JMU football looked the part of a top G5 team in a 38-7 win over Georgia State. Let’s grade the Dukes (7-2, 3-2 SBC) on their performance.

Offense

JMU put up 452 yards of offense, scored 38 points, and didn’t turn the ball over. That’s big for this group.

Alonza Barnett was only sacked once, as the Dukes held up in pass protection and got the passing game back on track. Barnett threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns. It was Barnett’s first three-touchdown game through the air since Oct. 10 vs. Coastal Carolina. He also ran for 33 yards on nine carries, his most rushing yards since racking up 47 against ULM on Oct. 5.

Omarion Dollison found his way into the end zone, Wayne Knight scored twice, and George Pettaway nearly ran for 100 yards. The Dukes used their skill players well. Good effort!

Grade: B+

PFF MVP (minimum 20 snaps): RT Pat McMurtrie, 82.1 grade  

Defense

What more can you say about this unit? For the fifth time this season, JMU held an opponent under 10 points. The Dukes are 5-0 in those games. JMU ranks 10th nationally in scoring defense, with only Army allowing fewer points per game among G5 programs.

Lyle Hemphill’s unit is exceptional.

Standout DE Eric O’Neill had two sacks in the win, and LB Taurus Jones did well handling a bigger role with Jacob Dobbs out because of injury. Jones finished with a team-high five tackles, tying several teammates. He also added a sack. It was his best game of the season, and he made a strong case he should earn more snaps, even when Dobbs returns.

Grade: A

PFF MVP: DE Eric O’Neill, 78.2 grade

Special teams

The unit was solid once again, although there were a few mishaps. JMU blocked a FG, but it also had a FG blocked. Ryan Hanson was fine but not spectacular at punter. JMU recovered a muffed punt, a big momentum swing.

Grade: B

Coaching

The Dukes are 2-0 in games immediately after their bye weeks, beating UNC 70-50 and Georgia State 38-7. That’s a great sign for the coaching staff. JMU looked prepared Saturday, dominating a conference opponent for the third time this season.

Now, the Dukes need to figure out how to win an SBC game on the road. 

Grade: A

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications