The James Madison team secured a spot in the College Football Playoff as a result of extensive turmoil within the ACC conference.
As the round’s most significant underdog, traveling to confront Oregon, will the Dukes manage to avoid a swift elimination and advance beyond their initial appearance?
With a 12-1 record, James Madison surprisingly earned a berth in this year’s competition, entering as the fifth-seeded conference champion and marking the Sun Belt Conference’s inaugural playoff squad.
The Ducks, holding an 11-1 standing, experienced their sole defeat against the playoff’s top seed, Indiana, who triumphed over them 30-20 on their home turf in Eugene.
Oregon’s quarterback, Dante Moore, has emerged as a prominent figure in football, achieving a 72% pass completion rate in his debut season as a starter and potentially securing a high selection in the 2026 NFL Draft should he opt to enter, whereas JMU’s signal-caller remains largely unknown
Many spectators are poised to witness Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III in action for the very first time. His seasonal statistics include 193 completions out of 322 attempts for 2,533 aerial yards, 21 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed 115 times for 544 yards and contributed 14 ground scores. The question looms: can Barnett and his teammates cope with the intense atmosphere at Autzen Stadium? While James Madison possesses a formidable rushing defense, it has yet to encounter an offensive ground game comparable to Oregon’s.
Should James Madison succeed in impeding Oregon’s ground offensive, the Dukes will possess a viable opportunity. Conversely, if Oregon’s running game operates without resistance, the primary concern shifts from whether Oregon will triumph to whether the Ducks can overcome the three-touchdown point differential.
Track the unfolding events with the Yahoo Sports team providing comprehensive coverage below. Details on viewing James Madison versus Oregon and other College Football Playoff matchups are provided here.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Under the leadership of new coach Pete Golding, Ole Miss secured a decisive victory against Tulane in their playoff match. This achievement must have been profoundly satisfying for the athletes, supporters, and all individuals implicated in the coaching controversy that transpired weeks prior.
Further coverage is available from Yahoo’s Dan Wolken, live from Oxford.
It was a victorious night for Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)
(Wes Hale via Getty Images)
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The interception toward the end of the initial half represents the sole significant flaw in an otherwise flawless first-half performance by Oregon’s quarterback:
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Nick Bromberg
The key query revolves around whether Oregon is capable of exceeding the 20.5-point handicap.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Total superiority demonstrated by the Ducks. Is there any possibility for the Dukes to generate momentum during the latter half?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
James Madison capitalizes on the possession change by scoring, kicking a 38-yard field goal as the first half concludes. This effort contributes minimally to reducing the substantial point gap.
Oregon 34, JMU 6
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Yahoo Sports Staff
An effective method for disrupting the Ducks’ offensive rhythm was demonstrated when JMU’s Elijah Culp intercepted Dante Moore, delivering a crucial momentum shift for the Dukes late in the opening half.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Oregon’s offensive statistics to this point:
-A cumulative 349 yards gained
-Involved 21 offensive attempts
-Averaging 16.6 yards per play
-Possessed the ball for 8 minutes and 57 seconds
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Dante Moore connects with Dakorien Moore for a touchdown spanning 46 yards. This marks five touchdowns across five possessions for the Ducks, appearing unstoppable.
Oregon 34, JMU 3
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Nick Bromberg
At what point will Oregon opt to keep its primary players on the field?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Dante Moore delivers a softly thrown 20-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah McClellan positioned in the corner of the end zone. The Ducks are conducting a masterclass performance.
Oregon 27, JMU 3
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Nick Bromberg
The Ducks are demonstrating an unconstrained ability to dominate the Dukes. It is evident that Oregon is fully aware of its superior team velocity and is strategically deploying it to challenge James Madison’s defense across both lateral and deep dimensions.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Dierre Hill Jr. evades defenders, executing a sideline toe-tap for a 56-yard rushing touchdown. Oregon maintains its explosive offensive performance.
Oregon 20, JMU 3
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Tionne Gray successfully blocks Morgan Suarez’s 40-yard field goal attempt, leaving the Dukes scoreless despite a significant preceding play.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
James Madison’s wide receiver, Nick DeGennaro, takes a lateral pass before launching it downfield to an uncovered Landon Ellis, resulting in a 50-yard advancement. This play establishes the Dukes with a first-and-goal opportunity at the 10-yard line as the first quarter concludes.
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Nick Bromberg
However, the Dukes are unable to counter a touchdown-scoring offense with mere field goals.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Oregon has accumulated 143 total yards and 13 points through 9 offensive plays thus far.
Such performance exemplifies high efficiency!
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Quarterback Dante Moore rushes for a 5-yard touchdown himself. This marks two drives resulting in two incredibly rapid scores for the Ducks.
Oregon 13, JMU 3
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Morgan Suarez successfully converts a 30-yard field goal, putting James Madison on the scoreboard. A commendable initial possession for the Dukes.
Oregon 6, JMU 3
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The Dukes have already successfully converted a fourth-down attempt and are sustaining a promising opening drive, with possession advancing close to scoring territory.
