News Summary
James Madison University (JMU) secured its third consecutive bowl eligibility with a dominant 63-27 victory over Old Dominion University (ODU). Highlighted by quarterback Alonza Barnett III’s six touchdowns, JMU’s balanced offensive attack and tightened defense led to a strong second half, outscoring ODU 35-0. This victory improved JMU’s record to 6-1 and kept them undefeated in their conference. As the season continues, JMU solidifies its position as a contender in the Sun Belt conference.
Harrisonburg, Virginia – James Madison University (JMU) secured its third consecutive bowl eligibility with an impressive 63-27 victory against Old Dominion University (ODU) on Saturday. With this win, JMU improved its season record to 6-1 and maintained a perfect 4-0 conference standing in the Sun Belt.
Despite an early setback, with ODU scoring just six seconds into the game after a fumbled kickoff by JMU, the Dukes quickly regained control. The first half was a competitive back-and-forth affair, culminating in JMU leading 28-27 at halftime.
JMU’s quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, stood out with a remarkable performance, accumulating a total of six touchdowns—two through the air, throwing for 295 yards, and four on the ground, rushing for 153 yards. His efforts were instrumental in JMU’s offensive showcase, which totaled 624 yards, comprising 313 passing yards and 311 rushing yards.
The turning point in the game came in the second half when JMU’s defense tightened significantly. After allowing ODU’s offense to accumulate 270 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, JMU’s defense held ODU to just 10 yards and forced two turnovers in the second half. This defensive dominance allowed JMU to outscore ODU 35-0 following the break.
Old Dominion’s quarterback Colton Joseph initially had a strong game, completing three touchdown passes and totaling 209 passing yards. However, his performance faltered in the second half, culminating in two critical interceptions, one directly leading to a JMU touchdown. ODU’s struggle continued as the second half commenced with an interception by JMU’s Justin Eaglin, paving the way for another quick touchdown.
In addition to Barnett’s stellar performance, JMU showcased a well-balanced offense that kept ODU’s defense on its heels throughout the contest. The Dukes’ capacity to strike consistently, both in the air and on the ground, proved too much for ODU to handle.
JMU’s next matchup is scheduled for October 28 against Texas State, while Old Dominion will return to home turf to host Appalachian State for their Homecoming game. This victory not only secured JMU’s bowl eligibility but also placed them in a strong position within the Sun Belt conference, reaffirming their status as a formidable contender this season.
Old Dominion’s coach expressed frustration post-game, citing decision-making and a lack of conviction during the second half as critical issues that cost them the game. Furthermore, a highlight for ODU included Colton Joseph’s remarkable 98-yard touchdown pass to Tre Brown, marking the longest play in FBS this season and setting a record for ODU.
As JMU celebrates its success and prepares for upcoming challenges, the college football landscape continues to shift. Virginia recently joined the ranks of bowl-eligible teams, achieving its sixth win of the season against Washington State with a narrow 22-20 scoreline. On the other hand, Maryland faced disappointment, dropping to a 4-3 record following a third consecutive loss to UCLA, ending with a final score of 20-17.
As the season progresses, the performance of teams such as JMU will be closely watched, marking a significant chapter in collegiate football.
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Additional Resources
- Old Dominion Sports
- Google Search: Old Dominion University football
- Pilot Online
- Wikipedia: James Madison University
- ESPN
- Google News: JMU football
- Richmond.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College football
- JMU Sports News
- Google Scholar: James Madison University football
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