Alonza Barnett IIIPhoto: JMU Athletics
James Madison Extends Win Streak to Six With Dominant 52–20 Victory Over Texas State
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III delivered another standout performance Tuesday night, leading James Madison University to a commanding 52–20 win over Texas State — the Dukes’ sixth straight victory and fifth consecutive Sun Belt win.
Barnett continued his impressive run with 264 passing yards and four touchdowns, adding 98 rushing yards and a score on the ground. The redshirt sophomore has been electric in recent weeks, having accounted for six touchdowns in last week’s rout of Old Dominion.
JMU took early control, jumping to a 28–10 lead late in the second quarter, but Texas State rallied with 10 unanswered points before halftime. A missed field goal by Bobcats kicker Tyler Robles was wiped out when the Dukes called a timeout — giving Robles a second chance to make it from 36 yards as the half expired.
The Dukes came out firing in the second half. Just two plays into the third quarter, Barnett connected with Nick DeGennaro for a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown, pushing JMU’s lead to 35–20. Moments later, Justin Eaglin snagged his third interception in two games, returning it 42 yards to set up a touchdown by Logan Kyle that broke the game open.
Running back Jordan Fuller contributed two short rushing touchdowns, while DeGennaro finished the night with three catches for 101 yards and two scores.
Defensively, JMU once again showcased its second-half dominance — posting its fourth consecutive second-half shutout and forcing three turnovers.
For Texas State, freshman quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 230 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, adding a rushing score on 16 carries. Despite early flashes, the Bobcats fell to 3–5 overall and 0–4 in conference play, struggling to match JMU’s balance and tempo.
With the win, James Madison improves to 7–1 (5–0 Sun Belt) and remains firmly in the hunt for another conference title and potential postseason spotlight.
SOURCE: WHSV3