James Madison stuns UNC with early blocked-punt TD, onside kick

James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Watch: James Madison stuns North Carolina with early blocked-punt TD, surprise onside kick

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 21, 2024 1:28 PM ET

The early slate of college football games in Week 4 featured some hot starts Saturday.

That was particularly true down in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where James Madison decided to go for broke and engage in a first-quarter boat race with the Tar Heels.

Just five minutes into the game, the Dukes blocked a North Carolina punt and returned it for a touchdown, then were successful on the ensuing two-point conversion try, gaining an early 11-0 lead.

James Madison is having a ton of fun against UNC

pic.twitter.com/r1lbJ5Ww1E
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 21, 2024

But the Tar Heels would answer back, scoring 14 unanswered points in a matter of just five minutes.

Down 14-11 with just a few minutes before the end of the first quarter, the Dukes took advantage of a free play from a defensive offside penalty, punishing North Carolina with a 69-yard bomb for the score.

JAMES MADISON CAME TO PLAY.

69-YARD TOUCHDOWN AND THEN THEY ONSIDE KICKED AND HAVE THE BALL AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/PYgA3WK3KF
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 21, 2024

But it wasn't over there, not by a long shot. The Dukes decided to be fearless and stun North Carolina with an onside kick.

The trickery was genius, as the ball was shot directly at a return player and ricocheted back for a James Madison recovery.

How do you follow up a 69-yard touchdown?

With a surprise onside kick!

James Madison is off to a roaring start against UNC early

@ESPN | H/T @MrMatthew_CFB pic.twitter.com/0rAYqTPIrs
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) September 21, 2024

Five plays and two minutes later, James Madison jumped out to a 25-14 lead with back-to-back touchdowns.

Quarterback Alonza Barnett III decided to push the ball over the goal line himself. He accrued 166 total yards and two scores in the first quarter alone.

North Carolina paid James Madison $500K to play this game that was rescheduled from 2020.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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