Sept. 6, 2008

Final Stats

HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison University amassed 449 yards of total offense, including 276 rushing yards, en route to a 56-7 victory over North Carolina Central University in front of 15,518 fans inside Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va.

James Madison, which dropped from a preseason ranking of No. 2 to No. 8 in the Sports Network Division I-FCS poll following last week's loss at Duke University, entered the contest against NCCU with a strong desire to prove that the Dukes belong back near the top of the rankings. JMU (1-1) made an impressive statement.

The Dukes scored eight touchdowns and punted only once, tallying 23 first downs along the way.

JMU's balanced offensive attack was led by senior quarterback Rodney Landers, who completed 13-of-17 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 31 yards and a score. Senior running back Eugene Hollowman collected a game-high 88 yards rushing with a touchdown, while Griff Yancey came off the bench to contribute 71 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

NCCU (0-2) managed 203 yards of total offense, including 122 through the air and 81 on the ground.

NCCU senior quarterback Stadford Brown completed 16-of-33 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. Sophomore running back Tony McCord topped the Eagles' ground game with 42 yards on 10 carries. Senior receiver Wayne Blackwell caught six passes for 59 yards, including an over-the-shoulder reception in the corner of the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter for the Eagles' lone score.

The NCCU defense was topped by linebacker Calvin Hillie with nine tackles, while safety Kurtis Campbell added five stops and a blocked field goal.

The JMU defense was sparked by Vidal Nelson and Evan McCollough with eight tackles apiece, while Marcus Haywood recorded seven tackles, including a takedown for a loss, and two interceptions.

Next week, NCCU travels to Baltimore, Md. to take on the Bears of Morgan State University.