UL Monroe emerged victorious in a tight contest against James Madison with a 21-19 win on Saturday night. Aidan Armenta showcased his quarterback skills by throwing for 147 yards and a touchdown, while Ahmad Hardy contributed to the win with 82 rushing yards and a score.
Despite being outgained 399-257 in total yards, UL Monroe held firm on defense, limiting James Madison to only two touchdowns. This remarkable defensive effort restricted the Dukes, who had previously scored high in their recent games against Ball State and North Carolina.
James Madison initially took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before UL Monroe rallied back with two touchdowns in the second quarter to seize control of the game. Ahmad Hardy’s 38-yard touchdown run and a crucial 82-yard fumble return by Daniel Knudsen shifted the momentum in favor of the Warhawks.
UL Monroe maintained their lead throughout the second half, with Noe Ruelas’ 39-yard field goal for James Madison at halftime narrowing the gap to 14-13. Still, the Warhawks extended their lead when Armenta connected with Jake Godfrey for a 12-yard touchdown pass.
Despite James Madison’s late attempt to close in with a touchdown from Tyler Purdy in the final minutes, the 2-point conversion failed, leaving UL Monroe’s lead intact at 21-19. UL Monroe’s defense stepped up in the closing moments, thwarting James Madison’s last two possessions and securing the win.
This victory not only marked UL Monroe’s successful start to the Sun Belt Conference but also propelled their overall record to an impressive 4-1, a feat not achieved since 1993. On the other hand, the loss was James Madison’s first of the season, bringing their record to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The game not only showcased intense competition on the field but also hinted at the potential for both teams as the season progresses. Fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups and standout performances as the college football season unfolds.
