Harrisonburg, Va.: The 18th-ranked James Madison has continued its dominance in the Sun Belt Conference. The Dukes have won 12 of 14 games since they joined last season, including a 47-7 demolition of Coastal Carolina. The Dukes claimed championship titles in volleyball and women’s basketball last year, and their men’s basketball team (3-0) is also performing exceptionally. James Madison stunned Michigan State and is now in the AP Top 25 for the first time. The team plays Appalachian State on Saturday.
Coach Curt Cignetti said, “This has been a special year.” The team moved to FBS recently, a decision that was initially met with skepticism. As a result, the Dukes are ineligible for a championship game due to NCAA rules. They are hoping the NCAA will grant them a waiver of the two-year rule. In the meantime, they are focused on winning as many games as possible to showcase their dominance.
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Dukes’ defense leads the country in rushing, sacks, and tackles for loss. The team continues to exceed expectations, building on its storied history. Athletic director Jeff Bourne expects continued success and memories that will last lifetimes. With Bourne planning to retire in the spring, he is proud of what the team has accomplished and hopes for more in the future.
