Barnett, Defense Lead James Madison Past Texas State 52-20

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — Alonza Barnett III threw four touchdown passes and ran for another, while James Madison’s defense recorded three interceptions for the first time since the season opener in a 52-20 win over Texas State on Tuesday night at UFCU Stadium.

The Bobcats (3-5, 0-4 Sun Belt got off to a rough start when DJ Barksdale intercepted Brad Jackson, giving the Dukes (7-1, 5-0 SBC) the ball inside Texas State territory.

Barnett, a redshirt junior from Whitsett, North Carolina, capitalized on the short field. On the Dukes’ second possession, he connected with Nick DeGennaro for a 6-yard touchdown.

FIVE touchdowns for AB3! ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

JMU leads it 49-20 in San Marcos.#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/yLmLJzowOD

— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) October 29, 2025

Texas State briefly swung momentum late in the first quarter with an interception of Barnett. The Bobcats turned that turnover into points and kept the game close, trailing 28-20 at halftime.

GIMMIE THATTT😤 pic.twitter.com/ILYElWHn6e

— Texas State Football (@TXSTATEFOOTBALL) October 29, 2025

“We had to step up to the challenge,” James Madison head coach Bob Chesney said. “We had to understand this is a really good team who was going to take everything we got.”

DeGennaro caught another touchdown pass in the third quarter — a 76-yard strike from Barnett — and the Dukes’ defense clamped down from there.

NICKY D TO THE HOUSE 🏡#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/nkdZJRKZUu

— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) October 29, 2025

On their third play of the second half, Jackson was intercepted again, this time by Justin Eaglin, who returned the pick 42 yards to the Texas State 25-yard line.

Texas State head coach GJ Kinne said the Bobcats must improve the play around their quarterback.

“You know, we got to play better around [Jackson], too,” Kinne said. “I know that we got to play better around him We got to coach better around him.”

Jackson completed 18 of 32 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times and sacked three times, including once just before the Eaglin interception.

James Madison’s defense has now held opponents scoreless in the second half for four straight games — a streak Kinne acknowledged after the loss.

“I think their defense is suffocating. I mean, they do a great job, great job scheme wise,” Kinne said. “They got good players. They got good support. Everything they do over there is championship style. And, we got to get better and that starts with me.”

Barnett completed 12-of-18 passes for 264 yards and added 98 rushing yards and a score. Chesney said his quarterback’s confidence continues to grow.

“I think it’s crucial plays and pressure situations that he now feels really confident in,” Chesney said. “He’s trusting his legs. He’s pulling the ball down and going…And then he also can deliver as he needs to through the air.”

Texas State will need to win three of its final four games to secure a third straight postseason appearances –and its first time accomplishing that feat since three consecutive Division II playoff berths from 1981-83. The Bobcats visit Louisiana on Nov. 8.

James Madison will look to stay undefeated in conference play to secure a spot in the Sun Belt championship game. The Dukes visit Marshall on Nov. 8.