James Madison defense makes a stand in red zone and Dukes deny Gardner-Webb 13-6

Updated Sep. 7, 2024 9:24 p.m. ET

Associated Press

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Tyler Purdy scored the game's only touchdown, the James Madison defense held on fourth down in the red zone late in the fourth quarter, and the Dukes edged FCS-member Gardner-Webb 13-6 on Saturday night.

After being shut out in the first half, the Dukes scored on their first two possessions of the third quarter to take a 10-3 lead. Purdy scored on a short run, then Noe Ruelas connected on a 48-yard field goal after an interception by Chauncey Logan gave JMU a short field.

After the teams traded field goals, Gardner-Webb went on a 15-play, 8 1/2-minute drive in the fourth quarter that ended with a turnover on downs. The Runnin' Bulldogs converted twice on fourth down during the drive, but Tyler Riddell threw incomplete on fourth down from the 14-yard line with 2:37 remaining.

A 23-yard run by quarterback Alonza Barnett III helped the Dukes run out the clock.

Barnett completed 14 of 22 passes for 135 yards. George Pettaway had 10 carries for 84 yards for the Dukes (2-0).

Riddell was 17-of-30 passing for 160 yards and was intercepted twice. Edward Saydee had 22 carries for 87 yards for the Runnin' Bulldogs (0-2).

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