Home / Sports / JMU Clinches Bowl Eligibility with Thrilling Win
JMU Clinches Bowl Eligibility with Thrilling Win
11 Oct
Summary
- James Madison secured bowl eligibility with a 27-24 victory.
- George Pettaway rushed for 151 yards in the win.
- A late 52-yard field goal attempt fell short for Georgia Southern.
James Madison has secured bowl eligibility following their 27-24 victory against Georgia Southern on Saturday. The Dukes' win extends their impressive regular-season winning streak to 16 consecutive games and their conference play streak to 11.
George Pettaway was a standout performer, rushing for 151 yards on 21 carries. Quarterback Camden Coleman contributed 171 passing yards and a touchdown, while reserve quarterback JC Evans added two touchdown passes, including a crucial 57-yard connection with Cole Keller, who finished with 108 receiving yards. The Dukes overcame a 10-6 halftime deficit to take the lead in the third quarter.
Georgia Southern mounted a late charge, but their potential game-tying 52-yard field goal attempt with 47 seconds remaining narrowly missed. Max Johnson threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns for Georgia Southern in the effort.
This victory marks James Madison as one of the first teams in the nation to become bowl eligible for the 2026 season. The Dukes are now 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. They are the only undefeated team in the Group of 6 and hold the most wins in the Sun Belt since 2022.
