JMU QB turns in early nominee for flop of the year during Week 1

If it was discovered that James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III had taken acting classes at some point, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Barnett sold one of the biggest flops we’ve seen early this year during Week 1 against the Charlotte 49ers as he pulled this stunt, playing off a little “shove” from a Charlotte defender, if one could even call it that.

Here’s a look at the play:

Charles Arbuckle accused JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III of doing “A little acting.”

He might have been onto something. pic.twitter.com/xABRKqbVIW

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 1, 2024

Barnett’s reaction ended up drawing an offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Barnett was clearly unfazed as the Dukes went on to deliver a solid, 30-7 victory over the 49ers. Barnett completed 10 of his 18 passing attempts for 219 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also finished the game as the team’s leading rusher.

Barnett, who the team also likes to employ as a large part of the ground game, carried the ball 9 times for 89 yards. The Dukes will face Gardner-Webb up next on the schedule.

Crissy Froyd

Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.