(BCSNN) -- James Madison captured the 2025 Credit Union 1 Sun Belt Football Championship with a 31–14 victory over Troy Friday night at Bridgeforth Stadium, fueled by a dominant defense and a record-setting performance from Wayne Knight.

The Dukes (12–1) pitched a second-half shutout and scored twice in the fourth quarter to secure their first Sun Belt crown and 11th conference championship overall. Knight, who earned MVP honors, rushed for a career-high 212 yards and totaled 234 all-purpose yards, including a 73-yard touchdown run in the second quarter — the longest in Sun Belt Championship history.

Leading 17–14 late in the fourth, quarterback Alonza Barnett III broke free for a 26-yard touchdown run to extend the margin. On Troy’s ensuing possession, Sahir West strip-sacked quarterback Goose Crowder, and Drew Spinogatti returned the fumble 22 yards for the clinching score.

JMU’s defense set Sun Belt title game records with 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks. West led the charge with 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Xavier Holmes added 2.5 sacks, while Elijah Culp recorded nine tackles. The Dukes held Troy (8–5) to just 45 yards in the second half and -27 rushing yards overall, the lowest total ever allowed by JMU against an FBS opponent.

Barnett finished 10-of-25 for 93 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while adding 85 rushing yards and a score. Braeden Wisloski caught two passes for 31 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown grab.

Crowder threw for 196 yards and a touchdown for Troy but was sacked five times. Running back Tae Meadows scored once but managed only 10 rushing yards as the Trojans were stifled throughout the night.

The win marked JMU’s 12th of the season and extended its winning streak to 11 games, the longest since 2019. Knight became the first Duke to record four 100-yard rushing games in a season since 2021.

James Madison now awaits its postseason destination, which will be revealed Sunday during the College Football Playoff Selection Show.