Overview
- Kickoff is 10 a.m. PT Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with streaming on ESPN+.
- WSU sits 5-5 and seeks a sixth win for bowl eligibility, while 9-1 JMU looks to strengthen its College Football Playoff résumé as the leading Group of 5 contender.
- JMU’s defense ranks among the nation’s best by stop rate at roughly 75% and fifth in total yards allowed, and its starting offensive line has yielded only five sacks.
- Quarterback Alonza Barnett III has passed for 2,089 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions and added 396 rushing yards with 12 scores, with JMU also mixing in another running quarterback look.
- WSU must clean up road penalties and tackling after PFF’s lowest tackling grade and 155 missed tackles, with QB Zevi Eckhaus needing to avoid interceptions as right tackle Christian Hilborn and center Brock Dieu return and safety Cale Reeder remains uncertain; JMU is favored by 13.5.