The Dukes improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play, joining Georgia, Indiana, Notre Dame and USC as the first teams to become bowl eligible in the 2026 season. James Madison also strengthened its position among the nation’s remaining unbeaten teams, standing as the only undefeated program from the Group of 6 conferences.
Georgia Southern had one final opportunity to force a tie, but Blake Ford’s 52-yard field-goal attempt fell short with 47 seconds remaining, allowing the Dukes to escape with the three-point victory.
The win marked James Madison’s first victory at Georgia Southern and extended its regular-season winning streak to 16 games. The Dukes have also won 11 consecutive conference games.
James Madison Takes Control After Halftime
James Madison entered the break trailing 10-6 but quickly shifted the momentum after halftime. Quarterback Camden Coleman directed a four-play, 75-yard drive to open the third quarter, capping the possession with a two-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Harrison.
The score gave the Dukes the lead, and they never surrendered it.
Coleman finished with 171 passing yards and a touchdown, helping JMU establish control after a competitive first half. Reserve quarterback JC Evans also played an important role, throwing two touchdown passes as the Dukes generated enough offense to withstand Georgia Southern’s late push.
Evans delivered one of the game’s biggest plays when he connected with Cole Keller on a 57-yard touchdown pass, extending James Madison’s advantage to 20-10.
Keller finished with 108 receiving yards on four catches, providing a major downfield threat for the Dukes. Running back George Pettaway also had a productive afternoon, rushing for 151 yards on 21 carries and helping JMU sustain its offensive attack.
Georgia Southern Fights Back
Despite falling behind, Georgia Southern refused to go quietly. Quarterback Max Johnson kept the Eagles within striking distance with an impressive passing performance, throwing for 343 yards and three touchdowns while recording one interception.
Wide receiver Josh Dallas was among Johnson’s primary targets, finishing with eight receptions for 111 yards.
The Eagles continued to apply pressure as the game progressed, turning the contest into a tight fourth-quarter battle. Their offensive production kept the outcome in doubt until the final possession.
Georgia Southern, however, could not complete the comeback. With 47 seconds remaining, Ford attempted a 52-yard field goal that would have tied the game, but the kick came up short, preserving James Madison’s 27-24 lead.
The defeat dropped the Eagles to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in Sun Belt play.
Dukes Continue Historic Run
James Madison’s victory further established the program as one of the Sun Belt’s most consistent winners. Since 2022, the Dukes have accumulated 46 victories, the most of any team in the conference.
Remaining unbeaten through six games has also positioned JMU among the country’s elite teams early in the season. The Dukes have combined a productive rushing attack with timely passing plays and the ability to finish close games.
The victory at Georgia Southern was particularly meaningful because it came on the road against a conference opponent that continued to challenge the Dukes through the final minutes.
For Georgia Southern, the narrow loss was a missed opportunity to hand James Madison its first defeat of the season. Johnson’s passing numbers gave the Eagles a chance, but the final field-goal attempt ultimately determined the outcome.
With bowl eligibility secured, James Madison can turn its attention toward maintaining its unbeaten record and continuing its pursuit of a Sun Belt championship.
Up Next:
James Madison returns home Saturday to host Georgia State.
Georgia Southern travels to face Old Dominion on Thursday, looking to rebound from the narrow home defeat.
