Barnett III Named AP National Player of the Week, Earns Multiple National Awards

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III was recognized as the Associated Press National Player of the Week after turning in a seven-touchdown performance in the Dukes' victory at North Carolina.

This is the first major national honor for Barnett III, as he was also recognized on the Davey O'Brien Award Great 8 and named one of the eight "Stars of the Week" by the Manning Award.

By virtue of his inclusion on the Great 8, Barnett has been added to the midseason watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, honoring the nation's best quarterback.

Barnett III produced a JMU single-game record seven touchdowns and recorded career highs in every statistical category to lead JMU to a 70-50 win at North Carolina. He finished the game 22-of-34 for 388 passing yards and five touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 99 yards (7.6 avg) and two scores. His 487 total yards ranked third in JMU single-game history, while his 388 passing total was tied for seventh. He's also the first Sun Belt quarterback to throw for five touchdowns and rush for two more in the same game.

Barnett III and JMU set multiple team records, recording their most points in a game against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent and as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. It nearly doubled the previous record of points scored against an autonomy five team, besting the 36 they scored at Virginia last season.

JMU scored a single-half school-record 53 points in the first half and the 70 scored set a Kenan Stadium record by a road team and was tied for the most points UNC had ever given up. Additionally, JMU set a record for most points scored by a Group of Five program on the road at the power-conference team.

Both the Davey O'Brien Award and Manning Award will name their national quarterback of the week in the coming days, with the Manning Award being decided by a fan vote at this link.

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