Old Dominion Monarchs vs James Madison Dukes | A Rivalry Renewed (10-16-25)
By: Ty Tracy
Headline Photo Credit: ODU Football
In a heated in-state rivalry matchup in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison quarterback Alonzo Barnett and the Dukes will host the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. This game has major implications for both teams, potentially shaking up the Sun Belt Conference East standings and impacting the Group of Five playoff hopes. The Monarchs are looking to rebound after a stunning loss to the Marshall Herd, where they were dominated 48-24 despite entering as favorites. Turnovers plagued Old Dominion, with three lost fumbles and two interceptions. Quarterback Colton Joseph threw two picks, including one returned for a Marshall pick-six. The Monarchs currently sit third in the Sun Belt Conference. James Madison, meanwhile, leads the Sun Belt East and comes off a 24-14 conference win over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, improving to 3-0 in the Sun Belt and 5-1 overall.
The Dukes bounced back from a sluggish offensive show against Georgia State, a 14-7 victory that produced minimal points. Against Louisiana, QB Alonzo Barnett and the offense recorded 477 total yards, including three touchdown passes to WR Landon Ellis, demonstrating the team’s ability to respond under pressure. The Dukes are considered strong contenders to reach the Sun Belt Conference Championship, but the second half of their schedule will be challenging, with upcoming conference matchups against Old Dominion, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Marshall, and Texas State. Saturday’s rivalry game will be a key test in their pursuit of a championship run.
Saturday afternoons in-state matchup between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the James Madison Dukes in Harrisonburg has major implications in the Sun Belt East race. Both teams are nearly identical statistically, ranking among the top five in the conference in total offense, rushing offense, total defense, and points allowed. The Dukes enter the game as 1.5-point favorites at home. Old Dominion comes in averaging 34.2 points per game while maintaining a dominant ground attack, rushing for an average of 238.0 yards per game, which ranks 13th nationally.
James Madison’s rushing offense isn’t far behind, sitting 15th in the country, as both teams continue to establish themselves among the Sun Belt’s best on the ground. With both defenses capable of limiting big plays, this matchup could very well come down to the final possession. The biggest question heading into Saturday is how Old Dominion will respond after last week’s stunning loss to Marshall — a setback that put the Monarchs’ backs against the wall in the race for the Sun Belt Championship. A win in Harrisonburg would keep them firmly in contention, while a loss could deal a major blow to their title hopes.
For James Madison, the goal is to extend its winning streak to five games, stay atop the Sun Belt East standings, and strengthen its case as a potential Group of Five contender for the College Football Playoff. Saturday’s matchup also features an intriguing quarterback duel between James Madison’s Alonzo Barnett and Old Dominion’s Colton Joseph, two players who have been instrumental in their teams’ early-season success. Barnett has thrown for 957 yards, completing 60.3% of his passes while consistently putting the ball in position for his receivers to make plays. One of the key matchups to watch will be in the trenches, as both teams pride themselves on establishing the run and controlling the line of scrimmage.
The battle between Old Dominion’s offensive front and James Madison’s top-tier run defense could ultimately decide the outcome. Turnovers will also play a crucial role — something that hurt the Monarchs last week against Marshall. If the Dukes can pressure Colton Joseph and force mistakes, they’ll be in position to stay unbeaten in conference play. But if Old Dominion’s ground game finds early success and limits turnovers, this rivalry clash in Harrisonburg could come down to the final drive
