Photo: Eakin Howard / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
James Madison continued its hot streak yesterday (Nov. 15), crushing Appalachian State 58–10 in a statement victory.
Jobi Malary delivered a breakout performance, rushing for 105 yards and three touchdowns, as No. 24 James Madison rolled past Appalachian State, extending the Dukes’ win streak to eight.
Wayne Knight added 94 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 55 receiving yards, helping JMU (9–1, 7–0 Sun Belt) stay perfect in conference play. Malary said the team’s goal was simple: set the tone early and control the game from start to finish.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett was equally dominant, throwing for 303 yards on 22-of-35 passing and running in two more scores. JMU finished with 557 total yards — its second-best output of the season.
The Dukes’ defense overwhelmed App State, shutting the Mountaineers out until the final minutes and holding them to just 146 total yards, their lowest mark of the year. JMU controlled the clock as well, maintaining possession for more than 42 minutes.
App State head coach Dowain Loggains said his team couldn’t keep up with JMU’s physicality or depth: “They kept hitting us over and over until we wore down.”
JMU struck first after DJ Barksdale’s interception set up Knight’s 1-yard score. Head coach Robert Chesney said the team needed most of the first quarter to settle in, but once they found their rhythm, they “took over the game.”
App State avoided a shutout with a late touchdown from Davion Dozier and a 48-yard field goal by Dominic DeFreitas.
JMU showcased its depth all night — 11 players caught passes and eight carried the ball. Malary, previously a backup with limited snaps this season, made the most of his opportunity: “When it’s my time, I’ll be ready — and tonight was it.”
For App State, the loss marked a fourth straight after a 4–2 start. For JMU, the commanding win — paired with losses from other Group of Five contenders — has fueled talk around Harrisonburg about a potential College Football Playoff bid.
Next up, App State hosts Marshall, while JMU welcomes Washington State for a non-conference matchup.
SOURCE: WHSV3