HARRISONBURG, Va. — Alonza Barnett III was instrumental in his team’s victory, throwing three touchdown passes as James Madison secured a decisive 38-7 win against Georgia State on Saturday.

The Dukes improved their record to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the Sun Belt Conference after dominating the game from the start. They capitalized on their first three offensive possessions, beginning with a 1-yard run by George Pettaway, which capped off a solid 68-yard drive. This was quickly followed by a striking 52-yard connection from Barnett to Omarion Dollison, marking a swift response that emphatically added to the scoreboard. Barnett then connected with Taylor Thompson for a 12-yard pass, bringing the score to 21-7.

Wayne Knight, enjoying a breakout performance, recorded the first two touchdowns of his collegiate career. He ran in a 7-yard touchdown just before halftime and later caught an 18-yard pass from Barnett for another score during the third quarter.

Barnett completed 20 of his 30 attempts, amassing 241 yards in the air, while Pettaway contributed significantly on the ground with 95 yards on 13 carries. On the opposing side, Zach Gibson threw for 213 yards and managed to connect with Ted Hurst for a 9-yard touchdown, which pulled Georgia State within 14-7 during the second quarter. However, that would be their only highlight in what ultimately became a challenging outing for the Panthers, who fell to 2-7 on the season and remain winless in conference play at 0-5.