Dukes Unanimously Ranked Number One in Both Major FCS Polls

HARRISONBURG, Va. – For the first time this season, James Madison was unanimously voted the number one team in the country by both the coaches and media, garnering all first-place votes in the STATS FCS Top 25 and the FCS Coaches Poll.

The Dukes received all 162 first-place votes in the STATS media poll and all 26 first-place votes in the coaches poll to maintain their No. 1 ranking for the 11th straight poll in 2017.

Last time out, JMU extended its NCAA Division I-best win streak to 21 straight games while also setting a new league record for consecutive conference-game victories, at 16 games, with a 38-3 victory at Rhode Island on Nov. 4.

Bryan Schor threw four touchdown passes and the Dukes limited the Rams to only 143 total yards, including 18 in the second half, to improve to 9-0 on the season and 6-0 in Colonial Athletic Association play. JMU forced two turnovers, had seven sacks and held URI to -13 rushing yards in the second half.

JMU ranks in the top 10 nationally in 17 statistical categories, which includes leading the FCS in six areas. The Dukes pace the country in scoring defense (9.2), total defense (218.2), passing defense (130.3), takeaways (26), red-zone defense (54.5%) and pass efficiency defense (71.32 rating).

They are also second in both completion percentage (69.5%) and interceptions (18), as well as third in defensive touchdowns (4), fourth in both sacks (4.0) and first-down defense (123) and fifth in turnover margin (1.44). Other top-10 categories include sixth in scoring offense (38.2), seventh in pass efficiency (162.28 rating), ninth in rushing defense (87.9) and 10th in both kick return average (23.6) and net punting (39.1).

The Dukes were one of four CAA schools to be ranked this week. Joining them were Elon (#7/9), Stony Brook (#12/15) and New Hampshire (#18/16). Richmond, Delaware and Villanova also received votes in both polls.

There was a shakeup in the top five after a loss to previously unbeaten North Dakota State. Following JMU was No. 2 Jacksonville State, No. 3 Central Arkansas, No. 4 Sam Houston State and No. 5 NDSU.

The top-ranked Dukes host rival Richmond for Senior Day this Saturday, Nov. 11. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. inside Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field for the annual "Black Out." The 2017 JMU football season is presented by CarMax, and Saturday's game is sponsored by the Virginia Lottery.

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