HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Alonza Barnett III connected with Landon Ellis for three touchdowns and the James Madison defense stifled Louisiana’s offense for three quarters, leading the Dukes to a 24-14 victory on Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium.

The Dukes improved to 4-1 on the season, while the Ragin’ Cajuns fell to 2-3.

James Madison’s offense struggled to find its footing in the first quarter, with a promising 16-play drive stalling at the Louisiana 9-yard line as time expired in the period. The Dukes were finally able to break through in the second quarter. After a Wayne Knight 49-yard run set up the offense in the red zone, Barnett found Ellis for a 4-yard touchdown pass, cutting into Louisiana’s lead.

The Ragin’ Cajuns, however, responded immediately. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Lunch Winfield hit Dale Martin on a 69-yard touchdown strike, extending the lead to 14-7. That score concluded all of Louisiana’s scoring for the game, as their offense was held to just 14 points, all coming in the second quarter.

James Madison seized control immediately after halftime. On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Barnett launched a 62-yard touchdown pass to Ellis, tying the game at 14. The Dukes’ defense then took over, consistently pressuring Winfield and forcing a series of punts.

The game-winning drive came early in the fourth quarter. James Madison methodically moved down the field, culminating in Barnett’s third scoring connection with Ellis, this time from 4 yards out, to give the Dukes a 21-14 lead. Barnett finished the game having completed 26 of 40 passes for 290 yards and the three touchdowns, adding 28 yards on five carries.

The James Madison defense sealed the victory late in the fourth. With under two minutes remaining and Louisiana driving, Winfield was intercepted by Jacob Thomas in the end zone for a touchback. The Dukes added a 24-yard field goal from Morgan Suarez with just over three minutes left to provide the final margin.

Winfield passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns for Louisiana, but was sacked twice and threw two interceptions. Robert Williams was his primary target, hauling in five passes for 134 yards.

James Madison’s defense was led by Elijah Culp and Tyler Brown, who each recorded eight tackles. Sahir West had six tackles, including a sack, for a unit that held the Ragin’ Cajuns scoreless in the second half.

The Dukes will host Old Dominion next Saturday. Louisiana returns home to face Southern Mississippi.