James Madison made North Carolina fans give up on their team at halftime of Saturday’s college football game in Chapel Hill. A mass exodus ensued after the second quarter and Kenan Memorial Stadium was mostly empty during the final 30 minutes of play.
It was an embarrassing performance that likely marked the beginning of the end for head coach Mack Brown.
The Dukes recorded 418 yards of total offense during the first half. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III completed 14-of-21 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and two scores. Two different wide receivers eclipsed the 100-yard mark. Running back George Pettaway averaged six yards per carry on 11 carries.
Needless to say, the Tar Heels did not have an answer on defense.
To make matters worse, they fumbled twice, failed to recover a surprise onside kick that resulted in a five-play scoring drive, threw a pick-six, and had a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Yikes.
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) September 21, 2024
James Madison scored eight touchdowns during the first half and went into the locker room with a 53-21 lead. UNC fans saw enough.
They hit the exits as soon as the clock hit zero at halftime. Especially the students.
#UNC’s student section is clearing out after a record breaking 53-21 first half from #JMU. pic.twitter.com/PebBg7bpHg
— Hayden Hundley (@HaydenHundley_) September 21, 2024
The crowd completely cleared out during the break. Less than 30% of the fans who showed up for the game remained in their seats at the start of the third quarter. They had better things to do.
UNC will need to reevaluate its entire program after the ugly showing. An inferior James Madison program (on paper) crossed over into North Carolina and beat the Tar Heels into submission.
It was, without a doubt, the most embarrassing performance from any college football team in the country on Saturday. Even the fans who spent their hard-earned money to attend the game could not endure any more pain.