Overview
- Kickoff is 10 a.m. PT on Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with streaming on ESPN+ and a sellout crowd expected.
- Washington State is 5-5 and seeking a sixth win to clinch bowl eligibility, while 9-1 James Madison looks to strengthen its College Football Playoff case as the top Group of 5 contender.
- James Madison enters with one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, posting a stop rate near 75% (ninth) and allowing just 269 yards per game (fifth).
- JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 2,089 yards and 16 touchdowns with five interceptions and added 396 rushing yards and 12 scores, supported by a line that has allowed only five sacks.
- WSU’s issues include 155 missed tackles and frequent road penalties, safety Cale Reeder’s status is uncertain, and recent returns of linemen Christian Hilborn and Brock Dieu have boosted protection.