JMU football returns to the field Saturday for a much-needed bye week. The Dukes (6-2, 2-2 SBC) host Georgia State (2-6, 0-4 SBC) at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

Can the Dukes pick up win No. 7 to guarantee a winning season? Here’s what they need to do to pick up a win.

Be physical

Well, of course, it’s football! But Saturday’s game gives JMU a chance to overwhelm an opponent on the end of a brutal scheduling stretch.

While the Dukes are coming off a bye week, the Panthers have played three consecutive road games. This will be their fourth road game in a row. They’ve lost all the games, and between the close losses and the taxing travel, it would make sense if Georgia State came into this game running on fumes.

We sound like a broken record, but JMU needs to run the ball against the Panthers. They allow 5.3 yards per carry, one of the worst marks in the Sun Belt. JMU should be able to run the ball Saturday.

Take advantage of potential fatigue and wear and tear by playing a physical, run-heavy game. Defensively, don’t shy away from blitzing and making the offensive line hold up for 60 minutes in a physical fight. If the Dukes control the lines of scrimmage, which is doable against a 2-6 team on the end of an insanely long stretch of road games, they should win.

Figure something out in the passing game

Alonza Barnett doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards for JMU to win, but reaching 200 would be nice. The Dukes haven’t hit 200 passing yards in three consecutive games.

It’s hard to win football games in 2024 without an effective passing game. The Dukes could benefit from using shorter and intermediate throws to stress Georgia State’s defense. Blitzes have hurt JMU the last few weeks, but combating that with a short passing game could prove effective.

JMU had a bye week to scheme up plays to beat blitzes consistently. What did offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy come up with? Whatever it is needs to bring the passing attack back to life. What happened to the more than 600 combined passing yards and 10 passing TDs against UNC and Ball State? Where’s that offense?

Lean on the crowd

Given JMU’s passing woes, there’s a chance each of the final four games will be a grind for the Dukes. If that’s the case, JMU needs every edge it can get.

A sold out Bridgeforth is an edge. The Dukes have still yet to lose at home this season — they’re 4-0 this year and 14-2 since moving to the FBS. Road games against ODU and App State will be major tests, but taking care of business at home against Georgia State and Marshall guarantees an 8-win season. Even just splitting the road games would then mean the bowl game would be for a 10-win season. Winning at home is critical.

Having 25,000 engaged fans is an advantage for any G5 team, and it could be the difference Saturday if the Dukes’ offense doesn’t awake from its slumber.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications