Georgia Southern vs. James Madison 2025 Recap: Dukes Dominate in 35-10 Win

The Georgia Southern Eagles got decimated by the James Madison Dukes 35-10. James Madison covered the opening line of 14.5 points, the steamed 17.5-point line and the closing number of 15. The Eagles start their Sun Belt schedule 0-1 while the Dukes begin undefeated (1-0). Georgia Southern’s overall record drops to 2-3 and Clay Helton’s record as an Eagle falls back to dead even, 22-22. With that in mind, let’s recap this Georgia Southern vs. James Madison 2025 matchup.

Georgia Southern Eagles vs. James Madison Dukes 2025 Recap

The weather was a factor throughout the entire game. It was not pouring, but it was slippery, and both teams had issues controlling the ball in the first half. And yet despite the weather causing performance issues, neither team had a turnover.

Defensive Doom

It is important to note that both teams had serious injuries coming into the game. James Madison’s backup running back, George Pettaway, was unable to go. The Eagles were also seriously depleted on the defensive line, with over five players unable to play. Georgia Southern star and defensive captain Latrell Bullard was among these five.

The Dukes started the game with the ball and quickly went three and out, opting to pass on all three downs. The Eagles’ passing defense has been solid all year, but when the Dukes switched to a more run-heavy approach they found plenty of success. On their second drive, the JMU’s starting running back Wayne Knight broke a 40-yard run for a touchdown, the first score of the game.

The Eagles’ defense was able to force a 44-yard field goal attempt the following drive that James Madison kicker Morgan Suarez missed. Georgia Southern was unable to turn it into any points, however, after giving up a sack on third down and eight. JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III ran the second touchdown of the game in, from four yards out.

James Madison ended the game with 331 rushing yards, the second-most the Eagles have given up all year (Fresno State: 351). Injuries assisted the Dukes, but the Eagles have to do better.

Searching For An Offensive Spark

The Eagles offense was not clicking. Wide receiver Camden Brown was the only pass-catcher with over 30 yards, putting up his second consecutive game with over 100 yards on only five receptions. Dalen Cobb was relatively shut down in the running game, only getting thirteen yards on three carries. Cobb also caught four passes for 28 yards.

Starting quarterback JC French finished the game with 165 passing yards, completing 14 of 24 attempts. French was able to connect to Taylor Bradshaw late in the third quarter for a touchdown, but that was his only score of the game. The Georgia Southern offense was only able to convert 4-of-14 third downs with a total of 10 first downplays. The Dukes were 8-of-13 with a staggering 29 total first downplays. It is not shocking that James Madison dominated time of possession by over 10 minutes.

Look Ahead: Bye Before Thursday Night Football

The Eagles will get a bye week to hopefully get healthy before hosting their second Sun Belt matchup against Southern Miss on Thursday night, October 9.

Southern Miss just beat Jacksonville State 42-25 and will also have a bye week to prepare for this Thursday night kickoff. The Golden Eagles enter the game 3-2, with a 1-0 conference record.

Golden Eagle quarterback Braylon Braxton has thrown for 1236 yards already this year, ranking him 17th in FBS. Braxton has also thrown 11 passing touchdowns, ranking him ninth.

Shrine Bowl Spotlight

James Madison quarterback Alonzo Barnett III played phenomenal. Despite the weather conditions, Barnett still completed 50-percent of his passes (11-of-22) and also was a constant threat on the ground with 10 carries for 32 yards and one rushing touchdown. If Barnett decides to declare for the draft, he could be an exciting prospect that could find a great opportunity to show NFL scouts his true talent in the Shrine Bowl.

Eagles receiver Camden Brown continues to shine in the Sun Belt. Everyone in Statesboro knows how special Brown is and soon the entire country will know his name. Brown had his second-consecutive 100+ yard game, but lost his touchdown streak. The senior will be a real NFL prospect, and an invite to the Shrine Bowl might raise that stock even higher.