James Madison vs. Virginia Short Report | Sep 9, 2023
Scott Stadium
Charlottesville, VA
Sep 9, 2023
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
In a dramatic return meeting after 40 years, the James Madison Dukes edged the Virginia Cavaliers with a 36-35 victory on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium. The Dukes built a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter, executing a trick play touchdown and benefitting from a blocked punt returned by D'Angelo Ponds. Virginia's freshman quarterback Anthony Colandrea responded with a 63-yard strike to Malik Washington.
The second half featured a thrilling comeback from the Cavaliers, ignited by Colandrea's 75-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Pace. However, following an 80-minute rain delay that saw fans pour out of the stands, the Dukes rallied. Ty Son Lawton's 27-yard touchdown run and Jordan McCloud's game-clinching 10-yard touchdown pass to Kaelon Black with 55 seconds remaining secured a memorable win for James Madison.
Key Plays:
Taji Hudson (James Madison Dukes)
On the game's opening drive, James Madison executed a trick play as Taji Hudson took a lateral from Jordan McCloud and threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Phoenix Sproles, giving the Dukes an early 7-0 lead.
D'Angelo Ponds (James Madison Dukes)
Aiden Fisher blocked a punt by Daniel Sparks, and D'Angelo Ponds recovered for a touchdown, doubling James Madison's lead to 14-0.
Anthony Colandrea (Virginia Cavaliers)
Anthony Colandrea connected with Malik Washington on a 63-yard touchdown pass, cutting James Madison's lead to 14-7 as Washington weaved through defenders for the score.
Camden Wise (James Madison Dukes)
Camden Wise drilled a 38-yard field goal, extending James Madison's advantage to 17-7 in the first quarter.
Mike Hollins (Virginia Cavaliers)
Mike Hollins powered his way into the end zone with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, closing the gap to 17-14 just before halftime.
Anthony Colandrea (Virginia Cavaliers)
On the first play of the second half, Anthony Colandrea found Kobe Pace for a 75-yard touchdown, giving Virginia a 21-17 lead.
Kobe Pace (Virginia Cavaliers)
Kobe Pace later capped another Cavalier drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, expanding Virginia's lead to 28-17.
Ty Son Lawton (James Madison Dukes)
Ty Son Lawton scored on a 4-yard rush after Francis Meehan's interception set up James Madison deep in Virginia territory, bringing the Dukes closer at 28-24.
Mike Hollins (Virginia Cavaliers)
Mike Hollins added his second touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run, giving Virginia a 35-24 lead heading into the final quarter.
Ty Son Lawton (James Madison Dukes)
After an 80-minute weather delay, Ty Son Lawton sprinted for a 27-yard touchdown run, pulling the Dukes within 35-30.
Jordan McCloud (James Madison Dukes)
Jordan McCloud hit Kaelon Black with a 10-yard touchdown pass with 55 seconds remaining, capping an 80-yard drive and giving the Dukes the decisive 36-35 lead.
Standout Players:
Anthony Colandrea (Virginia Cavaliers, QB)
Anthony Colandrea showcased poise beyond his years, throwing for 377 yards and 2 crucial touchdowns, including a spectacular 75-yard bomb to Kobe Pace. His efficiency, going 20-of-26, kept Virginia competitive throughout.
Ty Son Lawton (James Madison Dukes, RB)
Ty Son Lawton spearheaded the Dukes' ground attack with 79 yards and 2 vital touchdowns. His game-changing 27-yard touchdown run post weather-delay jumpstarted James Madison's final rally.
D'Angelo Ponds (James Madison Dukes, CB)
D'Angelo Ponds excelled on special teams, delivering a pivotal blocked punt recovery for a touchdown, energizing the Dukes early in the match and setting the tone defensively.
Mike Hollins (Virginia Cavaliers, RB)
Mike Hollins inspired his team with 2 rushing touchdowns and a critical performance on an emotionally charged day, echoing resilience in Virginia's backfield despite the close loss.
Jordan McCloud (James Madison Dukes, QB)
Jordan McCloud was the Dukes' steady hand, passing for 224 yards and a key touchdown, while also navigating an 80-yard game-winning drive to orchestrate victory in the final minutes.
References:
James Madison vs. Virginia Game Highlights | 2023 ACC Football - YouTube
Virginia vs. JMU Live Updates | College Football - Sports Illustrated Virginia Cavaliers News, Analysis and More
James Madison Dukes vs. Virginia Cavaliers Box Score and Stats - September 09, 2023 | FOX Sports
First half observations for Virginia football versus James Madison - Streaking The Lawn
Virginia Dejected By Defeat After Late JMU Rally | TheSabre.com
Sabre NewsLink - News on the Hoos! | TheSabre.com
Team
1
2
3
4
T
James Madison Dukes
17
0
7
12
36
Virginia Cavaliers
7
7
21
0
35
