Ratke Breaks Record, JMU Defense Smothers Delaware in 22-10 Triumph

Saturday, October 23

Newark, Del.

3 p.m.

James Madison University

Delaware

Ratke Breaks Record, JMU Defense Smothers Delaware in 22-10 Triumph

10/23/2021 7:30:00 PM | Football

Box Score Photo Gallery

NEWARK, Del. – Kicker Ethan Ratke converted a JMU single-game record five field goals and James Madison's defense forced three turnovers and limited #23 Delaware to 109 total yards en route to a 22-10 Colonial Athletic Association football win on Saturday afternoon at Delaware Stadium.

The seventh-ranked Dukes improved to 6-1 on the year and 4-1 in CAA play, while the Blue Hens fell for the third straight time, dropping to 3-4 and 2-3. It was also JMU's fifth straight win in the series.

Ratke, the FCS all-time leader in career field goals did something he'd never done before in Newark, as he kicked a JMU-record five goals, outscoring JMU's opponent by himself for the second straight week.

Adding his extra point, his 16 points moved him into fourth place all-time in FCS history with 473, surpassing Eastern Washington's Cooper Kupp (464).

JMU's defense once again rose to the occasion, giving Delaware very little in terms of offense. The Dukes held the Blue Hens to just 109 total yards, including 25 in the second half alone to shut out the hosts over the final 30 minutes.

Linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey led JMU with nine tackles, while safety Chris Chukwuneke made six stops with a half tackle for loss and a key fumble recovery. Safety MJ Hampton had five tackles and his second career interception, while cornerback Greg Ross recorded his team-leading third interception of the year.

Offensively, quarterback Cole Johnson threw for 119 yards while rushing for a career-best 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. Running back Latrele Palmer ran for a game-high 74 yards, and Percy Agyei-Obese added 45 on the ground. Wide Receiver Antwane Wells Jr. led all players with 43 receiving yards as well.

JMU led 6-3 after one, but a James Collins 26-yard touchdown pass from Zach Gwynn gave Delaware a 10-6 lead early in the second. Ratke's third field goal of the day made it 10-9 at the break.

After regaining the lead with Ratke's fourth made kick, at 12-10, early in the third quarter, Abi Nwabuoku-Okonji strip sacked Gwynn and Chukwuneke came away with the ball in the pile. Three plays later, Johnson faked out the entire stadium on a keeper, taking it 36 yards to the house to make it 19-10. Ratke added his record field goal in the fourth to complete the game's scoring.

GAME NOTES

JMU out-gained Delaware 314-109, which included a 204-25 mark in the second half.
The Dukes held the Blue Hens to just 85 passing yards and 24 rushing yards in the game.
JMU went 9-of-22 on third down while holding UD to just 2-of-13. It was the 15th straight game a team failed to convert 50% on third down against JMU.
JMU had 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, marking the fourth time this season JMU had double-digit TFLs.
The Dukes held a 35:33 to 24:27 lead in time of possession.
JMU's average starting field position was its own 41, while Delaware started on average at its 22. JMU's longest scoring drive was only 50 yards due to the great field position.
Punter Harry O'Kelly had four of his six punts pinned inside the Delaware 20, tying his career high.
Reigning CAA Player of the Year Dejoun Lee from Delaware was limited to just 31 rushing yards and 2.1 per carry.