JMU Dominates ODU | JMU Moves To 6-1 (10-18-25)
By: Ty Tracy
Headline Photo Credit: JMU
Quarterback Alonzo Barnett and the James Madison Dukes will host in-state rival Colton Joseph and the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday in a crucial Sun Belt Conference matchup. The Dukes are aiming to secure their fourth conference win and remain unbeaten in league play, while the Monarchs look to hand James Madison its first conference loss and keep their championship hopes alive after a disappointing setback against Marshall last week. This game carries major implications for both programs, as a victory could significantly impact the Sun Belt East Division standings and shape the conference championship race heading into the second half of the season.
The in-state rivalry between James Madison and Old Dominion lived up to expectations early, as both teams traded big plays and touchdowns throughout an explosive first half. Old Dominion struck first on special teams to take an early lead, but JMU quarterback Alonzo Barnett wasted no time responding, breaking loose for a 58-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. On the Monarchs’ first offensive possession, quarterback Colton Joseph connected with wide receiver Tre’ Brown on a quick slant that turned into a stunning 98-yard touchdown, putting ODU back in front 14-7. The Dukes answered immediately, needing just two plays for Barnett to find his favorite target, Nick DeGennaro, for a 65-yard touchdown strike that evened the score at 14-14. Joseph and Brown linked up again later in the quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving Old Dominion a 20-14 advantage. Moments later, Barnett once again found DeGennaro — this time for his second touchdown of the half — as James Madison reclaimed the lead 21-20. The back-and-forth action continued when ODU’s Dawson Johnson hauled in a 16-yard touchdown to push the Monarchs ahead 27-21, but JMU closed the half with another scoring drive to take a 28-27 lead into the locker room after a thrilling first half.
Right out of halftime, James Madison delivered the knockout punch that Old Dominion couldn’t recover from. Quarterback Alonzo Barnett completely took over the second half, and the Monarchs’ defense had no answers for his dual-threat ability. Barnett repeatedly called his own number, rushing for three touchdowns after halftime as the Dukes pulled away in commanding fashion. Meanwhile, Colton Joseph and the Monarchs’ offense struggled to regain momentum. Joseph threw two interceptions in the second half, both of which led directly to James Madison touchdowns, allowing the Dukes to extend their lead beyond reach. James Madison outscored Old Dominion 35-0 in the second half, sealing a dominant 63-27 victory. The Dukes’ defense continued its season-long excellence, holding the Monarchs to under 300 total yards — marking yet another game in which they have not allowed more than 300 yards of offense. With the performance, the Dukes reaffirmed their status as one of the top-five defensive units in the country and a leading contender in the Sun Belt Conference.
Alonzo Barnett completely dominated the Monarchs’ defense in the second half — both through the air and on the ground. The junior quarterback completed 68% of his passes and accounted for 448 total yards, piling up six total touchdowns — two passing and four rushing. As a unit, the Dukes’ offense exploded for 624 total yards, overwhelming Old Dominion on every level. Barnett finished just one touchdown shy of tying his career high of seven, which he set last season in a memorable win over North Carolina.
With the victory, James Madison improved to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in Sun Belt Conference play, remaining in the driver’s seat atop the East Division standings. The Dukes will now hit the road next Saturday to face the Texas State Bobcats, who are coming off a double-overtime upset loss to Marshall Thundering Herd, their third conference defeat of the season.
