JMU football (2-0) returns to action Saturday after a much-needed bye week. Not only can the Dukes get healthy at a few key positions, but they also had time to work out some of the issues that flared up in their 13-6 win over Gardner-Webb.

Saturday’s road game against North Carolina (3-0), which kicks off at noon on the ACC Network, is a major test. Still, JMU is only a 10-point underdog and should have a chance to beat the Tar Heels, if it executes well.

Here’s a look at three keys to JMU’s lone meeting with a Power Four team this fall.

Start fast(er) on offense

JMU has scored nine first-half points all season, including throwing up a goose egg against Gardner-Webb in Week 2. JMU needs a faster start, if it wants to upset an ACC opponent.

Alonza Barnett struggled in the first half against Charlotte, but found his rhythm in the second half. He led JMU to three touchdowns in the final 30 minutes of the 30-7 win over the 49ers, and JMU’s offense scored all 13 of its points in the final half against Gardner-Webb. The second half offensive execution has been respectable, but the offense has been sluggish to start each of the first two contests.

The Dukes need to find a way to quickly build Barnett’s confidence – and jumpstart the running game – in the first half against North Carolina. If JMU starts fast, the Dukes can lean on the running game later in the game and put the pressure on North Carolina’s backup quarterbacks to lead a comeback. UNC starter Max Johnson suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s opening win over Minnesota.

Excel on special teams

North Carolina’s roster is filled with potential NFL Draft picks, including standout running back Omarion Hampton. The running back finished the 2023 season with 1,504 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Through three games in 2024, he has 416 rushing yards, which ranks fourth nationally. Hampton might go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Defensive back Alijah Huzzie, an East Tennessee State transfer, has been a stud for UNC dating back to last season. He’s UNC’s second-highest rated defender on Pro Football Focus (74.9), and he could be a late-round NFL Draft pick in 2025.

Those are two of the handful of players on UNC’s roster with legitimate NFL aspirations after this season. UNC has top-end talent in line with some of the ACC’s best programs.

JMU’s roster doesn’t lack talent, especially at the Group of Five level, but on paper UNC has more high-end talent. Given UNC’s talent edge, the Dukes could benefit from a game-changing special teams play or two to effectively even the playing field.

Whether it’s Noe Ruelas hitting a long field goal, Ryan Hanson pinning a punt deep in UNC territory, or a long kick or punt return, playing well on special teams will play an important role in this game. JMU can’t afford sloppy special teams play against a decent ACC team.

🔸#CFB G5 Spotlight🔸

JMU punter Ryan Hanson (@RyanHansonkicks)

-2024 sr.
-6-2, 219 lbs
-All-Sun Belt second team
-Averaged 40.6 yards per punt with 29 punts inside the 20
📸@JMUFootball @CoachBobChesney @coachdc34 pic.twitter.com/ELxdB9D3bi

— HERO Sports (@HERO_SportsCFB) August 12, 2024

In last year’s win against UVA, Camden Wise made his lone field goal attempt and Aiden Fisher blocked a punt that was recovered by D’Angelo Ponds for a touchdown. It proved to be one of the key differences in a 36-35 win.

Can Bob Chesney and special teams coordinator Drew Canan conjure up a similarly special performance against an ACC team this fall?

Linebackers Show Out

Through two games, JMU’s linebacker play has been underwhelming. The team’s primary linebackers (Jacob Dobbs, Trent Hendrick, Ray Scott, and Taurus Jones) all have PFF grades below 65.

Hendrick and Jones have tackling grades below 40. The Dukes’ four top linebackers need a solid showing against a UNC team that will likely try to establish the running game with Hampton. Can JMU’s linebackers avoid missed tackles against one of the most explosive running backs in the country?

If JMU can limit UNC’s running game, the Tar Heels’ offense isn’t particularly scary. If it can’t stop the run, Saturday’s game could get ugly.

Minnesota held UNC to 19 points, and the Tar Heels ran for just 147 yards in that game. When scoring 38 against Charlotte, the Tar Heels ran for 269 yards. In the team’s 45-10 win over NC Central, UNC ran the ball 41 times for 330 yards (8 yards per carry).

With starting quarterback Max Johnson out for the season, UNC’s quarterback play has looked average in recent games. The Tar Heels have rotated between Conner Harrell and Jacolby Criswell, and neither guy looks like an All-ACC caliber quarterback. They’re both respectable, but they’re a step down from Johnson. UNC’s biggest offensive strength is clearly Hampton and the running game.

The Dukes need stellar linebacker play to keep UNC’s running game in check. UNC won’t thrive if it’s forced into clear passing downs. If JMU’s linebackers perform well and limit missed tackles, the Dukes have more than enough defensive line and secondary talent and depth to upset UNC.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications