US EditionRebuilt Virginia Rolls over Coastal Carolina in Opener
Quarterbacks Barnett and Sluka each scored rushing and passing touchdowns; JMU's defense forced three interceptions and blocked a punt in a dominant 45-10 win.
- On Saturday, August 30, 2025, James Madison opened their season at home by convincingly beating Weber State 45-10.
- Alonza Barnett III, returning from an ACL tear suffered last season, started at quarterback and shared duties with UNLV transfer Matthew Sluka.
- Barnett contributed two first-half touchdowns—a rushing score and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Alston—while Sluka added a rushing touchdown and connected with Landon Ellis on a 14-yard scoring pass.
- James Madison amassed a total of 458 yards compared to Weber State's 148, with Barnett completing 9 of 12 passes for 130 yards before halftime, and Wayne Knight adding a 59-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
- Head coach Bob Chesney called it "a good opening day," highlighting the effective dual-quarterback strategy and balanced offensive performance.
15 Articles
15 Articles
2 QBs make big contributions as JMU rolls past Weber State
Alonza Barnett III and Matthew Sluka each threw for a touchdown and ran for another in the first half and James Madison dominated Weber State 45-10 in Harrisonburg in the season opener for both teams Saturday. Barnett got the starting quarterback nod before the game over UNLV transfer Sluka, who played for JMU coach Bob Chesney when they were with Holy Cross through 2023. Barnett, coming off an ACL tear suffered in JMU’s final regular-season gam…
Associated Press News
Barnett, Sluka double up to lead James Madison to 45-10 romp over Weber State
Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III and reserve quarterback Matthew Sluka each threw for a touchdown and ran for another in the first half and James Madison dominated Weber State 45-10 in a season opener for both teams on Saturday.
5 Takeaways from JMU Football's 45-10 Win Over Weber State
JMU football returned to action Saturday with a 45-10 win over Weber State. The game was never in jeopardy, although the Dukes have a few things to clean up to beat Louisville on Friday. Here are five takeaways from the win. The running back room is as advertised Weber State is a middling FCS team, but any time a team runs for 300+ yards it’s impressive in my book. George Pettaway ran the ball 10 times for 99 yards — he needs more carries agains…
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