On paper, the matchup between No. 5 Oregon (11-1) and No. 24 James Madison (12-1) appears one-sided with the Ducks entering the opening round of the College Football Playoff as one of the nation’s most complete teams.
For James Madison to challenge that narrative, the Dukes must lean fully into their identity, which is a physical rushing attack and clock control against a heavily-favored opponent.
Oregon has been dominant on both sides of the ball. The Ducks rank ninth nationally in scoring offense at 38.2 points per game and fourth in total defense, allowing just 251.6 yards per contest. They are also surrendering only 14.8 points per game while competing weekly in the Big Ten, one of the country’s deepest conferences.
James Madison, however, has quietly built an impressive résumé of its own. The Dukes rank 10th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 15.9 points per game, and are second only to Ohio State in yards allowed at 246.6 per game. Offensively, they average 37.2 points per contest, putting them among the nation’s most efficient units.
The Dukes’ advantage lies on the ground. James Madison averages 245.8 rushing yards per game and ranks second nationally in time of possession at just over 34 minutes per game. The Dukes have outrushed every opponent but one this season — and won that game as well.
Redshirt junior running back Wayne Knight anchors the attack. Knight rushed for 1,263 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Despite standing 5-foot-7, he has displayed explosive speed and vision, recording five runs of at least 40 yards.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III adds another dimension. The Sun Belt Player of the Year rushed for 544 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a 153-yard, four-touchdown performance against Old Dominion. Barnett’s dual-threat ability forces defenses to account for both the run and the deep ball.
James Madison cannot afford a shootout. To have a chance, the Dukes must dominate the ground game, convert third downs and keep Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and the Ducks’ high-powered offense on the sideline. If they succeed, James Madison could threaten one of the biggest upsets in College Football Playoff history.
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