(Photo: NCAA.com)
College Football Playoff- First Round
(12) James Madison Dukes at (5) Oregon Ducks
James Madison (12-1):
They’ve been one of the feel-good stories of the regular season and have been hanging around the playoff picture since the rankings started being announced. They won the Sun Belt Conference and dominated after a loss to the Louisville Cardinals during the regular season. If you said this was the most complete team in their conference, I wouldn’t disagree. For some time, they’ve been potent offensively, averaging 34 points per game each season since 2021. Their offense is anchored by dual-threat quarterback Alonza Barnett II, who has had a phenomenal season, accounting for 35 total touchdowns (21 passing, 14 rushing). He’s a true dual-threat, capable of putting immense pressure on a defense because he’s a threat both as a runner and a passer. Defensively, they also create significant challenges for their opponents. I want to highlight their coach, Bob Chesney. He has decided to take the UCLA job at season’s end but is committed to finishing what he started with the Dukes. I admire coaches who honor their team in this way. This squad plays hard for him, and you can tell they respect him deeply. On December 20th, James Madison will make their playoff debut at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Oregon (11-1):
Everything is in place for Oregon, not just to reach the National Championship game, but to win it. They have a top-five coach in Dan Lanning, a stacked roster from top to bottom, and know how to maximize talent. It was another strong year for them in their second season in the Big Ten, and by default, they were the third-best team in the conference behind Ohio State and Indiana—the team that handed them their only regular-season loss. Speaking of that loss, I remember saying afterward that I needed to see more from Dante Moore. Since October, he has clearly matured, and this is a different Oregon team than we’ve seen in the past. Under Chip Kelly, Oregon’s offense thrived on tempo and pace. This unit could still do that, but now they emphasize slowing the game down and running the football to control the line of scrimmage. They still have the weapons to attack through the air, but it’s the balance that really stands out. Defensively, this is one of the nation’s stingier units. They don’t always get the respect they deserve, but given Dan Lanning’s background as a defensive-minded coach, it shouldn’t be a surprise. On December 20th, Oregon will host its first College Football Playoff game in Eugene.
James Madison X-Factor: Wayne Knight
What a season Wayne Knight has had. He was recently named a nominee for the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes the most versatile players in college football—an accolade that fits him perfectly. He impacts the game as a runner, receiver, and on special teams. Not the biggest guy on the field, he plays like he is—powerful, smooth, and capable of bursting past defenders. Wayne could present Oregon’s defense with a host of problems in this matchup.
Oregon X-Factor: Bryce Boettcher
Bryce Boettcher is the backbone of the Oregon defense and one of the best linebackers in the country. As the anchor of the front seven, he ensures everyone is where they need to be. He is an elite run-stopper and will be critical in trying to contain Wayne Knight and James Madison’s rushing attack, which will look to set the tone early. Bryce is the momentum stopper for this Oregon defense and will be counted on to prevent any explosive plays from the Dukes’ offense.
Final Thoughts:
Playoff time is here! The bracket announcement was controversial, but this is the system the CFP committee built. James Madison is making their playoff debut against a team that was the number-one seed last year but fell short to eventual National Champion Ohio State. James Madison’s identity is the ground game. They will need to lean on Wayne Knight to control the tempo, protect the quarterback against Oregon’s dynamic front, and use RPOs, slants, and misdirections to keep the Ducks’ defense off balance. Force Oregon into methodical drives, keep safeties deep, and make them earn every yard. For Oregon, the keys are offensive balance, unpredictability, and using their speed to disrupt JMU’s rhythm. Most importantly, don’t get conservative or one-dimensional. Play the football that’s got you here to this point.
