JMU football faces its first road Sun Belt challenge of the season Saturday, although the term “challenge” might be a slight stretch. The Dukes face a 1-3 Georgia State team that has yet to beat an FBS team, having played a brutal schedule. The Panthers have been blown out by Ole Miss, Memphis, and Vanderbilt. They rank dead last nationally in scoring defense, allowing 48 points per game. 

It’s a very winnable game for JMU, and for Georgia State, it’s a chance to play a non-SEC team at home. That’s a step in the right direction after being routed by three undefeated teams. 

How to watch

Kickoff time: 3:30 p.m. 

TV/stream: ESPN+, Matt Stewart will handle play-by-play duties and Sam Crenshaw is the analyst. 

Weather: It should be a decent day in Atlanta, with a high of 80 and a mix of sun and clouds. 

Opponent preview: Georgia State

Record: 1-3, 0-0 SBC

Coach: Dell McGee, 5-12 overall, 4-12 at Georgia State

Top players

Ted Hurst, WR: He’s a future pro. The 6-3 Hurst has 25 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns through four games against lofty competition. He’s one of the best WRs in college football, and he’s going to crush Sun Belt defenses. Even if the Dukes win, Hurst will likely get 5+ catches for 50+ yards. He’s capable of going over 10 catches and 100 yards against any defense.

T.J. Finley, QB: The veteran QB has thrown for 527 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in three games. He splits time with Cameran Brown, who has been more efficient. Both guys are imposing figures with big arms with P4 playing experience. 

Josiah Robinson, LB: The Panthers have struggled defensively, but Robinson leads the team with 29 tackles and has a superb tackling grade of 90.2 on PFF. He’s a plus defensively, and if the Panthers can keep the redshirt junior in town for his final college season, he’ll be a Sun Belt star in 2026.

Key to the Game: Get ABIII Going

The Dukes’ passing game has been underwhelming this season, averaging just over 160 yards per game. Sure, the running game should work this weekend and the Dukes can win with defense and rushing. But Georgia State will sell out to stop the run. JMU will have opportunities in the passing game. 

Can Alonza Barnett go over 200 yards passing for the second time this season? If he can find guys like Landon Ellis and Nick DeGennaro early in the game, he should loosen up the defense and create running lanes later in the game. Look for JMU to break its tendencies by coming out throwing early. They tried to do that last week but rainy weather led to drops and the offensive coaching staff quickly changed course. With a better forecast, expect the Dukes to catch the Panthers off guard with a series of quick passes. They should be more successful this time around.

JMU’s passing game is close to breaking out. This feels like the spot where it comes through with its best game to date. 

Score prediction

Georgia State is 1-3 with a two-quarterback system and a nonexistent defense. The Panthers’ home-field advantage is among the worst in the Sun Belt, too. They are coming off a bye week, though, and they have a future NFL player at wide receiver. Given JMU’s inconsistent road performances under Bob Chesney, the Dukes can’t take any opponent for granted. 

Still, the Dukes have a boatload of potential matchup advantages, especially on offense. Georgia State’s defense has major flaws. The Dukes’ defense might be the best in the G5, and the running back room should get Ayo Adeyi back after going over 300 yards last week without him. It’s hard to see JMU struggling in this spot.

The pick: JMU 38, Georgia State 17

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications