By Garin Turner
Conference championship games are here, beginning with the Sun Belt Championship between #25 James Madison vs. Troy on Friday, December 5 at 7 PM EST on ESPN.
What’s at stake (besides the Sun Belt Championship)
For James Madison, a win would move them to 12-1 on the season. Despite the #25 ranking and just the one loss to go along with the conference championship, James Madison would need a few teams ahead of them to lose this weekend in order to get into the college football playoff, and even then, that might not be good enough. A loss would knock them out of
contention for a bid.
For Troy, they would move to 9-4 on the year, and while already bowl eligible, being the Sun Belt Champion might land them a better-slated bowl game. They would also be able to celebrate, keeping James Madison from having any chance of the college football playoffs. Unlike James Madison, Troy doesn’t have much to lose besides not winning the conference championship.
Last Game
James Madison beat Coastal Carolina 59-10. Alonza Barnett III threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead the way. Troy also won its last game 28-18 against Southern Miss. Will Crowder threw for three touchdowns and 285 yards. Rara Thomas had five catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Keys to the game
Will Troy be able to move the ball against James Madison? Troy averages 325.6 yards per game, which ranks 115th in FBS. James Madison allows 253.5 yards a game, good for 5th in FBS. James Madison rushing attack. The Dukes average 239.8 yards a game, good for 6th. Troy allows 170.7 yards a game which puts them 96 th .
James Madison Team Leaders
Passing: Alonza Barnett III, 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and 2,440 yards.
Rushing: Wayne Knight, 169 carries for 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns.
Receiving: Landon Ellis, 32 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns.
Troy Team Leaders
Passing: Tucker Kilcrease, 1,414 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
Rushing: Tae Meadows, 152 carries for 685 yards and five touchdowns.
Receiving: Rara Thomas, 31 catches for 495 yards and five touchdowns.
Prediction
James Madison proves to be too much for Troy, winning 48-7, and will then play the waiting game on Saturday to see if they did enough to get into the college football playoffs.
