Dukes Jump to #2 Spot in Latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25

CHICAGO – Winners of four straight, James Madison football moved up one spot to #2 in the newest Stats Perform FCS Top 25.

The Dukes (8-1, 5-1 CAA) rose one spot after rolling to a 51-14 Homecoming win against Campbell. This movement occurred also due to North Dakota State suffering its first loss of the season.

Kris Thornton made eight receptions for 142 yards and a JMU-record four receiving touchdowns in the win. It was his second 100-yard game of the year and his most receiving yards since transferring to JMU from VMI. Cole Johnson threw for 259 yards and four touchdowns, while Billy Atkins added a touchdown toss of his own. JMU averaged 5.3 yards per rush, led by Latrele Palmer's 92 yards.

Defensively, JMU forced three turnovers, all on fumble recoveries, and the Dukes registered 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in the win.

Through nine games, JMU ranks top-10 in the nation in 14 statistical categories, which includes leading the country in total defense (244.1) and turnover margin (+1.33), as well as second in both rushing defense (63.1) and fewest interceptions (2).

The Dukes also rank third in completion percentage (68.2%) and fewest turnovers (6), fourth in both third-down defense (25.4%) and tackles for loss per game (8.6), fifth in sacks per game (3.33) and pass efficiency rating (165.25), sixth in kickoff-return average (25.5), seventh in both scoring defense (15.3) and third-down offense (47.1%) and eighth in scoring offense (38.6).

JMU was one of three conference teams ranked this week, as it was joined by #8 Villanova (7-2, 5-1, CAA) and #25 William & Mary (6-3, 4-2 CAA). Rhode Island and Delaware also received votes.

Sam Houston (8-0) was the unanimous #1 pick, reeling in all 50 first-place votes. Following the second-ranked Dukes were #3 Montana State (8-1), #4 South Dakota State (7-2) and #5 North Dakota State (8-1).

JMU also jumped up to #2 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Top 25.

The Dukes hit the road for the final time in the regular season this Saturday, Nov. 13 when it travels to Williamsburg to face #25 William & Mary. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Zable Stadium.

Calendar