James Madison Dukes

James Madison is 7-0 in Billy Napier's first season, with a 4-0 mark in Sun Belt play. The Dukes have won every game by at least seven points and have covered the spread in six of seven contests. The offense has scored at least 20 points in every game and is averaging over 40 points per game, while the defense has allowed more than 20 points only once (22 to Georgia State).

The preseason four-way quarterback competition has settled: Camden Coleman has started since Week 3 and has thrown for 246 yards and two touchdowns at San Diego State, 263 yards and three scores against Marshall, and 185 yards and two touchdowns versus Georgia State. JC Evans, who started Week 1, remains a situational runner with two short-yardage touchdowns against Georgia State. The passing game now flows through Coleman and a deep receiver group led by Corey Scott, who had five catches for 104 yards against Marshall.

A defensive front stocked with Division II transfers like Kevin Roberts, Jakolbi Wilson, and Mason Purham has been stout, holding Liberty to 13, Wagner to 3, San Diego State to 13, Old Dominion to 20, Marshall to 17, Georgia Southern to 24, and Georgia State to 22. The Dukes have recorded nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss against Old Dominion and have intercepted passes in key moments, including two by DJ Kelly against Marshall. The run defense has been tested by mobile quarterbacks and misdirection, allowing Georgia Southern to keep its game close, but overall the unit has been consistent.

George Pettaway has emerged as a workhorse running back, rushing for a career-high 206 yards and two touchdowns against Marshall, including runs of 73 and 33 yards. He followed that with 110 yards against Old Dominion and 119 yards and a score versus Georgia State, marking his fourth straight game with at least 100 yards. His production has given the offense balance and taken pressure off Coleman.

The Dukes tied an NCAA record with three punt-return touchdowns in an 87-3 win over Wagner, including two by Michael Scott (76 and 69 yards) and a blocked punt returned for a score by Miles Halbert. Kicker Morgan Suarez has been reliable, hitting multiple field goals in several games. Looking ahead, JMU faces a challenging road test at App State on a short week (5 days rest) before navigating the remainder of the Sun Belt schedule. The Dukes have already matched their best start as an FBS program and will look to continue their conference dominance.