By Garin Turner — SkyBoat.org
No. 25 James Madison made its case for a College Football Playoff berth with a commanding 31–14 win over Troy in the Sun Belt Championship. The Dukes controlled the game behind a career outing from Wayne Knight, who ran for 212 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Alonza Barnett III added a passing and rushing score to fuel the victory.
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How It Happened
Defense and field position defined the early stages, with both teams combining for eight punts in the first quarter alone. James Madison finally broke through with a field goal to take a 3–0 lead.
The second quarter brought an explosion of scoring — but it was the only burst Troy managed all afternoon.
Troy grabbed its lone lead at 7–3 after quarterback Goose Crowder punched in a one-yard touchdown run. James Madison responded instantly when Knight broke free for a stunning 73-yard touchdown, reclaiming momentum and energizing the Dukes sideline.
JMU struck again as Barnett III found Braeden Wisloski for a 25-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17–7. Troy answered with a short touchdown run from Tae Meadows, cutting it to 17–14 before halftime.
The third quarter became a defensive trench war, featuring an interception, a missed field goal, and a fumble — but no points.
James Madison slammed the door in the fourth.
Barnett III ripped off a 26-yard touchdown run to push the lead to double digits, and moments later, after a strip-sack, Drew Spinogatti scooped up the fumble and scored, sealing the 31–14 win.
Statistically, the Dukes dominated despite self-inflicted setbacks. JMU outgained Troy 411–177 even while going 2-for-14 on third down, committing seven penalties, and turning the ball over twice. Troy finished with –26 rushing yards on 28 attempts as James Madison’s front seven overwhelmed the offensive line.
The Dukes defense racked up eight sacks, led by a monster performance from Sahir West (10 tackles, 3 sacks, 5.5 TFL) and Xavier Holmes (2.5 sacks).
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James Madison Team Leaders
Passing: Alonza Barnett III — 93 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Wayne Knight — 21 carries, 212 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Braeden Wisloski — 2 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD
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Troy Team Leaders
Passing: Goose Crowder — 196 yards
Rushing: Tae Meadows — 7 carries, 10 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: RaRa Thomas — 3 receptions, 82 yards
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What’s Next
James Madison now waits to learn whether its résumé — capped by a dominant Sun Belt Championship performance — is enough to earn a coveted College Football Playoff spot. With the committee weighing tight races in the Big Ten, SEC, and Notre Dame’s position, the Dukes’ fate hinges on how Saturday’s slate settles.
