James Madison looks to carry momentum into the season opener as Weber State visits Harrisonburg
James Madison and Weber State—two programs used to facing off against different foes in recent years—prepare for a season-opening clash that carries elevated expectations. JMU is riding a rapid ascent after jumping from the FCS to the FBS, and Weber State is chasing consistency after a 4-8 campaign. The Dukes have built a foundation that peers hope will position them as a regular contender for the non-power league autobid to the College Football Playoff, fueled by a strong program under coach Bob Chesney.
Chesney acknowledged this year’s matchup carries a different dynamic than the previous meetings. He noted Weber State’s blend of experienced players and newcomers, including a quarterback group that presents multiple threats. “There are young players who are already showing a lot of potential, including the quarterback position. They’ve brought in another guy we recruited at Holy Cross who’s very good,” Chesney said. He praised Weber State’s offensive system under coach Mickey Mental and the adaptation required against their tempo, highlighting the Wildcats’ depth at receiver, running back and across the defensive backfield.
Weber State, for its part, is using the off-season lessons to close the gap from last year. After finishing 4-8, players emphasized the importance of margins—how small details in practice, in the weight room, and in the classroom accumulate into wins on game day. Senior running back Colter May underscored the effort to maximize every rep, echoing the familiar adage that “how you do one thing is how you do everything.” Defensive coordinator Joe Dale echoed the same message, stressing the need to lock in on every play as small moments can determine outcomes.
For James Madison, the start of the Chesney era at JMU has a distinct Holy Cross resonance. Chesney, in his 16th season as a head coach, rose to prominence at Holy Cross before moving to the FBS level. An ongoing quarterback discussion at JMU adds intrigue to Saturday’s opener. It’s unclear who will take the snaps, but the presence of a veteran signal-caller is likely to shape the Dukes’ approach. Sixth-year senior Matthew Sluka, Chesney’s former starter at Holy Cross, is a strong candidate. Sluka, a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2023, transferred to UNLV in 2024 but left the team and is now with JMU, bringing playoff-caliber experience and leadership. The Dukes return starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who threw for 2,598 yards and 26 touchdowns with four interceptions last year and chipped in 442 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns before injuring his knee late in 2024. Barnett has been cleared for full contact after a late-fall camp setback.
JMU has reinforced its roster with six FBS transfers and multiple top FCS talents, including Landon Ellis, a standout wide receiver from Richmond. The plan is to reuse the balanced offensive approach that produced roughly 216 passing yards and 191 rushing yards per game last season, supported by a defense that stymied opponents while generating pressure and turnovers.
Team-versus-team metrics from last season show why this game could hinge on execution. Weber State averaged 28.3 points and 419 yards per game but allowed 27.8 points and 380 yards per game, with a turnover margin of minus-five on the year. JMU, by contrast, averaged 33.3 points and 407.6 yards per game while allowing 20.5 points and 321.8 yards per game. The Dukes’ defense forced 29 takeaways last season (including 17 interceptions), while Weber State forced only nine turnovers, underscoring the potential impact every possession could have in the contest.
Predictions point to a measured advantage for JMU. Various models place Weber State as an underdog, with projections ranging from an 18-point spread to higher, and some suggesting a comfortable win for the Dukes. The gap reflected in the numbers mirrors the depth and turnover discipline that JMU showed a year ago.
Weather and broadcast details set the scene for a late-afternoon kickoff. The forecast calls for a mostly sunny day in the mid-70s, with kickoff around 6 p.m. local time in Harrisonburg. The game will stream on ESPN+ (with the JMU broadcast team on the call), and Weber State’s radio crew will be heard on 103.1 FM in Utah and online.
All-time series notes show JMU leading 3-0, with two playoff wins in Harrisonburg (2017, 2019) and a 2021 regular-season victory in Ogden. Saturday’s opener also marks a milestone for Weber State associate head coach and offensive line coach Brent Myers, whose appearance will be his 500th career game as a college football assistant.
What to watch
– The quarterback competition at James Madison and how Sluka’s experience or Barnett III’s progression influences the Dukes’ game plan.
– Weber State’s ability to leverage its tempo and make critical plays in key moments, especially on defense.
– The turnover battle, a potential deciding factor given JMU’s +20 takeaways last season versus Weber State’s lower turnover count.
– How both teams respond to the opening-game pressure and adjust through the early sequences of the season.
Summary
A season-opening test for James Madison against Weber State will reveal how well the Dukes’ blend of veteran leadership, added depth from transfers, and a disciplined defense translates to FBS competition. For Weber State, the task is to translate offseason improvements into consistent execution against a robust opponent, with margins and detail likely to decide how quickly last year’s lessons pay off.
Commentary and value adds
– This game could set the tone for JMU’s season trajectory as they navigate a path toward sustained playoff contention in the FBS. The mix of Sluka’s familiarity with Chesney and Barnett III’s continued development offers a compelling quarterback dynamic to monitor throughout the year.
– Weber State’s emphasis on precision and context in practice aligns with a broader trend in football: success often hinges on the little things, not just big plays. If the Wildcats can tighten those edges, they have a pathway to competitive results against high-major opponents this season.
– The milestone for Brent Myers adds a personal storyline to the coaching staff’s narrative, highlighting the depth of experience on Weber State’s sideline as they prepare to push for turnovers and stability against a talented opponent.