Eric Boggs 
Coastal Carolina plays James Madison in a big Thursday night showdown.
The rivalry between James Madison (JMU) and Coastal Carolina has intensified since JMU joined the Sun Belt Conference. In their two previous meetings, both featuring ranked teams, the Dukes dominated, outscoring the Chanticleers by a combined 82 points. Despite Coastal Carolina being favored in both matchups, JMU proved too strong. Now, with both teams entering the game at 4-1, the stakes are high, particularly for JMU, which is coming off a critical conference loss.
Coastal Carolina Overview
Coastal Carolina may boast a 4-1 record, but their strength of schedule leaves much to be desired. Their most challenging game to date came last week against Old Dominion, a 1-4 team led by a backup redshirt freshman quarterback. The Chanticleers’ wins haven’t been particularly impressive, but they have a chance to change that narrative with a road victory at JMU’s Bridgeforth Stadium.
To pull off an upset, Coastal will need to slow down JMU’s high-powered offense, much like ULM did last week. Coastal has allowed an average of 29.6 points and 395 yards per game this season, including 80 points in their last two contests. Their defense needs to step up in what could be a high-scoring game.
Offensively, the Chanticleers rank second in the Sun Belt, scoring 38.4 points per game. They’ve found success in their rushing attack, averaging 197 yards per game with 11 touchdowns. Running back Christian Washington leads the team with 62.6 rushing yards per game and four touchdowns. Dual-threat quarterback Ethan Vasko has also been a steady presence, averaging 220 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. He’s contributed on the ground as well, adding 220 rushing yards and two scores.
One of Coastal’s strengths is controlling the clock. They rank third in the conference with an average time of possession of 31 minutes and 21 seconds per game. Slowing down the pace and keeping JMU’s offense off the field will be critical for Coastal’s success.
James Madison Overview
JMU’s high-powered offense hit a wall in last week’s loss to ULM, scoring just 19 points after posting 133 in their previous two games. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, an early candidate for Sun Belt Player of the Year, struggled to get the offense going, though he remains a dynamic playmaker, averaging 313.8 total yards per game with 16 total touchdowns and just one interception.
The Dukes lead the Sun Belt in scoring defense, allowing only 18.2 points per game, and their rushing defense is also the best in the conference, giving up just 113.6 yards per game. Coastal Carolina’s rushing attack will be put to the test against this formidable defense. JMU’s secondary is another area of strength, as the Dukes are tied for the most interceptions in the FBS with 10, led by Terrence Spencer’s three picks. They’ve also forced 15 takeaways, tying them for the national lead.
One area JMU struggled with last week was field position, consistently starting drives inside their own 20-yard line. To improve this week, they’ll need to force turnovers and generate better starting field positions.
Game Outlook
Both teams have been recent success stories in the Sun Belt and beyond. JMU peaked at No. 18 in the AP Top 25 last season and won 11 games, while Coastal Carolina had back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2020 and 2021, even cracking the College Football Playoff rankings in 2020. Despite this, JMU has had the upper hand in this matchup, winning convincingly in both of their head-to-head meetings over the past two years.
The game features the top two scoring offenses in the Sun Belt, with JMU averaging 39 points per game and Coastal not far behind at 38.4. Expect a shootout between these high-powered offenses, but JMU’s stingy defense may prove to be the difference.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with JMU favored by 9.5 points. Both teams will be looking to solidify their place in the Sun Belt standings in what promises to be an exciting and pivotal matchup.
About The Author
