JMU football opened its season with a 30-7 victory over Charlotte. It wasn’t always pretty, but the Dukes left the road venue with a 23-point victory.

This season, we’re going to issue a weekly JMU football report card using our own analysis and an assist from Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades. Let’s dive into the Week 1 grades.

Offense: C-

The Dukes’ offense managed just nine first-half points, turning the ball over twice and struggling to establish the running game. In the second half, JMU scored 21 points and quarterback Alonza Barnett settled into the game.

Barnett started the second half with a 73-yard strike to Omarion Dollison for a touchdown. Dollison has five touches in his JMU career, with all five going for either a first down or a touchdown. He likely won’t lead JMU in catches, but he can change games with just a few touches per game.

The group would’ve received a higher grade, but the offensive line struggled at times. JMU’s traditional running game struggled throughout the night, with the Dukes’ running backs combining for just 81 yards on 27 carries (three yards per carry). No offensive lineman received a grade over 75 on PFF.

Tyshawn Wyatt returning from injury should provide a major boost to the Dukes’ offensive front.

PFF MVP: QB Alonza Barnett, 83.6 grade

Defense: A-

Holding any team to fewer than 10 points should be viewed positively, even if Charlotte’s 2023 offense was one of the worst in the AAC. JMU’s defense did well to keep Charlotte off the scoreboard, posting a second-half shutout.

Maine/Colorado transfer Khairi Manns was arguably the star of the night, leading JMU with eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. The athletic defensive end is a potential game wrecker at the Group of Five level. Manns led the defense with an 81.9 defensive grade, including a rushing defense grade of 93.0.

LIU transfer Eric O’Neill didn’t post a tackle at defensive end, but he disrupted the pocket a few times Saturday. He should produce more as the season progresses. He posted a 60.1 PFF grade.

Cornerback Justin Eaglin recorded an interception and finished with a coverage grade of 73.9 on PFF, the best of any JMU player. Eaglin looked solid Saturday, as did Chris Shearin (70 grade), Chauncey Logan (68.8 grade), and Terrence Spence (65.9 grade). The secondary looked improved from 2023, limiting big plays and forcing Charlotte to try to sustain drives.

PFF MVP: DE Khairi Manns, 81.9 grade

Special Teams: C-

JMU’s kickoff coverage wasn’t great, but head coach Bob Chesney felt the officiating didn’t do JMU any favors. He told Dave Riggert after the game that he felt Charlotte got away with numerous holding penalties on kickoff returns.

Ryan Hanson downed a punt at the one-yard line, a solid showing for one of the nation’s best. Noe Ruelas looked good on field goals (1-1), although he did miss an extra point.

Holy Cross transfer Terrence Spence nearly blocked a punt in the win. Spence blocked six kicks in his Holy Cross career.

Coaching: A-

JMU adjusted well at halftime, with the Dukes winning the second half 21-0. The coaches deserve credit for making minor tweaks that led to a dominant final 30 minutes.

The Dukes struggled early, but looked much better after halftime. It’s a credit to JMU’s coaches that the Dukes didn’t panic when trailing in a road environment.

Bob Chesney and company have plenty to work on, but the Dukes started the year with a nice win.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications