The JMU Dukes begin the FBS Era with a home game against Middle Tennessee State slated for 6 PM ET on Saturday. Bridgeforth Stadium is nearly sold out for this historic event and Draft Kings has the Dukes as a 6-point home favorite.

The two teams have only met once before, in 1994 when the Dukes won a 24-22 contest. That was when the Blue Raiders were still in the FCS (well, I-AA) at the time. 

With kickoff nearly here, let’s breakdown some things you need to know ahead of the Dukes’ first game vs. a Conference USA Opponent. 

Weather for Saturday

High of 86 with a low of 63 with mostly cloudy skies and hardly any wind. Sunset is slated for 7:42 PM ET. 

How to Watch

The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with TV Coverage beginning at around 6 PM ET. ESPN+ does require a subscription, so click here to sign up. 

If you want to listen to the radio broadcast and are in Harrisonburg tune in to WSVA 550 AM or 92.1 FM. You can stream the radio broadcast online at WSVAOnline.com and on your phone with the The Varsity Network app.

Getting to know Middle Tennessee

Record: 7-6 in 2021 

MTSU Head Coach: Rick Stockstill is in his 17th season as a head coach, all of which has come with the Blue Raiders where he has a 101-98 career record. 

Team Leaders

Passing: R-Senior QB Chase Cunningham – 1,318 yards in 2021 with 16 TD and 3 INT in 8 games 

Rushing: Soph. RB Frank Peasant – 303 rush yards in 2021 with 3 TDs 

Receiving: R-Senior WR Yusuf Ali – 472 yards in 2021 with with 45 catches and 4 TDs 

Tackles: R-Soph. LB Jalen Davis – Racked up 69 tackles in 2021 and is the most for a returner

Other Player to watch: R-senior DL Jordan Ferguson – One man wrecking crew and has the potential to play on Sundays. Had 17.5 tackles for loss in 2021 with 9 sacks and three forced fumbles 

Other things to note

Middle Tennessee plays an Air Raid scheme at an fast tempo. The Blue Raiders are fine with throwing it all over the field all game and expect to see a heavy aerial attack. They won’t completely abandon the run but with their air raid system it will put a strain on the JMU secondary. 

Listen to the podcast for more of a breakdown