As the College Football Playoff first round approaches, an exciting matchup is set for Saturday night between the Oregon Ducks and the James Madison Dukes, two teams that have never faced each other on the football field and do not share any common opponents from the regular season. This game presents a clean slate for both teams and promises to deliver high-stakes competition.
Oregon, finishing the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record, ended up ranked No. 5 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, narrowly missing a first round bye. Their only loss came at the hands of eventual No. 1 Indiana during Week 7. The Ducks, under head coach Dan Lanning, faced some tense moments, including a remarkable double overtime victory against then-No. 3 Penn State in Week 5 and a narrow two-point win over Iowa in Week 11. Interestingly, most of their wins were decisive, with the Ducks claiming victory by at least two scores.
The Oregon offense is spearheaded by redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore, who threw for 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions this season. The Ducks boast one of the most talented receiving corps in the country, although it has been hampered by injuries throughout the year. Key receivers Dakorien Moore and the offseason transfer Evan Stewart both missed significant time; however, they were spotted at practice leading up to the game, creating hope for their return. Regardless of their status, tight end Kenton Sadiq stands out as a formidable offensive threat, leading the team with eight touchdowns and providing a challenging matchup for defenses in the red zone. Additionally, Oregon’s ground game, averaging over 218 rushing yards per game, ranks 14th nationally, making them a versatile offensive force.
On the other side, James Madison arrives with an identical record of 11-1 and secured the final spot in the College Football Playoff after dominating the Sun Belt conference. Averaging nearly 450 yards per game, the Dukes’ offense is particularly potent in the rushing department, ranking fifth in the nation with 245 rushing yards per game. Running back Wayne Knight has been a standout performer, currently 10th in the nation with 1,263 rushing yards, and third on the team in receiving with 379 yards.
However, James Madison faces a significant challenge in going up against a defensive unit of Oregon’s caliber, which has allowed fewer than 15 points per game this season. The Dukes had limited exposure to high-level competition, playing only one Power Four opponent this year, which resulted in a 28-14 loss to Louisville in Week 2. This playoff appearance marks a pivotal moment for JMU, which only experienced two one-score games throughout the regular season.
Senior quarterback Alonza Barnett III has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, throwing for 21 touchdowns and adding another 14 on the ground. To remain competitive in Eugene, he will need to deliver an exceptional performance. Should James Madison pull off an upset, it would mark one of the most significant surprises in College Football Playoff history, creating a thrilling narrative for fans and players alike. Both teams have their strengths, and the prospect of this matchup is sure to captivate audiences, highlighting the unpredictable and exciting nature of college football.