Harris-Lopez's TD return, JMU's defense spark 35-10 win over Georgia Southern in Sun Belt opener

HARRISONBURG, Va. -- , Curtis Harris-Lopez returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown and James Madison defeated Georgia Southern 35-10 in a Sun Belt Conference opener on Saturday. Harris-Lopez's sprint to the end zone gave the Dukes (3-1) a 21-3 lead that JMU extended on Alonza Barnett III 's 17-yard TD pass over the middle to Lacota Dippre and Jordan Fuller 's 26-yard TD run around the left end. Wayne Knight rushed for 151 yards on 19 carries, including a 40-yard touchdown for the game's first points. Fuller added 137 yards on 16 carries and Barrett also had a rushing TD. The Dukes rushed for 331 yards and outgained Georgia Southern 479-192. Barrett threw for 148 yards. Trent Hendrick led a JMU defense that held the Eagles (2-1) to just 27 yards rushing on 26 attempts with three sacks among his 11 tackles, six solo.