James Madison’s George Pettaway Out for Thursday Game Against Troy

James Madison will be without running back George Pettaway when it hosts Troy on Thursday, removing the Sun Belt’s leading rusher from a rematch of last season’s conference championship game.

Pettaway was injured against App State last week. Troy’s official preview lists him as unavailable and credits him with an average of 103 rushing yards per game.

The game at Bridgeforth Stadium begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN2. James Madison enters 7–1 overall and 4–1 in conference play, while Troy is 3–4 and 1–2.

Both teams are coming off defeats. The Dukes lost in overtime at App State, while Troy surrendered a 14–3 advantage against ULM after allowing two late scores.

Troy’s game preview also describes uncertainty at quarterback for the visitors. Goose Crowder has left two consecutive games with an upper-body injury, with Tucker Kilcrease providing an alternative at the position.

Kilcrease ran for a touchdown at Louisiana and threw a touchdown pass against ULM. Those recent appearances give Troy an option, although the preview does not by itself announce Thursday’s final quarterback workload.

Pettaway’s absence changes the personnel available to James Madison’s running game. His individual average measures previous production; it should not be treated as a fixed number of yards automatically removed from the team’s total.

The replacement carries and passing-game responsibilities will depend on how the Dukes organize the available backfield. A confirmed absence does not establish that one reserve will inherit every snap or touch.

Troy’s defensive front includes Donnie Smith, who has recorded a sack in nine of his last 10 games, and Keno Jones, credited with 7.5 tackles for loss. Their disruption presents another consideration as James Madison adjusts its offensive personnel.

The update is specific to Thursday’s game. The available reporting does not establish a longer recovery timetable for Pettaway.