North Carolina conceded 53 points in the first half against James Madison, the program record

North Carolina conceded 53 points in the first half of its game against James Madison, with the Tar Heels trailing 53-21 after two quarters. That's the most points UNC has allowed in a half in school history. 53 points in a single half is also a program scoring record for James Madison.

It is also the most points in the first half scored by a Power Four team, formerly Power Five,, has allowed against a Group of Five opponent since 2012. James Madison scored a total of 43 points in its first two games against Charlotte and Gardner-Webb.

After starting the game with a field goal and two punts, the Dukes scored a touchdown on five consecutive possessions from the end of the first quarter to the middle of the second quarter. They ended the half with a pick-six to North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell that gave them their current four-possession lead.

North Carolina had no answer for James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III. After starting the game with just one successful pass in six attempts, Barnett was successful on 13 of his next 15 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries.

Barnett has more offensive yards as an individual (352) than North Carolina as a team (311). The Tar Heels matched James Madison offensively blow for blow early in the game, but have not scored since a six-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a touchdown with 14:33 left in the second quarter.

Criswell, starting for just the second time in his career and the first time this season, threw two interceptions, including the pick-six on a ill-advised throw with less than two minutes left in the second quarter. Conner Harrell, another quarterback option for the Tar Heels, entered the game briefly when Criswell lost his helmet and fumbled the snap, allowing James Madison to recover it.

North Carolina will start the second half with the ball, but the Tar Heels have dug themselves into a hole that will be hard to get out of.

James Madison is seeking its fourth win against a Power Four school and second in the last two seasons (36-35 against Virginia).