JMU Claims 17-0 Victory in Lightning-Shortened Game at NSU

Saturday, September 8

Norfolk, Va.

7:35 p.m.

James Madison University

1-1

Norfolk State

1-1

1st

2nd

James Madison

Norfolk State

JMU Claims 17-0 Victory in Lightning-Shortened Game at NSU

9/8/2018 10:28:00 PM | Football

Box Score Box Score Photo Gallery Houston Postgame

NORFOLK, Va. – Multiple lightning delays and three scoring drives in the first quarter is all that was in store for second-ranked James Madison, as the Dukes claimed a 17-0 victory at Norfolk State after the teams agreed to end the game following lengthy weather delays on Saturday night at William "Dick" Price Stadium.

The Dukes evened their record to 1-1 on the year, while the Spartans fell to 1-1. JMU is now 2-0 all-time against NSU with wins in consecutive seasons. It's the second straight season the Dukes registered a shutout win, as it beat New Hampshire 21-0 on Oct. 28, 2017.

QUICK SUMMARY

The Dukes opened the game's scoring on their opening drive on a 5-yard touchdown run by redshirt junior quarterback Ben DiNucci. The drive, which spanned 8 plays, 69 yards and only 2:37 of action, was highlighted by DiNucci's 56-yard run during the drive.
Two plays later, redshirt senior cornerback Jimmy Moreland tied JMU's all-time interceptions record with his 14th career pick on a deep pass.
With 4:24 to play in the quarter, redshirt sophomore returner D'Angelo Amos returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown, marking the second straight year he records a punt for a score.
Redshirt sophomore Ethan Ratke added a 28-yard field goal with 36 seconds to play.

WEATHER NOT COOPERATING

JMU and Norfolk State sat through numerous delays before being able to kick off Saturday night.
Lightning forced a 90-minute delay to start the game, with the opening kick coming at 7:35.
At 8:20, the game was delayed again until the teams agreed to end the game 50 minutes later.

HOUSTON POSTGAME

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OTHER GAME NOTES

DiNucci registered his second career rushing touchdown and his first in a JMU uniform, as he led the team in rushing for the second straight week with four carries for 67 yards (16.8 per carry).
Moreland is now tied with former JMU safety Raven Greene with 14 career interceptions after his first-quarter pick.
Amos averaged 51.5 yards per return, as he added a 27-yard punt return after his 76 yarder.
The Dukes came out on top despite the Spartans maintaining possession for 9:04 during the 15 minutes of play.
JMU out-gained Norfolk State 118 to 29 in the game, including 106 to 24 on the ground.

UP NEXT
The Dukes open up their home slate next Saturday, Sept. 15 when they host Robert Morris. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field. The game, which is sponsored by the JMU Duke Club, will be televised on NBC Sports Washington Plus.