By Garin Turner
#12 James Madison (12–1) enters uncharted territory Friday night, carrying both belief and burden into the College Football Playoff. The Dukes travel west to face #5 Oregon (11–1) in the final game of the first round on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV — a matchup that places one of college football’s most consistent programs against one of its most explosive.
For James Madison, it’s about validation. For Oregon, it’s about survival.
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How They Got Here
James Madison has spent the season answering questions — and creating new ones. Alongside fellow Group of Five entrant Tulane, the Dukes’ inclusion in the playoff field has been debated relentlessly. Critics point to brand power and conference affiliation. James Madison points to wins.
The Dukes’ lone loss came in Week 2, a 28–14 setback at Louisville. From that point on, they were flawless. James Madison ripped through the Sun Belt, capped by a commanding 31–14 championship win over Troy that showcased both its physical running game and suffocating defense.
Oregon’s path has been more conventional — and more demanding. The Ducks opened 5–0 before suffering their only loss, a 30–20 defeat to Indiana. That loss aged well. Indiana went on to win the Big Ten Championship and claim the No. 1 seed in the playoff.
Oregon responded the way contenders do. The Ducks knocked off then-#3 Penn State (30–24), survived #20 Iowa (18–16), and handled #15 USC (42–27), securing their place as one of the most complete teams in the field.
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Matchup Breakdown
James Madison enters as the underdog — but not a passive one. The Dukes thrive on balance, discipline, and patience. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III gives them flexibility as both a passer and runner, while Wayne Knight anchors a rushing attack built to control tempo.
The challenge is simple and brutal: keeping pace.
Oregon does not blink. The Ducks score quickly, stretch the field horizontally and vertically, and pressure opponents into mistakes. Quarterback Dante Moore leads a deep, fast offense that punishes hesitation. Oregon doesn’t need perfection — it needs momentum.
James Madison must win situational football. Oregon simply needs to be itself.
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Team Leaders
James Madison Dukes
Passing: Alonza Barnett III — 2,533 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT
Rushing: Wayne Knight — 190 carries, 1,263 yards, 9 TD
Receiving: Landon Ellis — 33 receptions, 541 yards, 5 TD
Tackles: Trent Hendrick — 96
Sacks: Sahir West — 7
Interceptions: Justin Eaglin — 4
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Oregon Ducks
Passing: Dante Moore — 2,733 yards, 24 TD, 6 INT
Rushing: Noah Whittington — 112 carries, 774 yards, 6 TD
Receiving: Malik Benson — 31 receptions, 526 yards, 4 TD
Tackles: Bryce Boettcher — 103
Sacks: Teitum Tuioti — 7
Interceptions: Dillon Thieneman (2), Jerry Mixon (2), Jadon Canady (2)
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Prediction
James Madison hangs around early, leaning on its running game and composure. But once Oregon finds rhythm, the Ducks’ speed and depth take over.
Oregon 35, James Madison 17.
