Sun Belt Championship: JMU hosts Troy for potential CFP spot

It’s Championship Weekend and the #FunBelt will help kick it off as James Madison will host Troy in the 2025 Sun Belt Championship game on Friday night.

The Dukes (11-1, 8-0 SBC) have had a storybook season, including a 25th place ranking and their head coach, Bob Chesney, on his way to the Big 10 and UCLA. But first, they could be just one win away from representing the conference in the College Football Playoff.

It all starts under center with Alonza Barnett, the Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2025. He has completed 62% of his passes for 2,440 yards, 20 TDs, and just seven interceptions. He also has 459 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Wayne Knight has led their rushing attack with 1,051 yards on 169 carries and eight touchdowns.

Defensively, Trent Hendrick has steadied JMU with 91 Tackles and a trio of sacks, while Justin Eaglin has led the secondary with four interceptions this season.

For Troy, it’s much needed success in year 2 under Gerard Parker. An 8-win season including six wins in the conference have set them up to represent a poor Western division. Goose Crowder is their quarterback for this matchup with just over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdownd this season. Tae Meadows has led the Trojans’ rushing attack with 685 yards and five trips to the endzone on 152 attempts.

Jordan Stringer has triple digit tackles with 104, Donnie Smith has nine sacks, and the defense as a unit has nine interceptions in 2025.

This matchup will likely come down to how much pressure Troy is able to get on Barnett. JMU is a 23-point favorite, but crazier things have happened in December.

Kickoff from Bridgeforth Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN.