News Summary
Old Dominion University’s football team experienced a painful loss against James Madison University, ending the game 63-27 at Bridgeforth Stadium. After a strong first half where ODU trailed JMU by only one point, the team struggled significantly in the second half, recording just one offensive yard. JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III led his team with impressive stats, while ODU’s players expressed frustration over their performance and emphasized the need for team unity as they prepare for their next matchup against App State.
Harrisonburg, Va. – Old Dominion University’s football team suffered a significant defeat against James Madison University (JMU) with a final score of 63-27 in a key matchup at Bridgeforth Stadium. Despite putting up a strong fight in the first half, ODU’s performance drastically declined after halftime, leading to a lopsided second half that proved detrimental.
Old Dominion entered the game as one of the top-ranked teams in the Sun Belt Conference and trailed JMU by a narrow margin of one point at halftime, 28-27. However, the second half saw a complete turnaround as ODU’s offense faltered, managing just one offensive yard compared to JMU’s dominant display on both sides of the ball. A pair of turnovers by ODU in the second half resulted in touchdowns for JMU, further widening the score gap.
Key Highlights and Performance Issues
In the first half, ODU quarterback Colton Joseph showcased his talent, completing 12 of 13 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the game with 209 passing yards but faced challenges after throwing two interceptions in the second half. ODU’s overall offensive production took a significant hit, as the team recorded 275 offensive yards in the first half but was limited to a mere 10 yards in the second half by JMU’s defense, which had previously not allowed more than 288 yards in any of its last six games.
JMU’s offensive performance was led by quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 153 yards and four touchdowns. This powerful performance contributed to JMU’s overall total yardage of 624 for the game, tying for the most offensive yards allowed by ODU in program history. The 63 points that ODU allowed mark the second-most in the team’s history.
Game Context and Reactions
The game began with controversy as ODU scored on the opening kickoff due to a fumbled return by JMU, with Lucas Struck recovering the fumble just six seconds into the game. The first half saw several lead changes, including ODU’s Tre’ Brown III achieving a remarkable 98-yard touchdown reception, the longest in program history. However, despite this early momentum, Old Dominion’s head coach expressed disappointment with the team’s overall performance, particularly in the critical third quarter.
ODU players expressed their frustration following the game, emphasizing a commitment to improve and unite as a team. Defensive lineman Kris Trinidad highlighted the importance of maintaining team cohesion as they prepare for their next matchup.
Looking Ahead
Old Dominion will look to regroup as they prepare to face App State in their next game, which is scheduled for the following Saturday at noon. This upcoming match will be televised nationally on ESPNU, offering the team a chance to showcase improvements after the tough loss to JMU.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lynchburg Hosts Final Virginia Commonwealth Games
Marshall University Football Team Defeats Old Dominion
Old Dominion University Loses to Marshall in Key Matchup
Colton Joseph Earns Manning Award Star Recognition Again
ODU Football Team Secures Victory Over Liberty University
ODU Monarchs Achieve 100th Victory Against Liberty Flames
Old Dominion University Triumphs Over Liberty University
Christchurch School Football Team Wins First Three Games
ODU Volleyball Team Falls to Villanova in Invitational
Virginia Tech Football Coach Fired After Poor Start
Additional Resources
- JMU Sports: Barnett Scores Six Times, Dukes Roll Past ODU on Homecoming
- Wikipedia: Old Dominion Monarchs Football
- Pilot Online: Turnovers Cripple ODU Yet Again in 63-27 Defeat at JMU
- Google Search: Old Dominion University Football
- JMU Sports News: JMU vs. Old Dominion Football Preview
- Google Scholar: ODU Football
- DNROnline: JMU vs ODU Football Photos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Madison University
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
