Photo: Brien Aho / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
James Madison closed out its regular season in dominant fashion, crushing Coastal Carolina 59–10 on Saturday to secure a perfect Sun Belt record and move to 11–1 overall. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III led the offense with three touchdown passes and added a rushing score, while running back Jobi Malary powered the ground game with 154 yards and a touchdown — including a 73-yard breakaway in the fourth quarter.
The win sends No. 20 JMU into Friday night’s Sun Belt Championship at home against Troy. Head coach Bob Chesneypraised his team’s chemistry and growth, noting how rare it is to finish undefeated in just their second year competing in the conference.
The Dukes, now riding a 10-game winning streak, blew open what was a 10-point halftime lead by piling on five second-half touchdowns. Their dominance over Coastal Carolina continued, outscoring the Chanticleers 201–38 since joining the Sun Belt. JMU overwhelmed Coastal statistically as well, holding a 525–170 yard advantage and limiting CCU to minus-5 rushing yards — the first time in program history Coastal has failed to record a positive rushing total.
Barnett finished 15-for-21 for 207 yards, while backup quarterback Matthew Sluka added a 32-yard touchdown on his lone pass attempt to Michael Scott. Wayne Knight contributed 85 rushing yards as JMU amassed 286 yards on the ground. Receivers Braeden Wisloski, Lacota Dippre, and Isaiah Alson each added scores, helping the Dukes pour on points throughout the second half.
Defensively, KJ Flowe helped seal the blowout with a pick-six in the fourth quarter. Coastal Carolina quarterback Tad Hudson threw for 148 yards and a touchdown but struggled under pressure, adding the interception returned for a score.
After the win, linebacker Trent Hendrick took to social media urging fans to pack Bridgeforth Stadium for Friday’s title matchup.
JMU now prepares to host Troy on Friday, December 5th, who secured their spot after defeating Southern Miss 28–18.
SOURCE: JMU Athletics