Dukes Remain Third in Stats Perform Rankings after UNH Win

CHICAGO – Following a thrilling conference win on the road, James Madison football stayed at #3 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25.

The Dukes strengthened its hold on #3, reeling in six first-place votes, which is one higher than a week ago. This comes on the heels of JMU's 23-21 victory at #25 New Hampshire this past Saturday to improve to 4-0 on the year and 2-0 in league play.

Cole Johnson threw for three touchdown passes, two of which went to Kris Thornton, who turned in the third-highest reception total in JMU single season history. He tallied 12 catches for 112 yards to aid the offense. Diamonte Tucker Dorsey, the reigning CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Week, made a key interception with 1:45 to play to secure the win.

Through four games, JMU ranks top five nationally in 10 statistical categories, including second in total defense (216.0), rushing defense (31.8) and pass efficiency (176.33 rating).

The Dukes are also third in completion percentage (72.1%), fourth in third-down offense (53.6%), third-down defense (25%), fewest interceptions (1) and tackles for loss per game (9.2) and fifth in both scoring offense (45.8) and total offense (495.5).

The Colonial Athletic Association has five teams ranked this week, as joining JMU were #9 Delaware (3-1, 2-0 CAA), #11 Villanova (3-1, 1-0 CAA), #18 Rhode Island (4-0, 2-0 CAA) and #22 New Hampshire (3-2, 2-1 CAA). William & Mary also received votes.

The Dukes also stayed put at #2 in the latest AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 poll, earning one first-place vote once again this week.

JMU returns home on Saturday, Oct. 9 to host #11 Villanova for Family Weekend. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium and will be televised on NBC Sports Washington and streamed on FloFootball.

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