Alonza Barnett News: Starting for Dukes in Week 1

Barnett will start for James Madison against Weber State in Week 1, per Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.com.

This is somewhat surprising, as Barnett battled UNLV transfer Matthew Sluka all offseason for the QB1 gig in Harrisonburg. Barnett was cleared for contact just days before the Dukes' opener, so James Madison rolling with Sluka wouldn't have been shocking. Still, Barnett has proven he's a talented option under center, and he'll get a chance to hold down the starting quarterback role. It's worth noting, however, that both quarterbacks have played early in the game.