The North Carolina Tar Heels didn’t just lose to James Madison at home on Saturday. They lost in historic fashion, giving up more than 600 yards of total offense in a 70-50 loss.
The Dukes blitzed out of the gates with 53 points in the first half. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III found the end zone five times (three passing, two rushing) before halftime, and James Madison also returned a blocked punt and an interception to the end zone to break the game apart before most of the crowd in Chapel Hill had even settled down.
Barnett finished with 487 total yards of offense for the game, averaging 11.4 yards per pass attempt and 7.6 yards per rushing attempt with seven total touchdowns. Two different James Madison wideouts finished with 100 yards, and all five of Barnett’s passing touchdowns went to different players.
The Tar Heels still managed 616 yards of offense themselves, but five turnovers doomed UNC’s chances of staying undefeated. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell, the third starter in four games for the Tar Heels, ended up with 475 yards and three touchdowns but two interceptions.
Duke football fans don’t need to wait long to take advantage of a vulnerable North Carolina team. The Tar Heels come to Durham for the first ACC game of the year next Saturday.