Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Breaking News

James Madison defeats Liberty in coach Billy Napier's first game

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 8:16 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

James Madison defeats Liberty in coach Billy Napier's first game

Summary

James Madison opened its season with a 20-13 victory over Liberty on Saturday at Harrisonburg. JC Evans finished the game 7-of-9 passing for 61 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 rushing yards on nine attempts. The Dukes secured the win after a defensive stop on fourth-and-2 with 2:16 remaining, followed by an Evans 23-yard run to seal the result. This game marked the debut of coach Billy Napier at James Madison and the program's successful defense of the Battle of the Blue Ridge trophy. Liberty quarterback Deshawn Purdie recorded 230 passing yards and one touchdown in the loss. James Madison hosts Wagner next Saturday, while Liberty returns home to face Gardner-Webb.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•James Madison won 20-13 in front of 25,035 fans.
•JC Evans rushed for a key first down to run out the clock.
•The Dukes improved their record against Liberty to 14-6.
•Deshawn Purdie threw for 230 yards for Liberty.
•James Madison hosts Wagner next Saturday.

Latest Updates

8:16 PMYahoo Sports — James Madison begins the coach Billy Napier era with a 20-13 victory over in-state foe Liberty

What they're saying

"
JC Evans threw for a touchdown and ran for a key first down late in the fourth quarter to help James Madison begin the coach Billy Napier era with a 20-13 victory over in-state foe Liberty on Saturday. James Madison forced Liberty into a fourth-and-2 decision with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter before breaking up a pass to the outside. Evans rushed for 23 yards on the next play and the Dukes were able to run out the clock on three more run plays in front of 25,035 fans.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Football