James Madison thrashes Middle Tennessee in its inaugural game as an FBS programme

[{"selector":"#anim-52011a20-1180-472b-b82f-52e8c7452c14","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b4420311-c11a-4533-8333-29fbd6d6342e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] HARRISONBURG— A Sun Belt Conference commercial appeared on the video board at Bridgeforth Stadium midway through the second quarter of James Madison's season opener on Saturday night.

[{"selector":"#anim-dd0da868-6fef-40c7-80e7-4092db33d1bf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The video looped through an animation of a map, highlighting each of the new-look league's members.

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JMU's defence was unyielding against a Middle Tennessee offensive line that had only one starter back: centre Jordan Palmer.

[{"selector":"#anim-cebb4d6c-3c99-4d56-b82f-7cf4a6e9d9ee [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] This week, JMU coach Curt Cignetti did not officially name Centeio the starter, but Centeio had received the majority of first-team reps.

It was also the program's seventh win all-time against an FBS opponent — as an FCS member, JMU was 6-22 in such contests.

Yusuf Ali scored late for MTSU, overcoming a deflection to secure the Blue Raiders' first touchdown of the season on a 26-yard pass from Chase Cunningham in the third quarter.

[{"selector":"#anim-856fb1fe-03ad-42a3-9ed1-cbdebbd5de1f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Kyle Ulbrich helped MTSU flip the field, averaging 42 yards per punt while trapping JMU inside the 20 twice on the evening.