JMU football’s loss to ULM led to major questions and frustrations from fans about the offense. How can the unit score 133 points over two weeks and then only score 19 against ULM??

Well, let’s break down the film. The tape shows that JMU actually wasn’t that far off from scoring in bunches, but ULM used blitzes and pressures to throw off JMU’s offensive rhythm. Coupled with a bevy of false starts, ULM did just enough defensively to keep JMU from scoring 20+ points and picking up a road win. The Warhawks disguised blitzes beautifully, as defensive coordinator Earnest Hill should take a bow. His group was prepared and excelled.

Those disguised pressures came at critical moments, and turned a potential JMU blowout into a ULM win.

Key Failed 4th Down

In this play, JMU is up 10-0 in the first quarter with a chance to go up 17-0. The Dukes face third-and-4 and fourth-and-4, throwing an incompletion on third down and getting sacked on fourth down. 

On third down, JMU throws a slant to Taji Hudson and the ball is dropped. Now, not all drops are created equal. The ball is just slightly in front of Hudson, making him extend for it. He’s also trying to make a catch while a ULM safety comes downhill to hit him. It’s a catch that needed to be made through contact, and it didn’t happen. Hudson is probably kicking himself for dropping it, but it wasn’t the easiest catch you’ll see. Still, the play is designed well and not Alonza Barnett’s fault. Credit ULM for contesting the catch quickly.

On fourth down, JMU looks rushed. The play clock is near 0 by the time Barnett snaps it. While the Dukes hurry to get the play off, they’re trying to read an incoming blitz. The line and Barnett read the play incorrectly. JMU doesn’t realize which linebacker is blitzing, leading to two linemen blocking one player while a ULM linebacker runs free at Barnett and generates a drive-ending sack. 

If the protection works, JMU has both Taylor Thompson and George Pettaway wide open for possible touchdowns.

Barnett’s Grit

No one is pretending a 20-47 showing is elite-level quarterback play, but Barnett wasn’t bad in this game. He was under constant pressure, and his grit as a runner should make him a fan favorite.

Barnett did what he could in this game. Yes, he missed some throws, but he also avoided sacks and threw the ball away to avoid lost yardage or interceptions. He made good throws that were dropped. He put his body on the line on multiple runs. Barnett is still JMU’s highest-graded offensive player this season on Pro Football Focus, and he’s going to have Power Four teams trying to get him to play for them next fall. 

Alonza Barnett gave JMU chances to win Saturday. The run showcased above illustrates his willingness to put his body in harm’s way to pick up a first down. He’s a gritty runner and is going to contend for Sun Belt Player of the Year. Don’t mistake one rough showing for major concerns about Barnett’s readiness to lead JMU to 10 or more wins. He’s still very good.

Failed 2-point Conversion

Ahhh the 2-point conversion. This play is tough. 

JMU ran a slant pattern intended for Cam Ross, but the play is well covered. Taylor Thompson comes open on the left side, but there’s not enough time for Barnett to look left, and it’s not his first read. You can definitely question the play call here, but Ross is one of JMU’s speediest receivers. He just didn’t create enough separation, and ULM defended the play perfectly. 

ULM also runs a superb blitz here, with a defensive end stunting into the middle of the OL to move JMU left tackle Jesse Ramil toward the middle. This creates more room for a blitzer off the edge to come from Barnett’s blind side. Purdy tries to pick up the blitz, but he’s late. ULM forces a quick throw into a tight window, trusting that its defensive back will make a play. 

Sometimes, the defense just makes a better play. That happened plenty of times last weekend. Coupled with sloppy play from the Dukes — five false starts were killers —and poor execution at other times, and ULM had nearly everything go right defensively to pull the upset. The Warhawks deserve credit for a stellar game plan, and the Dukes deserve ample blame of a few poor plays calls, sloppy pass protection, and subpar execution from both the QB and WRs. JMU was off, and ULM was on its game. 

That doesn’t mean JMU’s offense is broken, as the Dukes might not face a defense of ULM’s caliber the rest of the conference season. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications