Week 9 Preview: James Madison At Texas State

James Madison takes their staunch defense on the road to San Marcos against a Texas State team desperate for a win.

The Dukes have yet to give up 300 yards in a single game. The Bobcats can’t seem to stop anyone. Something will have to give in this game.

135 teams have allowed 300 or more yards in at least one game. James Madison is the only team that hasn’t. The streak was in danger last week, allowing 275 yards in the 1st half vs Old Dominion. ODU only gained 10 yards in the 2nd half.#FunFactFriday pic.twitter.com/JWSampMHI0

— CFB Home (@CFBHome) October 24, 2025

James Madison

James Madison likely had their most complete game just over a week ago. After a frantic first quarter and a half, James Madison managed to outscore old Dominion 42-0 after being down 27-21. Alonza Barnett III had two passing and four rushing touchdowns in the game. The defense allowed just 10 yards total in the second half.

It was the most complete game for the Dukes to date.

The homecoming rout brought the Dukes to 6-1 on the season, and silenced many who were disgruntled with the offense in particular. After some were calling for Dean Kennedy’s job and perhaps a change at quarterback, the Dukes showed why they continue to be Sun Belt favorites.

That said, JMU under Bob Chesney is a different team on the road. It will be interesting to see if the Dukes can continue with their elite defense against a desperate Texas State side.

Out West 🤠#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/xbqKHmbw4t

— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) October 28, 2025

Texas State

For their part, the Bobcats are not getting the swan song they were hoping for departing for the new PAC-12 in 2026.

Coming off of three conference losses in a row, Texas State is all but out of contention for the Sun Belt West. The Bobcats had Sun Belt title aspirations going into the season, but those have been dashed by a defense that has trouble stopping the opponent each week.

The Bobcats will be desperate for a win at home. This game is nationally televised on ESPN2, so even though title aspirations are likely out of the picture, they’ll want to put on a good performance before departing for the PAC-12. Whether JMU’s defense will allow the high flying Bobcats offense to score as much as they have in previous weeks will be one of the bigger questions heading into this one.

It’s showtime ⏰🐾

Black Out the Wack tomorrow at 7PM. See you there😼 pic.twitter.com/DQss05B28L

— Texas State Football (@TXSTATEFOOTBALL) October 28, 2025