**College Football Playoff Preview: No. 5 Oregon vs.
No. 12 James Madison - What to Know About the Dukes Before Saturday’s Showdown**
The College Football Playoff is heading to Autzen Stadium this Saturday, and it’s bringing a Cinderella story with it. No.
12 James Madison, fresh off a Sun Belt title and a 12-1 season, is set to take on No. 5 Oregon in a first-round matchup that pits a national powerhouse against one of the most compelling underdog stories in recent memory.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on TNT and HBO Max.
For JMU, this isn’t just a game-it’s a program-defining moment. Even with head coach Bob Chesney and much of his staff expected to move on after the season, the Dukes’ arrival on the CFP stage is a massive statement.
This is the first Virginia-based team to ever make the playoff, and it comes just a few years after JMU made the jump from the FCS ranks. The Dukes have been winning consistently through coaching turnover for over two decades-they haven’t had a losing season since 2002-and the belief in Harrisonburg is that the culture is strong enough to keep that streak alive under incoming head coach Billy Napier.
Wayne Knight: The Workhorse in the Spotlight
If JMU is going to hang with Oregon, running back Wayne Knight will need to be at the center of it. He’s been the rock of the Dukes’ backfield all season, stepping into a lead role midway through 2024 and never looking back. While JMU’s running back room has been hit hard by injuries-George Pettaway, Ayo Adeyi, Jordan Fuller and Jobi Malary have all missed time-Knight has been the constant.
And he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving. Knight has racked up 1,263 yards this season, showing a knack for shedding tackles and making big plays.
His 73-yard touchdown in the Sun Belt Championship was a perfect example-contact at the line of scrimmage, then daylight. Oregon’s defense will be the toughest he’s faced, no question.
But Knight’s durability and physicality give JMU a fighting chance to establish the run and control tempo.
Alonza Barnett III: Progress on the Move
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III has taken a leap this season, particularly when it comes to extending plays and throwing on the run. That’s been a critical development for the Dukes, especially considering the sack issues that plagued Barnett in 2024. This year, he’s been more decisive, more mobile, and the offensive line has done its part too.
Still, if JMU is going to challenge Oregon, the passing game has to show up. Barnett’s dual-threat ability is real-he and Knight are dangerous on the ground-but the air attack has been inconsistent.
Drops have been an issue, including in the Sun Belt title game against Troy, where several catchable balls hit the turf. Barnett doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards, but he has to be efficient, especially when Oregon loads up to stop the run.
Sahir West: From Unranked to Unstoppable
One of the breakout stories of the season for JMU has been defensive lineman Sahir West, who went from an unranked recruit to Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. West originally planned to follow Chesney to Holy Cross before the staff landed at JMU-a move that brought him closer to home and into a perfect developmental situation.
West has benefited from learning under veteran leaders like Eric O’Neill and Khairi Manns, and from working with defensive line coach Sam Daniels, a legend in the program. Defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler praised West’s maturity this week, noting how he models his game after the team’s defensive leaders.
The addition of Notre Dame transfer Aiden Gobaira to the D-line room has only accelerated West’s growth. He’ll be a key part of JMU’s effort to disrupt Oregon’s rhythm on offense.
Prediction: Can JMU Keep It Close?
This one’s tough to call. Oregon is loaded with talent and has the kind of offensive firepower that can break a game open in a hurry. But JMU’s defense is no pushover, and if the Ducks are going to run away with it, they’ll likely need help from special teams or turnovers to flip the field and create short scoring opportunities.
The more likely scenario? Oregon pulls away late, but not without a fight from the Dukes.
A 35-14 final feels about right. JMU’s defense should keep it respectable, but Oregon’s depth and explosiveness might be too much over four quarters.
**No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No.
5 Oregon (11-1)**
**Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
ET | Autzen Stadium | TNT/HBO Max**
The stage is set. The Ducks are hunting a title.
The Dukes are chasing history. Let’s see who writes the next chapter.