Appalachian State will look to bounce back from a three-game losing streak against one of the top teams in the Sun Belt – 24th ranked James Madison (8-1) – this Saturday, Nov. 15 in Harrisonburg, Va. The Dukes sit atop the Sun Belt East with a 6-0 conference record.
“Obviously we have a very skilled opponent this week, a top 25 opponent that we get to go to their place and play. So, it’ll be a great challenge,” head coach Dowell Loggains said.
These two teams have developed a fierce rivalry quickly, having played the past three seasons since JMU joined the conference. In 2023, the Mountaineers handed the Dukes their only loss of the season and beat them again in 2024. App State leads the overall series 10-2, according to App State Athletics, dating back to 1985.
Game Vitals: App State at James Madison
Game Vitals: App State at James MadisonWhere: Bridgeforth Stadium | Harrisonburg, Va.
Kickoff: Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 3:30 p.m.
TV/Streaming: ESPN+
Last Meeting: Appalachian State 34, James Madison 20 (Nov. 23, 2024)
Latest Line: App State +21 | Over/Under 53.5 (Draft Kings)
2025 Schedule: View Appalachian State’s complete schedule with results & upcoming games
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 | 🎙️ @Dowell_Loggains
Full press conference:
▶️ https://t.co/6CGJ8gJEdn#GoApp #BeatJMU pic.twitter.com/oaz6QzCJA6 — App State Football (@AppState_FB) November 10, 2025
What happened last week?
App State’s current skid sits at three after its 25-23 loss to Georgia Southern last Thursday. Redshirt junior quarterback AJ Swann played a good game with 348 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. The big issue offensively was the running game, which only recorded 77 yards against one of the worst run defenses in FBS. The Mountaineers’ defense continued to struggle giving up 352 passing yards and 142 rushing yards.
App State Key Players
Swann started his first game since Sept. 27 with positve results. He now has 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions on the season. With the season coming to an end in a few weeks, the Mountaineers still do not know who their go-to quarterback is.
Junior receiver Jaden Barnes shined last game, recording 13 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown. The reception and yards total were season-highs. Barnes is a dangerous weapon that the offense needs to look for.
Redshirt sophomore Davion Dozier had 3 catches for 62 yards against the Eagles. He is yet to record 5 receptions in a game. When the run game slows, they need to look to their playmakers in Barnes and Dozier.
DJ Burks made 12 total tackles last week, bringing his season total to 36. Burks was a bright spot in an otherwise poor defensive performance.
James Madison Key Players
Redshirt freshman quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who played at Grimsley High in Greensboro, has thrown for 1,786 yards with 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. If the App State secondary allows, the JMU passing attack could hurt them. Barnett also leads the Dukes with 10 rushing touchdowns.
Redshirt junior running back Wayne Knight receives the bulk of the carries with 120 for 746 yards and 6 touchdowns. Paired with Barnett, the Dukes rushing attack is something to keep an eye on.
Junior wide receiver Landon Ellis is the leading receiver for JMU. So far this season he has 486 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Senior linebacker Trent Hendrick has a team high 70 tackles. He added 3 sacks as well.
Keys to Victory
The Mountaineers need to return to the run game. With the uncertainty at quarterback, the run game can lead to reliable yards, while opening up the playbook.
The defense needs to take pride in shutting down the powerful JMU offense, which has been responsible for 1,854 passing yards and 2,092 rushing yards for the season. If the Dukes come into the game content, App State will need to capitalize and throw some early punches.
Max Schwanz is the sports editor for The Appalachian, the student newspaper at Appalachian State University. A journalism major and digital marketing minor from Cornelius, N.C., you can find more of his work at The Appalachian.
