UL Monroe edges James Madison in thrilling 21-19 showdown
- UL Monroe achieved a 21-19 victory over James Madison, marking their first meeting.
- Despite being outgained in total yards, UL Monroe's defense limited James Madison's scoring opportunities.
- The win improved UL Monroe's record to 4-1, their best start since 1993, while James Madison suffered their first loss of the season.
On Saturday night in Monroe, Louisiana, UL Monroe faced off against James Madison in a significant matchup that ended with a 21-19 victory for the Warhawks. Aidan Armenta led the team with 147 passing yards and a touchdown, while Ahmad Hardy's 82 rushing yards and a touchdown were crucial in the game. The Warhawks' defense played a pivotal role, holding James Madison to their second-lowest scoring output of the season despite the Dukes outgaining them in total yards, 399 to 257. The game began with James Madison taking an early lead, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. However, UL Monroe responded with two touchdowns in the second quarter, including a critical 38-yard run by Hardy that narrowed the score. A fumble by James Madison's quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, allowed UL Monroe to capitalize and take the lead before halftime. The Dukes managed to close the gap with a field goal just before the half, trailing 14-13. In the second half, UL Monroe extended their lead with a touchdown pass from Armenta to Jake Godfrey. Although James Madison fought back with a touchdown of their own, they failed to convert a crucial 2-point attempt. The Warhawks' defense held strong, forcing turnovers on downs during the Dukes' final possessions. This victory not only marked UL Monroe's first win in the Sun Belt Conference but also improved their overall record to 4-1, a notable achievement for the program, as it was their best start since 1993. Conversely, this loss was a setback for James Madison, who fell to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.