The upcoming game between the James Madison Dukes and North Carolina Tar Heels on September 21, 2024, is shaping up to be a compelling matchup between two undefeated teams. The Dukes, led by head coach Curt Cignetti, have built a reputation as a strong defensive team in the Sun Belt Conference. They enter this game with a 2-0 record, having allowed just 6.5 points per game on average. Their defense has been stout against both the pass and the run, ranking 68th in total yards allowed per game. Offensively, James Madison relies heavily on its ground game, averaging 174 rushing yards per game, which is among the best in their conference. North Carolina, under head coach Mack Brown, has also enjoyed a perfect start to the season with a 3-0 record.

The Tar Heels have been particularly effective on the ground, rushing for 248.7 yards per game, which ranks them among the top 20 nationally. The passing game, led by quarterback Drake Maye, has been less prolific but effective enough to keep defenses honest. Defensively, North Carolina has allowed only 15.7 points per game, making them a well-rounded team capable of both scoring and defending effectively. This game is likely to be a battle in the trenches, with both teams preferring to run the ball and control the clock. James Madison’s defense will need to find a way to slow down North Carolina’s rushing attack, while the Tar Heels will aim to exploit any gaps in the Dukes’ defense. The key to the game could be third-down efficiency; James Madison has converted 51.3% of their third downs, while North Carolina’s defense has allowed a third-down conversion rate of 27.5%, indicating a clash of strengths.