CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — — Alonza Barnett III’s five touchdown passes sparked a rushing attack that helped James Madison beat North Carolina 70-50 on Saturday for a key road win under first-year coach Bob Chesney.

Barnett threw for 388 yards with no interceptions and also ran for 99 yards and two scores for the Dukes (3-0), who had five touchdown drives in the first half — four on five plays or less and three that lasted less than 35 seconds

James Madison had touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams in its first win over North Carolina in four games. The 70 points tied the Tar Heels for the most points they have ever allowed (3-1) in a game. It was also the most for JMU against a Bowl Subdivision opponent.

The Dukes, who entered FBS in 2022 and finished second in their Sun Belt Conference division this season, surpassed their previous best total against a power-conference opponent (36 against Virginia last year) midway through the second quarter on a 39-yard TD pass to Taylor Thompson by Barnett, whose seven touchdowns through the air and on the ground tied a school record.

The Tar Heels (3-1) surrendered a school-record 53 points during a sloppy first half that featured 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.

Trailing less than a minute into the game, James Madison relied on defense and special teams to take an 11-0 lead in the first five minutes.

Following a career-long 50-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas, cornerback Terrence Spence made his seventh career punt block, which was picked off by Jayden Mines for a 14-yard touchdown. Spence also had two interceptions in the first half, returning the second 33 yards for a touchdown that put JMU ahead 53-21 at the break.

The takeaway meal

James Madison: The Dukes’ offense (which scored 13 points against Gardner-Webb) woke up thanks to an aggressive game plan from Chesney, who had a fleaflicker and an onside kick to remain undefeated since arriving from Holy Cross this season to replace Curt Cignetti (who left for Indiana).

North Carolina: The Tar Heels were booed off the field at halftime in a blowout loss, dashing their promise of a third straight 3-0 start (their first since 1979-81).

Next

James Madison: The Dukes close out their non-conference schedule with a home game against Ball State on Saturday.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels open Atlantic Coast Conference play on Saturday with a road game at Duke.

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