Week 12 Preview: App State at James Madison

After falling short on national television last weekend, App State will look to regroup as they head north to face one of the Sun Belt’s most complete teams. The Mountaineers travel to Harrisonburg to take on No. 24 James Madison, a program chasing a spot in the College Football Playoff and riding major momentum. The Dukes currently sit atop the Sun Belt East at 8–1 (6–0) and have won six of their last seven.

The last time JMU was ranked, App State handed them their only loss of the year. Two seasons later, the Dukes haven’t forgotten, and Bridgeforth Stadium is sold out for Saturday.

Appalachian State

App State enters the matchup at 4–5 (1–4 Sun Belt) after another slow offensive start last week. The Mountaineers once again showed heart in the second half, but early mistakes and turnovers were too much to overcome. Head coach Dowell Loggains acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling JMU “the most complete team we will play this year. They are better than Boise.”

The biggest concern continues to be quarterback AJ Swann and the offense’s turnover issues. Swann has thrown 7 interceptions over his last five appearances, and App State sits at -5 in turnover margin, one of the lowest marks in the league. The Mountaineers are averaging 27.0 points per game, but inconsistent pass protection and slow starts in the first quarter have created a major obstacle to sustained success.

Running back Rashod Dubinion remains App State’s most reliable weapon, ranking among the Sun Belt leaders in rushing while averaging over 5.0 yards per carry in conference play. However, playing from behind has often limited his usage.

Defensively, the Mountaineers have struggled significantly. App State has allowed 400+ yards in three straight games and is giving up 31.2 points per game, its highest average since last year when they allowed 32.91 points per game. Missed assignments, explosive plays, and a lack of consistent pressure up front have created problems that will be tested to the limit by JMU’s balanced offense.

To have a chance in Harrisonburg, the Mountaineers must protect the football, start fast, and find a defensive spark they haven’t shown in recent weeks.

James Madison

Since joining the Sun Belt in 2022, James Madison has quickly established itself as one of the league’s power programs, and this year may be their best yet. The Dukes sit at 8–1 (6–0), holding the top spot in the East Division and eyeing a potential berth in the College Football Playoff rankings.

JMU boasts a balanced and explosive offense led by quarterback Alonzo Barnett III, who has found his rhythm over the past month. Barnett has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns, commanding a unit that averages 34+ points per game during conference play. In support, running back Wayne Knight ranks top-40 nationally with over 650 rushing yards and adds versatility as a pass catcher.

The Dukes have scored 30 or more points in five of their last eight games and recently posted back-to-back 50-point performances, a testament to their depth and cohesion.

Defensively, James Madison remains elite. The Dukes rank top-5 nationally in rushing defense and top-20 in passing defense, leaning heavily on a disruptive front seven. Four different defenders have recorded three sacks each, and senior linebacker Trent Hendrick anchors the group with 58 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. It’s arguably the most well-rounded defensive unit App State has faced all season.

With a sold-out Bridgeforth crowd behind them, JMU looks poised to protect its position atop the Sun Belt while seeking redemption against the team that derailed their ranking two years ago.