James Madison is one of two Group of 5 teams playing Saturday in the first round of the college football playoffs. Will the Dukes hang with the Ducks in Eugene, OR? Or will the higher-seed Ducks crush the Dukes in this James Madison vs. Oregon matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET?
James Madison vs. Oregon Game Information
- 📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- 🕢 Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
- 📍 Location: Autzen Stadium — Eugene, OR
- 📺 TV: TNT / truTV / HBO Max
- 🏆 Event: 2025 College Football Playoff — First Round
This marquee CFP first-round matchup pits the No. 12 James Madison Dukes (12–1) against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (11–1) in a cross-country battle with playoff advancement — and a quarterfinal date vs. Texas Tech — on the line. It’s the first postseason meeting between these programs and a chance for the Dukes to prove themselves on college football’s biggest stage.
James Madison vs. Oregon Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison | +20.5 | 45.5 | +1200 |
| Oregon | -20.5 | 45.5 | -1800 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 41% | +20.5 | +20.5 |
| Oregon | 69% | -20.5 | -20.5 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
🏈 Team Overviews & Storylines
James Madison Dukes (12–1, Sun Belt)
James Madison capped its season by winning the Sun Belt Championship and earning its first-ever CFP berth — a remarkable achievement for a program in just its fourth year at the FBS level. The Dukes have been dominant against their schedule, going 11-1 with an 11-game win streak and a rare upset opportunity on the road.
Dukes Strengths
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Balanced Yardage: JMU averages near 450 total yards per game, driven by a potent run game (about 245 rushing yds/game, 6th nationally).
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Wayne Knight (RB): The Sun Belt’s top hard-nosed back with 1,263 rushing yards and key receiver role.
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Alonza Barnett III (QB): A dual-threat leader with 21 passing TDs and 14 rushing scores who can extend plays and pick up tough yards.
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Defense: The Dukes allow just under 16 points per game and have one of the best run defenses in college football.
Challenges
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Competition Step-Up: JMU’s schedule lacked Power Four teams outside of a loss to Louisville; facing a top-tier Oregon challenges every aspect of their game.
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First-Ever CFP Game: Long road trip to Eugene and hostile environment at Autzen — a daunting stage for the young CFP program.
Oregon Ducks (11–1, Pac-12)
Oregon’s top-tier season earns a Fifth seed and home-field advantage as it eyes its first College Football Playoff victory. The Ducks bring balance, explosive playmakers, and one of the nation’s stingiest defenses (fewer than 15 points allowed per game).
Ducks Strengths
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Dante Moore (QB): Highly efficient passer with 2,700+ yards, 24 TDs, and excellent decision-making.
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Multi-Threat Rushing Attack: Oregon averages 218 rushing yds/game with lead backs Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison both threats to break long gains or finish drives.
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Balanced Scoring: A lineup of receivers including Malik Benson and Kenyon Sadiq, each with over 400+ receiving yards and multiple TDs.
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Elite Defense: Oregon’s defense ranks among the top nationally in limiting points, pass defense, and pressure creation.
Experience & Depth: Oregon has faced multiple high-caliber opponents (USC, Penn State, Washington) and thrived under pressure, giving the Ducks an edge in big-game experience.
🔁 Key Matchups & Game Themes
1. Oregon’s Balanced Attack vs. JMU Defense
Oregon’s ability to hurt opponents both through the air and on the ground will test the Dukes’ defensive discipline. Moore’s accuracy and the Ducks’ rushing depth give Oregon multiple ways to sustain drives and exploit mismatches.
2. James Madison Run Game Against Top Competition
JMU’s strength has been controlling the trenches and clock with Knight and Barnett’s legs, but Oregon’s defensive front — especially against the run — is a major challenge that will define how competitive the Dukes can be.
3. Turnovers & Possessions
In playoff football, turnovers and field position matter. Oregon’s ability to force mistakes and capitalize in short fields could be decisive early.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss Picks
Given Oregon’s dominant defense, balanced offense, home-field edge, and James Madison stepping up against a major power-conference foe, the Ducks seem poised for a commanding performance. That said, JMU’s physical run game and stout defense could keep this competitive early..
🏆 Prediction: Oregon 55, James Madison 17 (take Ducks -20.5)
Expect Oregon to control tempo and depth while James Madison fights hard in the first half but ultimately falls short in a first-round matchup that highlights the strategic and talent gap between a top-tier CFP favorite and a historic underdog.
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