CHAPEL HILL, NC – Alonza Barnett III’s five touchdown passes fueled a fast-paced offense that helped James Madison beat North Carolina 70-50 on Saturday, a significant road victory under new coach Bob Chesney.
Barnett threw for 388 yards with no interceptions and ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns for the Dukes (3-0), who scored five touchdowns in the first half – four of which took five plays or less and three lasted less than 35 seconds.
James Madison scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams in its first victory over North Carolina in four meetings. His 70 points matched the most points the Tar Heels (3-1) have ever allowed in a game and was also the most points allowed by JMU against a Bowl Subdivision opponent.
The Dukes, who moved up to the FBS in 2022 and finished second in their Sun Belt Conference division this season, surpassed their previous record against a power conference opponent (36 against Virginia last year) midway through the second quarter on a 39-yard touchdown pass from Barnett to Taylor Thompson, who set a school record with seven touchdowns in the air and on the ground.
The Tar Heels (3-1) scored a school-record 53 points in a sloppy first half that included four turnovers. The bright spots were quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who threw for 475 yards and three touchdowns in his second career start, and running back Omarion Hampton, who rushed for three TDs and 139 yards.
James Madison trailed for less than a minute during the game and relied on its defense and special teams to take an 11-0 lead in the first five minutes.
After a career-best 50-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas, cornerback Terrence Spence recorded the seventh punt block of his career, which Jayden Mines recovered for a 14-yard touchdown. Spence also had two interceptions in the first half and returned the second 33 yards for a touchdown that gave JMU a 53-21 halftime lead.
James Madison: The Dukes’ offense (which scored 13 points against Gardner-Webb) woke up with an aggressive game plan from Chesney, who included a fleaflicker and an onside kick to remain undefeated since arriving from Holy Cross this season to replace Curt Cignetti (who transferred to Indiana).
North Carolina: The Tar Heels were booed off the field at halftime of a crushing loss that ended their promise of a third consecutive 3-0 start (the first since 1979-1981).
James Madison: The Dukes finish their non-league schedule at home against Ball State on Saturday.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels open the Atlantic Coast Conference on Saturday with an away game at Duke.
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