The Thundering Herd couldn't secure a victory for the '75' game, dropping a close one to James Madison with a final score of 35-23
The Thundering Herd couldn’t secure a victory for the ’75’ game, dropping a close one to James Madison with a final score of 35-23.
James Madison got the scoring going early. After Marshall had to punt on their opening drive, the Dukes took their first possession and marched 82-yards down the field, capping off an eight play drive with a 24-yard touchdown by Braeden Wisloski to take an early 7-0 lead.
Both teams would punt on their following possessions. The Thundering Herd would strike back to open up the second quarter on a 15-yard run by Antwan Roberts. The teams were level at seven a piece early in the second quarter.
The Dukes would waste no time regaining the lead, taking the ball 75-yards on a long 10-play drive. The drive ended with a short six-yard run by leading rusher Wayne Knight, who scored his sixth touchdown of the year. James Madison would be back in front 14-7.
After a punt by Marshall and a missed field goal by James Madison, the Thundering herd knocked through a 49-yard field goal by kicker Lorcan Quinn. Putting the score at 14-9
James Madison would extend their lead on the following possession. Capping off their second 10-play, 75-yard drive with a one-yard run by Jordan Fuller.
Marshall would knock another field goal through before halftime, this one a 52-yarder by Quinn. However, the score would favor the Dukes, 21-12.
LORCAN QUINN!! ☘️☘️☘️
📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/sqORTKwj4F
— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) November 8, 2025
After each team would punt their opening possession after halftime. James Madison would score once more to extend their lead. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III uncorking a 48-yard pass that receiver Jaylen Sanchez would take to the crib for a touchdown. The Dukes would widen the score to 28-12 with just one play.
QUICK STRIKE @jaylan5sanchez ⚡️😮💨 pic.twitter.com/7y5VC0FwJX
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) November 8, 2025
Marshall finally answers on the longest drive of the game. The Thundering Herd cap a methodical 14-play drive with a four-yard pass to Tracy Stephens, bringing Marshall within striking distance. The score would sit 28-20, JMU.
The Thundering Herd would start with the ball in the fourth quarter after an interception by Paul Hutson III. Marshall would put up their third field goal, this one a 23-yarder to get it back to a one score game, 28-23.
After both teams stalled out on their next two possessions, Alonza Barnett III would deal the final blow to the Thundering Herd. He would deliver a 49-yard touchdown to Wayne Knight. This put the game out of reach for good and gave the Dukes the 35-23 victory.
Despite their best efforts in a tightly contested game, the defending champions will not have an opportunity to defend their title. The Thundering Herd have now dropped their second straight conference game and move to 2-3 in Sun Belt play. The Thundering Herd still have a chance at bowl eligibility with a 4-5 record and three games left to play.
Conversely, James Madison bolsters their conferences record, a perfect 6-0 in league play. The Dukes can clinch the Sun Belt East next Saturday with a win plus a Coastal Carolina loss.
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