
UMass jumped out on top to open the contest with the opening drive, taking the ball 60 yards on eight plays over 3:05. However, the Dukes’ defense stiffened again in the red zone and held the Minutemen to a field goal attempt. Caleb Violette hit the 33-yard field goal attempt to give UMass a 3-0 lead with just over three minutes gone in the game.
The Minutemen found their way back deep into JMU territory on their second drive, with a second and goal at the JMU 1. The Dukes held for the first two plays and on fourth down, forced an incomplete pass to get the ball back and stop the threat, keeping the margin at 3-0.