Elon quarterback Davis Cheek (17) is brought down by James Madison linebacker KeShaun Moore (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
The Associated Press
HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) - Davis Cheek connected with Avery Jones on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 1:17 to play and Elon upset FCS second-ranked James Madison 27-24 on Saturday, ending the Dukes' record 20-game Colonial Athletic Association winning streak.
It was James Madison's first conference loss since October 31, 2015.
Set up by Gregg Liggs Jr.'s fumble recovery, Cheek engineered a 10-play, 74-yard drive and found Jones in the corner of the end zone. Connor Christianson sealed it with an easy interception in the closing seconds.
Malcolm Summers' career-long 59-yard TD run - Elon's longest play of the season - put the Phoenix (4-1, 2-0) up 20-12 early in the fourth quarter, but the Dukes (4-2, 2-1) closed to 20-18 on Trai Sharp's 6-yard run and pulled ahead 24-20 after DiNucci hit Riley Stapleton on 10-yard touchdown pass.
But Stapleton fumbled on James Madison's next possession and Elon took advantage.
Cheek was 16 of 32 for 286 yards passing and Summers gained 186 yards on 20 carries.
DiNucci was 24 of 41 for 316 yards for the Dukes, who entered the game riding an FCS-best 19-game home win streak. Ethan Ratke kicked four field goals.
James Madison safety D'Angelo Amos (24) finds a gap in traffic as he returns a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Elon in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison safety D'Angelo Amos (24) leaps up to try to block a pass from Elon quarterback Davis Cheek (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
The Associated Press
James Madison tight end Dylan Stapleton (84) fights for extra yards as he is brought down by Elon defensive backs Greg Liggs Jr. (21) and Efrim Borders (10) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison running back Cardon Johnson (25) tries to run around Elon defensive lineman Jordan Dollerson (91) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison head coach Mike Houston talks with his team as they huddle up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Elon in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison defensive lineman Darrious Carter (47) celebrates after making a tackle during the first half of an NCAA football game against Elon in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison wide receiver David Eldridge (3) celebrates after making a long catch during the first half of an NCAA football game against Elon in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison running back Trai Sharp (1) is chased down by Elon running back Brelynd Cyphers (33) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
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James Madison defensive lineman Paris Black (15) and defensive lineman Mike Greene (92) work together to bring down Elon running back De'Sean McNair (28) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)
The Associated Press