Dawg Preview: Undefeated JMU Plays Host to Georgia Southern

Photo Credit - MRD_STFRANCIS_MASZLE_DSC_2625 via Flickr

Broadcast Information:

• Kickoff 12:00 PM Eastern on ESPN2

• John Schiffren, Rocky Boiman, & Dawn Davenport

• Georgia Southern Sports Network & Sidearm Sports

Undefeated JMU plays host Georgia Southern

James Madison will look to avenge last season’s loss down in Statesboro, where the #25 ranked Dukes fell, 45-38. Both QB’s are gone from that matchup but the replacements haven’t been far off last season’s pace. The days of Southern running the triple option are over, which seems to be a smart move, especially considering the Dukes are allowing less than 40 yards rushing to their opponents (38.6 per game). JMU can’t compete for a Sun Belt championship or a bowl game, but they have already taken out the top two preseason favorites from the West division. Could they start their trek through the East portion of their schedule?

Key Players

QB Davis Brin – Georgia Southern 166-237, 1611 yards, 12 TD’s, & 7 Int’s

WR Khaleb Hood – Georgia Southern 39 receptions, 414 yards, & 3 TD’s

QB Jordan McCloud – JMU 80-124, 1173 yards, 11 TD’s, & 3 Int’s

DL Jalen Green – JMU 26 total tackles, 12 solo, 14 assisted, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 Int, & 1 TD

Key Matchups

Georgia Southern rushing attack vs the JMU front 7. GSU only rushed for 12(!) yards in 2022 but still won the game. No way they can pull that off twice, right?!

Jordan McCloud vs the Eagles secondary. McCloud’s not an outright scrambler but can make you pay by using his legs. Will the downfield coverage force him to do more of that Saturday?

Prediction

These two offenses can score with anyone in the Sun Belt. JMU had 4 turnovers in last season’s matchup. You have to think they will better protect the ball in this year’s game. Davis Brin has already thrown a 5-interception game (Wisconsin). He will have to limit any turnovers Saturday. That could be helped tremendously if the Eagles can figure out a way to establish a run vs the Dukes. Even so, I don’t expect the rushing yards to stack up, but unlike the past, the Eagles have weapons in the wings. Expect another fight to the finish in one of the best new rivalries in the Sun Belt!

JMU 30

GSU 32