Home / Sports / WSU Faces Ranked JMU in Bowl-Clinching Showdown
WSU Faces Ranked JMU in Bowl-Clinching Showdown
22 Nov
Summary
- WSU travels to Virginia for the second time this season.
- James Madison is ranked No. 21 and holds a 9-1 record.
- The game kicks off at 10 a.m. PST and is on ESPN+.

Washington State's football team embarks on another long journey, traveling to Virginia for the second time this season to face the formidable James Madison Dukes. This critical matchup, held at Bridgeforth Stadium, could secure bowl eligibility for the Cougars with just one game remaining. James Madison, currently ranked No. 21 with an impressive 9-1 record, is also vying for a potential College Football Playoff spot, highlighting the high stakes for both teams.
The Cougars' defense has shown recent improvement, though they will be tested by JMU's dual-threat quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, and potentially another signal-caller. WSU's offense must also minimize costly penalties, a recurring issue this season, to have a chance against a team that was in FCS just four seasons ago.
The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. PST and will be exclusively broadcast on ESPN+. The betting line favors James Madison by 13.5 points, with an over/under of 43.5. A familiar face will be on the JMU sideline, as former WSU assistant Eric Mele now serves as an assistant special teams coach for the Dukes.


