JMU opens Billy Napier era with Liberty win

JMU defeated Liberty in the September 5 opener, with published recaps differing on whether the final score was 20-13 or 20-6. JC Evans started, produced an efficient passing performance and 69 rushing yards, while George Pettaway contributed offensively and the defense made the decisive late stop. The win ends the quarterback uncertainty for Week 1 and gives Napier an encouraging debut, but Evans's longer-term evaluation, defensive consistency, and Sun Belt-contender status remain developing.