James Madison University (JMU) is making waves in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) this season, boasting an impressive 7-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 in conference play. Their only defeat came in a tough matchup against the Louisville Cardinals in Week 2, where they lost by two touchdowns. As they head into their Week 9 clash against Marshall, the Dukes are looking strong and have been receiving votes in both national top 25 polls, positioning them as a potential candidate for a College Football Playoff berth.
Under the leadership of head coach Bob Chesney, who is in his second year at JMU with a commendable 16-5 record, the team is showing remarkable progress. Chesney previously led Holy Cross before taking the reins at JMU, succeeding Curt Cignetti, who now coaches at second-ranked Indiana. Chesney’s squad is riding high after a dominant 52-20 victory over Texas State, giving them more than a week to prepare for their upcoming game against Marshall, where they hope to secure their seventh consecutive win.
Chesney understands the significance of remaining focused, emphasizing the importance of handling daily preparations. “If you are in that conversation, you’ve probably done a lot of things right along the way,” he stated, reflecting on the team’s journey and the improvements needed moving forward.
The Dukes’ success this season can be attributed to their impressive offensive output combined with solid defensive performances. Averaging 442 yards and nearly 35 points per game, they maintain a powerful running game, racking up more than 244 rushing yards on average. Redshirt junior quarterback Alonza Barnett III has been instrumental, contributing nearly 200 passing yards per game. He is supported by notable players, including running back Wayne Knight, wide receiver Landon Ellis, linebacker Trent Hendrick, and safety Tyler Brown. Ellis, in particular, has emerged as a dynamic playmaker, averaging almost 138 all-purpose yards per game, which places him among the national leaders in that category.
Defensively, JMU is formidable, allowing just 80.3 rushing yards per game and 171 passing yards, making it tough for opponents to gain ground or air yardage.
Historically, Marshall has had the upper hand against the Dukes, winning four of their last five encounters, with JMU achieving their sole victory in 2023. As they prepare for this crucial match-up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if JMU can continue their impressive run and solidify their standing in the SBC and beyond.