James Madison begins the coach Billy Napier era with a 20-13 victory over in-state foe Liberty
JC Evans threw for a touchdown and ran for a key first down late in the fourth quarter to help James Madison begin the coach Billy Napier era with a 20-13 victory over in-state foe Liberty on Saturday. James Madison forced Liberty into a fourth-and-2 decision with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter before breaking up a pass to the outside. Evans rushed for 23 yards on the next play and the Dukes…
Harrisonburg, Va. (AP) — In the kickoff of coach Billy Napier's tenure, James Madison secured a 20-13 triumph over their in-state rival Liberty on Saturday. JC Evans contributed significantly by both throwing a touchdown and securing a crucial first down in the fourth quarter. The Dukes demonstrated further control as they broke up a pass to the outside with mere two minutes left.
JC Evans, who completed 7 of his 9 passes for 61 yards along with contributing 69 yards on the ground, led his team to triumph. This victory marked a 14-6 improvement in the series, securing the Battle of the Blue Ridge trophy for JMU. Evans found Corey Scott for a 5-yard touchdown in the first half, giving JMU a 17-3 lead. Notably, 11 of the past 20 matchups between the two teams have been decided by just a score.
Deshawn Purdie from Liberty managed 230 passing yards and a touchdown, marking their first visit to Harrisonburg since 2014. The Dukes are returning from a 12-2 campaign that culminated in their first Sun Belt Conference title and a College Football Playoff appearance. Liberty will be back home to face Gardner-Webb the following Saturday, while James Madison will host Wagner the same weekend.
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