“Analyzing 2025 James Madison Football in ‘Duck Tape’ Film”

In the 2025 football season, James Madison University (JMU) distinguished itself by achieving a remarkable 12-1 record under Head Coach Everett Chesney. The Dukes clinched the Sun Belt conference title by defeating Troy, marking a successful second year for Chesney, who took over the program following Curt Cignetti’s departure to Indiana after the 2023 season.

Unbeaten in Conference Play

JMU entered the playoffs unbeaten in conference games, securing victory in seven competitions while boasting a 3-1 record in non-conference matchups. Their only loss of the season came against Louisville, an ACC opponent. Despite leading at halftime, the Dukes fell short after a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter.

Key Personnel Changes

The Dukes faced several challenges throughout the season, most notably injuries to key players that impacted their performance. Noteworthy changes included:

• The transition from a two-quarterback system to a single quarterback approach after Week 2.
• The injury of their standout wide receiver, #13 WR Ellis, during the Appalachian State game.
• Absences from defensive tackle #0 DT I. Bush during critical games.

While the change to a single quarterback system helped stabilize the offense, the injuries to Ellis and Bush contributed to several close contests, particularly in the championship game against Troy.

Offensive Strategies and Performance

JMU’s offensive structure emphasized a strong run game, executing designed quarterback runs and attempting to establish dominance on the ground. The Dukes ran the ball on 55% of plays, showing particular success in short yardage situations with a 72% success rate on 2nd and short downs.

Statistical Insights

Despite their running proficiency, the Dukes struggled in sustained drives. A substantial portion of their scoring came from explosive plays rather than methodical advancement downfield:

• 32 out of 87 meaningful drives ended in touchdowns.
• 29 touchdowns resulted from plays of 40+ yards.
• Only 3 sustained drives resulted in scores without an explosive play.

Defensive Resilience

On the defensive side, JMU operated primarily out of a 4-2-5 scheme that allowed for flexibility against various offensive setups. The Dukes excelled at stopping the run, achieving a 59.8% success rate on 1st down. Key to their success was a healthy rotation of defensive linemen and aggressive first-man tackles.

Challenges Faced

Despite solid defensive metrics, JMU’s secondary faced vulnerabilities, particularly on 3rd down. They struggled when pressured, leading to lapses in coverage and penalties.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The Dukes’ combination of a potent run game and a resilient defense resulted in a stellar season. The return of injured playmakers for the playoffs could enhance their chances of advancing further in the postseason. JMU’s approach to offensive and defensive strategies sets the stage for a promising future in college football.