The James Madison Dukes have achieved the most significant victory of the Bob Chesney era so far. JMU delivered one great play after another on Saturday to win 70-50 against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

It is the highest scoring game in JMU history and the most points JMU has scored against an FBS opponent.

The first half was one for the ages for both teams, but for completely different reasons. JMU’s 53 points in the first half are the most scored in a half in JMU history. It is also the most points allowed in a half by a UNC defense. Both teams managed over 600 yards of offense on the day.

JMU’s defense forced five turnovers in the game (two interceptions, three fumble recoveries), including an interception that Terrence Spence returned 33 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Dukes also scored on special teams, blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

On offense, JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III accounted for a whopping seven touchdowns, breaking the program record for total touchdowns in a single game. He threw for 388 yards with five touchdown passes and ran for 99 yards with two touchdowns on the ground.

The bar is clearly set high for the rest of Chesney’s first season at the helm of the Dukes. JMU is now 3-0 and continues its season on Sept. 28 against Ball State in Harrisonburg.

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