By Daeshon Joyce

After a heartbreaking 34-31 overtime loss at App State, JMU returns to Bridgeforth Stadium looking to respond against Troy in a rematch of the 2025 Sun Belt Championship Game. The Dukes are 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Sun Belt play, while Troy enters at 3-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play after letting a fourth-quarter lead slip away in a 21–14 loss to ULM last week. 

How to watch

TV: ESPN2

Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, Virginia

Weather: The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the high 50s at kickoff. Weather shouldn’t impact the game, although fans may want to wear layers as temperatures dip into the 40s by the end of the game.

Troy overview

Troy enters at 3-4 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt play after a 21–14 loss to ULM last Saturday. The Trojans led 14-3 in the fourth quarter but surrendered two late touchdown passes before a fumble return for a touchdown ended the game. The loss followed a 33-6 defeat at Louisiana.

Record: 3-4 overall, 1-2 in the Sun Belt. Troy’s latest loss was especially painful because its defense had kept ULM out of the end zone for most of the afternoon before the late collapse.

Coach: Gerad Parker leads the Trojans, and he’s 15-18 as the program’s head coach. He also went 0-6 as Purdue’s interim coach in 2016, giving him a 15-24 career record.

Conference: Sun Belt. This is a rematch of the 2025 Sun Belt Championship Game, which JMU won 31-14. Troy will be visiting Bridgeforth Stadium on a short week after playing ULM on Saturday, while JMU has had extra time to recover from Thursday night’s overtime loss.

Key players to watch

Goose Crowder, QB (Troy): Crowder is a key part of the Trojans’ passing game, but he was just 6 of 14 for 50 yards and an interception against ULM. JMU’s defense will need to pressure him, limit explosive throws and force Troy to sustain long drives. If the Trojans have any chance, Crowder needs to play like he did against Southern Miss (18-for-21 passing with 225 yards and two scores) in early October.

Gavin Griffin, RB (Troy): Griffin scored both of Troy’s touchdowns against ULM, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass and later adding a 1-yard rushing score. He’s been solid this season, running for 398 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

TK Keyes, WR (Troy): Keyes has been one of Troy’s receiving options this season (21.7 yards per catch) and gives the Trojans a potential downfield target. He’s questionable for the game, however, and missed last week’s loss. It’s not a coincidence that the passing attack falters when he’s absent.

Braeden Wisloski, WR (JMU): Wisloski was JMU’s leading receiver against App State, finishing with 84 yards and a 70-yard touchdown catch. His ability to stretch the field could be important against a Troy team looking to bounce back defensively.

JC Evans, QB (JMU): Evans provided a spark against App State, completing 5 of 7 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, including a 70-yard scoring connection with Wisloski. His ability to create explosive plays — whether as a passer or runner — could be a difference-maker against Troy. His rushing could be extra valuable with leading rusher George Pettaway out with an injury.

DJ Kelly, DB (JMU): Kelly is a player to watch in the secondary as JMU looks to create takeaways and tighten up late-game execution. The Dukes failed to force a takeaway in the loss to App State. Could Kelly add his fifth interception of the season this week? The defensive backs will need to step up with star safety Jayon Harvey unavailable.

Keys to the game

Finish strong

Both teams are coming off losses shaped by late-game swings. JMU let a lead slip away in overtime against App State, while Troy surrendered 18 points in the final three minutes against ULM. JMU has had a few sluggish finishes this fall, with the loss to App State being the first time it cost the Dukes a win.

Sustain offense

JMU got a 70-yard touchdown from JC Evans to Braeden Wisloski against App State, showing how quickly the offense can change a game. The Dukes need to be better at sustaining drives this week, though. They went 2-for-15 on third downs in the overtime loss to the Mountaineers. Troy’s team strength is the defense. Can JMU’s third-down offense look competent Thursday?

Make Troy earn every scoring opportunity

Troy managed only 14 points against ULM, with running back Gavin Griffin scoring both touchdowns. JMU should focus on sound tackling, disciplined coverage and limiting Griffin’s impact around the goal line. The defense also needs to avoid penalties that extend drives. JMU averages over 75 penalty yards per game, which ranks in the bottom 20 nationally.

Take advantage of the short week for Troy

Troy travels to Harrisonburg after playing on Saturday, while JMU played Thursday night and has more time before this matchup. The Dukes need to start fast, use their home crowd and maintain pressure without assuming Troy will be tired. Winning the line of scrimmage and protecting the football will be key.

Score prediction

JMU has the home-field advantage and extra preparation time, but the Dukes must respond after the overtime loss to App State. Troy will be motivated to rebound after a difficult finish against ULM, so JMU cannot afford to let the game become close late. If Evans and Wisloski can create explosive plays and the defense contains Griffin, the Dukes should be in position to get back in the win column.

JMU 63, Troy 20

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications