Dukes Remain #2 in Stats Perform Top 25 Entering Final Week

CHICAGO – James Madison football remained at #2 in the latest Stats Perform FCS 25 following its fifth straight victory.

The Dukes (9-1, 6-1 CAA) held on to its second spot following a 32-22 win at #25 William & Mary last weekend, completing a perfect road record during the regular season.

Ethan Ratke set NCAA career records for field goals (100) and scoring by a kicker (517) after making a JMU-record six field goals. He also broke his own JMU and conference single-season record, having now made 28 on the season.

Cole Johnson tallied 380 yards of offense, throwing for 334 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for another score. Antwane Wells Jr. caught nine passes for 134 yards, and Kris Thornton made five grabs for 75 yards and his 10th touchdown of the season.

Entering the final week of the regular season, JMU ranks top-10 nationally in 13 statistical categories, which includes leading the FCS in turnover margin (+1.4), fewest interceptions (2) and fewest turnovers (6) and ranking second in total defense (252.9), on third-down defense (23.5%) and in tackles for loss per game (8.7).

The Dukes are also fourth in completion percentage (66.8%), fifth in both rushing defense (77.2) and pass efficiency rating (161.0), seventh in kick-return defense (15.47), eighth in scoring offense (37.9) and 10th in both scoring defense (16.0) and third-down offense (45.5%).

Sam Houston (9-0) remains atop the polls in unanimous fashion, garnering all 50 first-place votes. Following the Dukes were #3 Montana State (9-1), #4 North Dakota State (9-1) and #5 Eastern Washington (8-2).

JMU also stayed at #2 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Top 25.

The Dukes conclude the regular season this Saturday, Nov. 20 when they host Towson for Senior Day. Kickoff is slated for a 2 p.m. start at Bridgeforth Stadium.

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