No. 24 James Madison extends winning streak to 8 games with 58-10 win over Appalachian State

By Canadian Press on November 15, 2025.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Jobi Malary rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns as No. 24 James Madison extended its winning streak to eight games with a 58-10 win over Appalachian State on Saturday.

Wayne Knight carried 16 times for 94 yards and a score and caught six passes for 55 yards as the Dukes (9-1, 7-0) remained unbeaten in Sun Belt Conference play.

Alonza Barnett completed 22 of 35 passes for 303 yards and ran for two TDs as the Dukes piled up 557 yards of total offense, their second-highest output of the season.

JMU’s defense dominated, holding the Mountaineers scoreless until 10:48 remained in the game. James Madison limited Appalachian State to a season-low 146 yards of total offense.

James Madison had an overwhelming advantage in time of possession, holding the ball for 42 minutes, 18 seconds.

JMU got on the board first by taking advantage of an interception by DJ Barksdale. A 42-yard catch and run by Jaylan Sanchez set up a 1-yard touchdown by Knight as the only score of the first quarter.

Dominic DeFreitas kicked a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and App State denied the Dukes their first shutout since the 2020-21 spring season against Morehead State. The Mountaineers found the end zone with 1:54 left on a 19-yard TD reception by Davion Dozier.

The takeaway

Appalachian State: First-year coach Dowell Loggains, a former longtime NFL coordinator, had the Mountaineers at 4-2. But, after consecutive close losses, App State wasn’t competitive, dropping its fourth straight game.

James Madison: The Dukes’ win, coupled with losses by South Florida and Cincinnati, have people in Harrisonburg seriously thinking about JMU representing the Group of Five in the College Football Playoff.

Up next

Appalachian State: Hosts Sun Belt foe Marshall on Saturday.

James Madison: Hosts Washington State in a non-conference game on Saturday.

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Mike Barber, The Associated Press