JMU routes UNC 70-50 in a Battle of Unbeaten Teams  (9-21-24)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: Travis Cheek-LMS Network 

CHAPEL HILL, NC- The North Carolina Tar Heels looked to stay undefeated against the James Madison Dukes at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC. Both teams entered Saturday’s contest unbeaten, and both look to remain unbeaten early on in the season. This wouldn’t be an easy task for the Tar Heels to accomplish because JMU was ready from the opening kickoff. Looking at the stat sheet it would seem that both teams left their defenses at home, but it would be key defensive stops by the Dukes that help tell the story of today’s matchup. Both teams combined to score 120 points between the two and rack up over 1,200 yards of total offense.

On the opening drive for the James Madison Dukes, they were able to move the ball downfield but had to settle for a 50-yard FG by Noe Ruelas. North Carolina’s first possession resulted in a punt which was blocked and returned for a touchdown by Jayden Mines. The Dukes would attempt and get the 2-point conversion making the score 11-0 in their favor. This is where the fun begins in this matchup. The next two offensive possessions for the Tar Heels, Jacolby Criswell would connect with John Copenhaver on a 35-yard TD reception, and Omarion Hampton would score on a 28-yard TD run to reclaim the lead, 14-11. However, that lead wouldn’t last long because, on JMU’s next possession, Alonza Barnett III connected with Omarion Dollison on a 69-yard TD reception. On the ensuing kickoff, the Dukes tricked UNC with an onside kick and recovery to get the ball right back. Barnett would complete a 50-yard pass to Dollison, and that would set up a 3-yard TD run by Barnett to extend their lead 25-14 at the end of the first quarter. 

In the early part of the second quarter, UNC’s Jacolby Criswell connected with Bryson Nesbit on a 34-yard TD reception to cut into their deficit, 25-21. This would be the only offense that the Tar Heels muster throughout the entire quarter. James Madison would put together 3 offensive scoring drives and one pick-6 to score 28 unanswered points in the quarter. The score at halftime was 53-21, with both teams combining for 729 yards of total offense. The first half was pure domination by JMU, and nothing that UNC did was able to halt it. 

The Tar Heels received the ball after halftime and put together a 9-play 50-yard scoring drive that resulted in a 42-yard FG by Noah Burnette. JMU would respond with a 6-play 75-yard scoring drive, topped off by a 7-yard TD pass from Barnett to Dylan Williams to make the score 60-24. On the next possession by UNC, Omarion Hampton scored on a 15-yard run. The Tar Heels went for the 2-point conversion and were able to get it. UNC’s defense stepped up on JMU’s next possession forcing them to punt. The punt was blocked and returned 34 yards for the touchdown by Davion Gause. The momentum had seemed like it was beginning to shift to the Tar Heels, but the Dukes managed to keep them at arm’s length for the rest of the game. A 44-yard FG and an 11-yard TD reception was enough to dash the hopes of a miraculous comeback by UNC. The final score of this matchup was 70-50, with JMU remaining undefeated and the Tar Heels suffering their first defeat of the season. 

The standout players of this game are the following:

JMU:

Alonza Barnett III: 22-34 388 yards 5 TDs 

13 rush attempts for 99 yards and 2 TDs

Cam Ross: 7 rec 107 yards TD

Omarion Dollison: 3 rec 125 yards TD

Terrence Spence: 4 tackles (3 solo) 2 INTs TD

UNC:

Omarion Hampton: 19 rush attempts 139 yards 3 TDs

Jacolby Criswell: 28-48 475 yards 3 TDs 2 INTs

The Tar Heels’ next game is Saturday, September 28th against the Duke Blue Devils and JMU’s next game is against Ball State.