HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – (Associated Press) — The James Madison Dukes will look to continue their strong season when they travel to face the Marshall Thundering Herd in a Sun Belt Conference showdown on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN2.
James Madison (7–1) enters the matchup riding high after a dominant 52–20 win over Texas State. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III led the charge with 264 passing yards and four touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. The Dukes boast one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in the nation, averaging 442.1 yards per game (26th in FBS), including a punishing ground attack that ranks 7th nationally with 244.1 rushing yards per game.
Marshall (4–4), meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 44–27 loss to Coastal Carolina. Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson threw for 153 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice. He also led the team in rushing with 70 yards on 21 carries. Despite the setback, the Thundering Herd remain dangerous, particularly on the ground, where they rank 19th in the FBS with 206.6 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, the contrast between the two teams is stark. James Madison ranks 8th nationally in total defense, allowing just 251.4 yards per game, and is especially stingy against the run (5th in FBS). Marshall, on the other hand, has struggled to contain opponents, giving up 413.1 yards per game (111th in FBS) and 32.5 points per contest (120th).
Third-down efficiency and discipline could also play a role. Marshall converts just 35% of its third-down attempts (112th), while James Madison’s defense ranks 17th in stopping third downs, allowing conversions only 31.8% of the time. Both teams have had issues with penalties, with Marshall averaging 65.1 penalty yards per game (113th) and James Madison even more at 74 yards (132nd).
Turnovers may be a bright spot for Marshall, which holds a +5 turnover margin, good for 23rd in the FBS. However, James Madison’s ability to control the clock — ranking 2nd nationally in time of possession (35:09) — could limit Marshall’s opportunities.
Key players to watch include Marshall’s dual-threat quarterback Del Rio-Wilson, who has thrown for 1,286 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 418 yards and four scores. For James Madison, Barnett has passed for 1,516 yards and 13 touchdowns, while running back Wayne Knight has racked up 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
After Saturday’s clash, Marshall will travel to Georgia State on Nov. 15, while James Madison returns home to host Appalachian State.