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James Madison officially hosting ESPN's 'College GameDay' for the first time

ESPN takes its show on the road to Harrisonburg, Va., for the Dukes' game against Richmond.

James Madison quarterback Vad Lee and the Dukes host 'College GameDay' next week.
James Madison quarterback Vad Lee and the Dukes host 'College GameDay' next week.
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

College GameDay is heading to Virginia next Saturday – but not to Blacksburg or even Charlottesville.

ESPN's flagship college football pregame show will travel to James Madison University in Harrisonburg to set up the Dukes' major FCS showdown with Richmond, the show announced Sunday.

GameDay likes to get to sort of off-the-map sites once or so every season. In the past two seasons, the show has broadcasted from North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D. It's also put on a show live from Harvard.

It's fun for viewers and show staff alike to get to see new places and fun college football atmospheres, and James Madison should offer exactly that on Saturday. The Dukes thrashed Elon this week, 51-0, to move to 7-0 on the season and presumably stay in the top five of the FCS rankings. Meanwhile, Richmond has won five straight to get to 5-1 after falling to Big Ten foe Maryland in its season opener.

So the teams are both playing well, and they've fashioned a bit of an in-state rivalry in the past. JMU fans will certainly be revved up, and GameDay will let everyone see just how much.

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