Following a tough matchup against Tennessee in Nashville, the Virginia football team will return to Charlottesville on Sept. 9 to take on in-state foe James Madison in its home opener at Scott Stadium. It’s the first meeting between the teams since 1983.

After consistently being one of the top teams in the Football Championship Subdivision, JMU made the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2022. In just their first season, the Dukes finished with a record of 8-3 and would’ve competed for a Sun Belt Conference Championship had it not been for NCAA rules that restrict first-year teams from doing so. This matchup with UVA could mark the start of a new in-state rivalry, as the two schools are just an hour apart.

It’s time to take a closer look at the second opponent of the 2023 season.

James Madison Dukes

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 9, 12:00 PM ET (ESPNU)
• Location: Scott Stadium – Charlottesville, VA (natural grass field)
• 2022 Record: 8-3
• Coach: Curt Cignetti, entering 5th season
• Last Meeting: Sept. 17, 1983 @ Scott Stadium, UVA won 21-14
• Last Bowl Game Appearance: JMU was not bowl eligible in 2022 due to NCAA rules prohibiting first-year FBS schools from competing in postseason play
• Last FCS Playoff Appearance: 2021 – lost to North Dakota State in semifinals, 20-14
• Key Returning Players: WR Reggie Brown, RB Latrele Palmer, OL Nick Kidwell, OL Tyler Stephens, LB Taurus Jones, LB Jailin Walker, DL James Carpenter

What To Expect On Game Day

What’s To Like: Impressive defensive line. Overall, JMU had an outstanding defense in 2022, ranking 5th in the nation in total defense. What made this defense so strong was its front. James Madison averaged 3.45 sacks per game (No. 4 in the nation), 8.6 tackles for loss per game (No. 2 in the nation), and allowed just 79.5 rush yards per game (No. 2 in the nation). The defensive line was anchored by James Carpenter, a 6’2” and 283-pound nose guard who totaled 11.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks in 2022. The redshirt junior returns in 2023, but the Dukes did lose talented edge rusher Isaac Ukwu to the transfer portal (Ole Miss). Ukwu led the defense in sacks with 7.5.

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