I don’t think anyone in Kenan Stadium, or those watching on TV, expected the outcome of Saturday’s UNC-James Madison football game.
The Dukes presented the Tar Heels a significantly tougher challenge than Charlotte or NC Central, but nonetheless, they’re a team the Tar Heels should beat.
JMU ended up being too much of a challenge for North Carolina, dominating the game throughout and winning 70-50 in a game that left many questioning if Mack Brown should still be in Chapel Hill.
The Dukes generated 609 yards of offense, scoring NINE touchdowns and converting two fields goals (50 and 44 yards). JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett accounted for 487 yards of offense and seven touchdowns himself, with five of those coming in the first half.
The Dukes’ defense was anything but stellar, allowing 50 points but they forced five Tar Heel turnovers. UNC starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell, backup QB Conner Harrell and wide receiver Christian Hamilton all fumbled, while Criswell threw a pair of interceptions
Despite all that went wrong for North Carolina, including those turnovers, its offense played fairly well otherwise.
Criswell shined in his first start, throwing for 474 yards and three touchdowns. Omarion Hampton led the Tar Heels’ rushing attack with 139 yards and three scores, while tight ends John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit combined for 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
JMU exposed a ton of UNC weaknesses today – and I’m genuinely concerned for the rest of the season.
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