Dukes secure Sun Belt championship

The James Madison Dukes won their first Sun Belt Conference championship in the history of the programdefeating the Troy Trojans 31-14 on Friday at Bridgefort Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Dukes reached new heights with the win, picking up a school-record 12th win of the season and improving JMU’s record to 12-1 in just its fourth FBS season.

The offense was carried on his shoulders by running back Wayne Knight, who rushed for a career-high 212 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown, the longest drive in Sun Belt championship history, and another 26-yard touchdown on the ground. Quarterback Alonzo Barnett III rushed for 85 yards and a 26-yard run in the fourth quarter while completing 10 of 25 passes for 93 yards, including a touchdown through the air. Combined, the Dukes racked up 412 yards, while the rushing attack totaled 318.

James Madison’s defense thwarted Troy’s offensive plans, recording eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks, forcing Trojans starting quarterback Gus Crowder out with an ankle injury in the third quarter. Defensive end Sahir West, the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, had 10 tackles, 3 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Linebacker Drew Spinogatti caught a fumble late in the fourth quarter for a 30-yard defensive touchdown, calling it a day for Troy. Overall, the Dukes held the Trojans to 177 total yards and limited their rushing offense to minus-26 yards.

The game remained tight until the final four minutes, and Troy was able to pull away with a score of 17-14. However, back-to-back field goals by Knight and Barnett, followed by a defensive touchdown by Spinogati, put the game out of reach. The Trojans had opportunities to tie the game, including Scott Taylor Renfroe’s missed 46-yard field goal and a turnover near midfield.

With the win, JMU maintained its No. 25 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings and kept its playoff hopes alive. The Dukes now hinge on the outcome of the ACC championship game between Duke and Virginia. If James Madison wins, the Dukes could secure an automatic berth in the CFP as the top-ranked Group of Five champion. A Blue Devil win would give JMU an estimated 85% chance of making the 12-team field, according to The Athletic’s playoff model.

In his last home game before going to UCLAhead coach Bob Chesney led the Dukes to their first Sun Belt title. Now the program awaits the final CFP rankings, which will be released Sunday, to determine whether James Madison will continue its historic season in the College Football Playoff.