No. 25 James Madison takes unbeaten mark to Georgia Southern

No. 25 James Madison (5-0, 3-0 Sun Belt) at Georgia Southern (3-3, 0-2), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Line: James Madison by 12 1/2, based on FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series file: Georgia Southern leads 7-1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

James Madison will attempt to defend its unbeaten file after shifting into the AP Top 25 for the primary time. The Dukes additionally will attempt to preserve their share of the Sun Belt Conference Eastern Division lead with Coastal Carolina. Georgia Southern will search for its eighth straight win within the sequence, although the groups haven’t performed since 1992. The Eagles, who gained 45-42 at Nebraska on Sept. 10, will attempt to snap a two-game shedding streak with their first convention win.

KEY MATCHUP

James Madison WR Kris Thornton vs. Georgia Southern secondary. Thornton has been the Dukes’ best vast receiver. The senior had 9 catches for 173 yards in final week’s 42-20 win at Arkansas State. It was his third sport with at the least 100 yards this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

James Madison: QB Todd Centeio, a graduate scholar and Colorado State switch, has handed for 15 touchdowns with just one interception. He accomplished 28 of 37 passes for a season-high 394 yards with 4 touchdowns to steer the Dukes towards Arkansas State. He was named Sun Belt offensive participant of the week for the second time this season.

Georgia Southern: QB Kyle Vantrease has already set the varsity’s single-season passing file with 1,933 yards. The Eagles had an extended custom of operating the triple-option. Vantrease threw for 359 yards in final week’s 41-33 loss at Georgia State. Antonio Henton threw for 1,852 yards in 2008.

FACTS & FIGURES

The sport is a matchup of the Sun Belt’s prime scoring offenses. James Madison is averaging 44.2 factors per sport. Georgia Southern is second within the convention at 37.0. … Georgia Southern is 4-0 towards James Madison in video games performed in Statesboro, Georgia. … In the final assembly between the groups, the Eagles gained at house, 24-17, in 1992. … Georgia Southern is 1-2 towards Top 25 groups in Statesboro. The Eagles beat No. 25 Appalachian State in 2018 and misplaced to No. 21 Coastal Carolina and No. 14 BYU final yr. … Georgia Southern coach Clay Helton was Southern California’s head coach from 2015-2021 earlier than being fired after a 1-1 begin in 2021.

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