The JMU football team, ranked #5 in the FCS poll, lost to FBS #9 West Virginia 42-12 Saturday night at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.
The Dukes drop to 2-1 this season.
WVU quarterback Geno Smith completed 34 of 39 passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Smith became the school's all-time passing yardage leader (8,191 yards), passing Marc Bulger.
Stedman Bailey had 13 catches for 173 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Tavon Austin caught eleven balls for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Both Bailey and Austin had 100 yards receiving in the first half.
The Mountaineers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, three of which came via the air. West Virginia led 28-0 with just over 10:00 to play in the first half.
Cameron Starke made a 33-yard field goal to make it 28-3 at half.
A JMU safety made it 28-5 early in the third quarter.
Two more Smith touchdown tosses put WVU up 42-5.
Jauan Latney scored the only Madison touchdown on a 20-yard run.
The Mountaineers outgained the Dukes 569-300, including 448 passing yards.
Jordan Anderson led all rushers with 75 yards on 17 carries in the loss.
Senior safety Jakarie Jackson had a career-high 14 tackles for JMU. Sophomore safety Dean Marlowe added nine.
James Madison opens CAA play Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at Rhode Island.
