James Madison Dukes Sun Belt Football 2023: Live Updates and Status, Schedule, Preview Tonight

James Madison Dukes Sun Belt Football 2023: Live Updates and Status, Schedule, Preview Tonight

The James Madison Dukes are gearing up for the 2023 college football season. The team is coming off a 13-1 record in 2022, including an undefeated 7-0 record in Colonial Athletic Association play. They won the CAA Championship and made it to the FCS National Championship Game, where they lost to North Dakota State.

Image of James Madison Dukes American Football 2023 logo

The Dukes are led by head coach Curt Cignetti, who is entering his fifth season at the helm. Cignetti is a rising star in college football, and he has turned James Madison into a national powerhouse.

The Dukes have a number of talented players returning in 2023, including quarterback Carson Beck, running back Camerun Peoples, and wide receiver Daivien Williamson. Beck is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat teams with his arm and his legs. Peoples is a powerful running back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. Williamson is a big-play receiver who can take the top off of a defense.

The Dukes also have a strong defense returning in 2023. The defense is led by linebacker Chandler Brewer and defensive tackle Bryson Johnson. Brewer is a dominant force in the middle of the field, and Johnson is a force in the trenches.

The Dukes have a tough schedule in 2023. They will face off against some of the best teams in the Sun Belt, including Louisiana, Coastal Carolina, and Appalachian State.

However, the Dukes are a team that is always ready for a challenge. They have the talent to beat any team in the Sun Belt, and they will be a tough out in any game they play in.

Live Updates and Status

The Dukes are currently in the midst of their preseason schedule. They have won their first two games, and they will face off against the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs tonight in their third preseason game.

The Dukes will open the regular season on September 2nd, when they host the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs.

Schedule

Week 1

  • September 2nd: vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
  • September 9th: at Virginia Cavaliers
  • September 16th: vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Week 2

  • September 23rd: vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
  • September 30th: at Appalachian State Mountaineers
  • October 7th: vs Troy Trojans

Week 3

  • October 14th: vs Texas State Bobcats
  • October 21st: at Georgia State Panthers
  • October 28th: Bye

Week 4

  • November 4th: vs ULM Warhawks
  • November 11th: at South Alabama Jaguars
  • November 18th: vs New Mexico State Aggies
  • November 25th: at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Preview Tonight

The Dukes are set to face off against the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs tonight in their third preseason game. The game will be played at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and it will kick off at 7:30 PM ET.

The Dukes are coming off a 27-17 win over the UTEP Miners in their previous preseason game. Carson Beck threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns in the game, and Daivien Williamson had six catches for 85 yards.

The Runnin' Bulldogs are coming off a 6-5 record in 2022, including a 4-4 record in Big South Conference play. They are led by quarterback Bailey Smith, who threw for 2,325 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

The Dukes and Runnin' Bulldogs are both expected to be competitive teams in 2023. This should be a good game to preview the upcoming season.

Conclusion

The James Madison Dukes are a team with a lot of potential in 2023. They have a talented quarterback, a good running game, and a strong defense. If they can stay healthy, they could be a contender for the Sun Belt Championship and a New Year's Six bowl game.