James Madison University is making headlines in college football with its strong performances and aspirations for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). After winning the Sun Belt Conference Championship, the Dukes are positioned favorably in the rankings.
James Madison Dukes Shine in the Sun Belt Championship
On December 5, the Dukes triumphed over Troy with a score of 31-14 in the Sun Belt Championship held at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This marked a significant achievement for the program, earning them their first conference title.
Key Player Performance
Running back Wayne Knight was instrumental in the victory, achieving a career-high of 212 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown. His remarkable performance included a standout moment with a 73-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, which remains one of the longest plays recorded in the championship game.
Path to the College Football Playoff
Despite their successful season, James Madison faces challenges in securing a playoff berth. As of the latest rankings, the Dukes sit at No. 25 in the CFP standings. To enhance their playoff chances, they are banking on potential outcomes in other championship games.
- The Dukes need Duke University to defeat No. 17 Virginia in the ACC Championship game.
- This outcome would potentially displace Virginia from the top five highest-ranked conference champions.
- A victory for Duke would provide James Madison an opening to secure a spot in the playoff.
CFP Rankings Overview
The CFP consists of five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large teams. Importantly, champions from both Power Four conferences and Group of Five conferences are eligible for inclusion, which provides James Madison a realistic pathway forward.
Season Summary
James Madison has showcased a robust season, concluding with a solid victory against Troy. Below is a snapshot of the Dukes’ performance leading to the championship:
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | Weber State | 45-10 |
| Sept 5 | Louisville | 14-28 |
| Sept 20 | Liberty | 31-13 |
| Oct 4 | Georgia State | 14-7 |
| Oct 18 | Old Dominion | 63-27 |
| Dec 5 | Troy | 31-14 |
The Dukes’ impressive form positions them as a noteworthy contender, with hopes to impact the landscape of this year’s College Football Playoff. The upcoming championship games will be crucial in determining their fate.
