James Madison Stuns Virginia 36-35 In First Meeting Since 1983

The Dukes improve to 2-0 on the year

© Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being separated by about an hour's drive, the James Madison University Dukes and the Virginia Cavaliers had not played one another in football in four decades prior to Saturday. A contest forty years in the making, the Dukes took advantage of the opportunity.

JMU won their 18th consecutive contest against another team from the state of Virginia. It was their first win over an ACC team since 2010.

Down, but never out. #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/XIt9d3BecD

— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) September 9, 2023

In a contest that was decided by one point, both teams had the exact same total offensive output: 395 yards each.

The Dukes started with a usual chip on their shoulder that's expected from a Curt Cignetti team, which resulted in a 17-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. Aiden Fisher's punt block for a touchdown on UVA's first possession helped in that regard.

The game went into a weather delay in the fourth quarter with Virginia up 35-24. When the skies cleared, JMU was able to rally and take a 36-35 lead with just 55 seconds remaining after two 80-yard touchdown drives. The Dukes defense forced a turnover on downs thanks, in-part, to Jamree Kromah's second sack of the day.

JMU quarterback Jordan McCloud, a transfer from Arizona, finished the game with 20 completions on 31 attempts for 224 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 32 yards on six attempts. 

The main asset in the run game for JMU was senior Ty Son Lawton, who carried the ball eight times for 79 yards and two touchdowns. 

Senior safety Francis Meehan's interception of UVA true freshman quarterback Anthony Colandrea in the third quarter was also one of JMU's most significant plays of the night.

The 2-0 Dukes continue their campaign next week on September 16 at defending Sun Belt champions Troy. 

No future games between the Dukes and Cavaliers are currently scheduled.