No. 24 James Madison looks to close strong, keep Coastal Carolina out of the Sun Belt title game
James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti watches his team during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Credit: AP/Daniel Lin
CONWAY, S.C. — No. 24 James Madison (10-1, 6-1 Sun Belt Conference) at Coastal Carolina (7-4, 5-2), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: James Madison by 8 1/2 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: James Madison leads 2-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
A spot in the Sun Belt championship game. It's simple for Coastal Carolina, win and they head to Troy for another try at the title as East Division champions. If James Madison wins, it opens the door for Appalachian State or even Old Dominion to have a shot at the league title game.
KEY MATCHUP
James Madison offense vs. Coastal Carolina defense. The Dukes have one of the highest scoring offenses in the Sun Belt at more than 33 points a game while Coastal ranks second in the league in pass defense, holding offenses to just 201 yards a game through the air.
James Madison players react as the band plays the alma mater following their loss to Appalachian State in an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Credit: AP/Daniel Lin
PLAYERS TO WATCH
James Madison: QB Jordan McCloud has powered the Dukes offense this season, throwing for 27 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He had one of his poorest passing games, however, last week in James Madison's overtime loss to Appalachian State, completing just 58% of his throws.
Coastal Carolina: WR Sam Pinckney set the NCAA FBS mark this season with a catch in 56 consecutive games, the past two with the Chants after transferring from Georgia State. He's got 60 catches this season for 841 yards and seven TDs.
FACTS & FIGURES
James Madison running back Ty Son Lawton (7) tries to avoid a tackle from Appalachian State cornerback Ethan Johnson (19) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Credit: AP/Daniel Lin
James Madison coach Curt Cignetti said this week his team still holds out hope that it can play in a bowl game through legal means by the Virginia Attorney General. ... The NCAA turned down the school's appeal for a waiver from the two-year transition requirement to move from FCS to FBS. ... James Madison could still reach a bowl game if there are not enough FBS teams to fill the 41 bowls. ... Coastal Carolina's nickname is the Chanticleers, a feisty rooster from Chaucer's “The Canterbury Tales.” ... Coastal coach Tim Beck said three-time reigning Sun Belt player of the year in quarterback Grayson McCall is not likely to play as he continues recovering from a hit that left him knocked out on the field at Arkansas State last month. McCall has missed the past four games. ... Backups Jarred Guest and Ethan Vasko have played in McCall's place as Coastal has won its past three Sun Belt games.
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