Harrisonburg, VA
Sep 28, 2024
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James Madison delivered a dominant performance in their 63-7 victory over Ball State, maintaining their unbeaten streak and setting a new two-game scoring record for the program with 133 points. Alonza Barnett III led the charge with an exceptional display, throwing for 280 yards and five touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. The Dukes raced to an early lead with touchdowns on each of their first four possessions, including an opening 12-yard touchdown pass to Yamir Knight after a 66-yard drive.
On the first defensive series, Terrence Spence's interception set the tone, as James Madison capitalized on three Ball State turnovers, converting them into 14 points. Eric O'Neill's 27-yard interception return early in the third quarter highlighted a defensive unit that stymied the Cardinals at nearly every turn. The Dukes outgained Ball State in total offense by 522 yards to 250, punctuating their comprehensive victory with a 32-yard touchdown run by Jobi Malary late in the fourth quarter. Ball State's sole response came in the first quarter with a connection between Kadin Semonza and Tanner Koziol.
Terrence Spence (James Madison)
In the early first quarter, intercepted a pass deep in his own territory and returned it 40 yards, setting up James Madison's offense, cementing an early momentum that was pivotal in defining the game's relentless tempo.
George Pettaway (James Madison)
His 24-yard run for a touchdown, along with the subsequent two-point conversion, established a commanding 15-0 lead that ignited James Madison's first-quarter flurry.
DJ Barksdale (James Madison)
Made a crucial interception in the closing seconds of the first half, preventing a potential Ball State comeback drive when the game was still within reach at 29-7.
Eric O'Neill (James Madison)
Caught a tipped pass at the line and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown, immediately dashing any hopes of a Ball State recovery with the first score of the second half, boosting the lead to 35-7.
Jobi Malary (James Madison)
Found a seam for a 32-yard sprint to the end zone, concluding the scoring parade, further illustrating James Madison's dominance up front.
Alonza Barnett III (James Madison, QB)
Continued his remarkable form with 280 passing yards and five touchdowns against Ball State, complemented by 60 rushing yards and an additional score, showcasing dual-threat capabilities that kept the defense off-balance.
Yamir Knight (James Madison, WR)
Began scoring with a 12-yard touchdown catch and later added another, marking his first two-TD game and demonstrating his emergence as a reliable target in critical situations.
Eric O'Neill (James Madison, LB)
Delivered a standout performance with two sacks and a pivotal interception returned for a touchdown, epitomizing the dominance of James Madison's defensive unit.
Braedon Sloan (Ball State, RB)
Provided a bright spot in the loss with 72 rush yards on 14 attempts, effectively moving the chains on multiple short-yardage situations, including crucial fourth-down conversions.
Ball State Cardinals
7
0
0
0
7
James Madison Dukes
22
7
20
14
63
