Week 8 Preview: Old Dominion at James Madison

A rivalry is renewed this weekend as Old Dominion heads to Harrisonburg to face James Madison in the latest edition of the Royal Rivalry. These two Virginia programs have met five times since 2011, with the Dukes holding a slight 3–2 series lead. Their last meeting was a thriller — a 35–32 JMU win in Norfolk last year — decided by a late defensive stand. Saturday’s matchup carries even more weight, with both teams sitting in the thick of the Sun Belt East race and looking to build momentum for the back half of the season.

This is a rivalry built on proximity, familiarity, and bragging rights. The schools are separated by just over 200 miles, and the matchups have often reflected that energy — fast starts, emotional swings, and tight finishes. JMU has won two straight in the series, including last year’s comeback win, but ODU has never shied away from the challenge of facing the Dukes.

Old Dominion Monarchs

Turnovers told the whole story in ODU’s last game. The Monarchs went to Huntington riding a four-game win streak, hoping to finally knock off a Marshall team they’d only beaten once. But instead of a statement win, they gave the Herd five extra chances — including two muffed punts that completely flipped field position.

Despite nearly matching Marshall in total yardage (439 to 445), ODU lost the possession battle badly, holding the ball for less than 24 minutes. Marshall quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson made them pay with 219 passing yards, 95 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. Colton Joseph threw for 266 yards and added a late 50-yard touchdown run, but most of that production came once the game was already out of reach.

That loss stung, but it doesn’t erase how strong ODU looked through the first month. Their defense suffocated Liberty (210 yards allowed) and Coastal Carolina (189), and Joseph’s dual-threat ability gave them a dangerous edge. The Monarchs have shown they can dictate tempo when they play clean football — something they’ll need to do against a disciplined JMU team. Saturday’s game is their chance to get back to that level of sharp, physical, disciplined football and keep their East Division hopes alive.

James Madison Dukes

James Madison comes in playing confident, controlled football. Their 24–14 win over Louisiana last week wasn’t flashy — it was thorough. The Dukes piled up 477 total yards, held the ball for nearly 37 minutes, and outgained Louisiana 227–59 in the second half.

Quarterback Alonza Barnett III led the way, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns, all to Landon Ellis. Even with three turnovers, JMU dictated the pace and never looked shaken. Defensively, they’ve held four of their six opponents under 15 points, and their ability to grind games down has been a consistent theme all season. JMU’s front seven remains one of the most disruptive in the league, and their secondary has allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the Sun Belt so far.

Playing at home in Bridgeforth Stadium has consistently given the Dukes an edge. They’ve been tough to beat in Harrisonburg since joining the Sun Belt, and the home crowd often sets the tone early with a loud, energized atmosphere.

The Matchup

This is a clash of two different styles. JMU thrives on control — long drives, balance on offense, and a defense that forces opponents to play their way. ODU thrives on disruption — forcing turnovers, hitting explosive plays, and letting Joseph improvise when things break down.

For ODU, the key is simple: protect the football and make JMU uncomfortable. Their defense has already proven it can limit high-powered offenses, but they can’t afford another self-inflicted meltdown like Marshall. A clean game gives them a real chance to steal one on the road.

For JMU, it’s about sticking to what works — controlling tempo, keeping Joseph contained, and letting their defense dictate the game. If they can take away ODU’s explosive plays, the Dukes’ methodical approach could wear the Monarchs down over four quarters.

The Royal Rivalry always brings extra excitement, and this year both teams have plenty to play for. ODU is out to prove last week was just a hiccup. JMU wants to keep its momentum rolling at home. Expect a physical, emotional game that could swing on turnovers, time of possession, and which quarterback delivers late.