/game. ?
• Their scoring defense was also good: they allowed 19.0 points/game (19th in FCS). ?
• Their defensive scheme in 2021 was a 4–3 base defense. ?
• Standout: Linebacker Jacob Dobbs was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, with big tackle-for-loss and sack numbers. ?
• 2022:
• In conference play, Holy Cross had the best scoring defense in the Patriot League, allowing 17.8 points per game. ?
• For the full season, they allowed ~19.9 points per game, per Patriot League report. ?
• They also had a very good turnover margin. In 2022 they were among leaders in that. ?
• Several defensive players made all-league teams, showing the depth and quality of the unit. ?
• 2023:
• In 2023, Jacob Dobbs, the veteran LB, was again named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. ?
• According to the 2023 Patriot League postseason honors, he had 123 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 14 QB hurries. ?
• The defense remained fundamentally a 4–3 scheme under Chesney. ?

Take on Defense at Holy Cross: Chesney’s defenses in these seasons were consistently strong, especially in FCS terms. They limited total yardage, protected against points well, and had playmakers (like Dobbs) who made big impacts. Turnover margin was good, meaning the defense was not just solid in coverage/line, but also opportunistic.

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James Madison (First Year – 2024 under Chesney)

Since Bob Chesney became head coach at James Madison University (JMU) starting December 2023, his 2024 season there gives a data point in a different context (FBS, Sun Belt). Here’s a look:
• In 2024, JMU under Chesney went 9–4 and won the Boca Raton Bowl. ?
• Offense (2024 JMU):
• JMU averaged 33.3 points per game in 2024. ?
• He inherited or built an offense that was very efficient with few turnovers: JMU “led the country in … fewest interceptions thrown (4)” and was top in total takeaways. ?
• They were also very good in turnover margin: +1.54 according to JMU’s coach bio. ?
• Defense (2024 JMU):
• Scoring defense: JMU allowed 20.5 points per game. ?
• Total defense: ~321.8 yards per game allowed. ?
• They also scored defensively: 4 defensive touchdowns (i.e., pick-sixes or fumble returns) in the 2024 season. ?
• They were good at sacks and tackles for loss: JMU had 3.15 sacks per game per the coach bio. ?
• Additionally, they blocked kicks and were disruptive in special teams: JMU ranked top 20 in FBS in “blocked kicks (3) … tackles for loss (7.1)” under Chesney. ?

Take on JMU Year 1: In his first FBS head-coaching season, Chesney ran an aggressive, turnover-focused philosophy. Offensively, very balanced with few mistakes; defensively, his unit was disruptive (lots of takeaways, sacks) and able to find the end zone on defense. Holding opponents to ~20 points/game in FBS is solid, especially for a first-year coach.

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Overall Assessment (Last 3 Seasons)
• Offensive Identity: Chesney favors a balanced but dynamic offense. He leans on a strong running game (especially with mobile QBs) while also enabling big passing plays. At Holy Cross, his teams were very efficient, and at JMU, he transitioned well to FBS pace, keeping turnovers extremely low.
• Defensive Identity: His defenses are disciplined, fundamentally sound (4–3 base), and opportunistic. They don’t just bend — they make plays. He’s coached players (like Dobbs) that generate TFLs, sacks, and turnovers. At JMU, his defense continued to deliver, even scoring defensive touchdowns.
• Strengths:
• Turnover margin: his teams make and protect the ball.
• Running game: he trusts his running backs and/or dual-threat QBs.
• Defensive playmakers: he recruits/builds players who can make big defensive plays.
• Challenges / Potential Risks:
• In FBS, sustaining that low turnover rate may be harder over time (recruiting, competition).
• His offense, while balanced, may lean too much on scrambling QBs or run — depending on personnel, that may be tough to replicate every year.