#25 James Madison Stay Perfect Despite Old Dominion Scare

JMU will move to 8-0 on the season

© David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

In a result that surprised many, the in-state rival Old Dominion Monarchs provided undefeated #25 James Madison with their toughest test in weeks. Despite the Dukes being 19.5-point favorites, JMU won by the slim margin of 30-27.

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JMU defensive end Jalen Green leads the nation in sacks, now with 15.5. He had 2.5 in this game. The JMU defense totaled five on the evening. They also lead the FBS in total sacks.

JMU QB Jordan McCloud accounted for four total touchdowns (one rushing, three passing), but threw two interceptions on the day. His 340 passing yards were his second-most of the season. Senior wide receiver Reggie Brown had a season-high nine catches for 142 yards and caught two of McCloud's touchdown catches.

Jordan McCloud DOT to Reggie Brown, what a catch pic.twitter.com/OYNXk2xzbC

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 29, 2023

For ODU, quarterback Grant Wilson threw for a season-high 277 yards on the season. However, Wilson was sacked at least five times for the fourth time this season, showing the growth needed by ODU's pass protection.

Every game Old Dominion has played this season, except for their season opening loss against Virginia Tech, have been decided by one score.

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James Madison will likely move up in Sunday's newest AP Poll. However, they will not be included in Tuesday's first College Football Playoff rankings of the season.

The Dukes will look to bring their record to 9-0 on November 4 when they pay a visit to 6-2 Georgia State. 

ODU, now .500, will face Coastal Carolina in Norfolk that same day.