The James Madison Dukes are set to face off against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This exciting matchup is a crucial game for both teams, as Gardner-Webb looks to bounce back from a tough Week 1 loss while James Madison seeks to continue its strong start to the season. You can catch the action live on ESPN+ or through the global streaming platform Sports Cloud.
JMU Football vs Gardner-Webb Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Channel: FloFootball
- Live Stream: Watch the game anywhere
Where to Watch JMU vs Gardner-Webb?
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Gardner-Webb’s Tough Loss in Week 1
Gardner-Webb enters this game with a chip on their shoulder after a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Wofford in Week 1. The Runnin’ Bulldogs held a commanding 20-11 lead entering the fourth quarter, only to see Wofford storm back and snatch victory in the final minutes. This close defeat has left Gardner-Webb eager to prove themselves against a formidable James Madison team.
In their loss to Wofford, quarterback Matthew Ridell completed 64.3% of his passes, throwing for 238 yards and one touchdown. Running back Nasir Saydee added 46 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with 23 receiving yards. Wide receiver Tanner Capers was the top target for Ridell, hauling in six receptions for 73 yards. Despite these strong individual performances, the Bulldogs couldn’t close the game, leaving them hungry for redemption.
James Madison’s Dominance Against FCS Opponents
James Madison enters this matchup as a heavy favorite, although no official betting line has been released yet. Since moving to the FBS, the Dukes have made it a habit to dominate their FCS opponents, outscoring them by a combined 101-10. In their previous game, the Dukes defeated the Charlotte 49ers 30-7, showcasing their balanced offensive and defensive capabilities.
Quarterback Billy Barnett led the way for the Dukes, completing 55.6% of his passes for 219 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also contributed 89 rushing yards on nine carries. Wide receiver Chris Dollison was the standout performer in the receiving corps, racking up 80 yards and one touchdown on two receptions. Jalen Ross also made his presence felt with a 41-yard run and 53 receiving yards.
James Madison 2024 Stats & Key Insights
James Madison’s offensive and defensive prowess makes them a tough opponent for any team, especially one from the FCS. Here are some key stats and insights:
- Total Offense: The Dukes are averaging 417 yards per game, placing them 69th in the FBS.
- Total Defense: James Madison’s defense ranks 79th, allowing just 324 yards per game.
- Passing Offense: The team averages 219 passing yards per game, ranking 75th in the FBS, while their defense allows only 193 passing yards per contest (74th).
- Scoring Offense and Defense: The Dukes are scoring 30 points per game (75th) and allowing just 7 points per game (31st).
- Rushing Attack: James Madison’s ground game is strong, averaging 198 rushing yards per contest (48th in the FBS), while they allow 131 rushing yards per game (77th).
- Turnover Margin: With a +1 turnover margin, the Dukes have forced three turnovers, ranking 10th in the FBS, while giving up the ball only twice.
Gardner-Webb 2024 Stats & Key Insights
Gardner-Webb, while competitive in their own right, faces a daunting task going up against a team like James Madison. Below are some key stats for the Runnin’ Bulldogs:
- Total Offense: Gardner-Webb is averaging 300 total yards per game, ranking 57th in the FCS.
- Total Defense: They are allowing 379 yards per game, ranking 49th in the FCS.
- Passing Attack: The Runnin’ Bulldogs average 238 passing yards per contest, placing them 28th in the FCS. However, their pass defense ranks 70th, allowing 260 passing yards per game.
- Scoring: Offensively, Gardner-Webb averages 20 points per game (51st), while defensively, they give up 21 points per game (27th).
- Rushing Struggles: The Bulldogs’ ground game has struggled, managing just 62 rushing yards per game (94th in the FCS). However, they rank 27th in rushing defense, allowing 119 yards per contest.
James Madison vs Gardner-Webb Overview
As James Madison continues its journey in the FBS, they remain heavy favorites to take down Gardner-Webb in what should be an exciting matchup at Bridgeforth Stadium. Gardner-Webb will need to find ways to slow down the Dukes’ potent offense while improving their own offensive efficiency, particularly in the rushing game, to stand a chance.
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