The Game of the Year (so far) in college football took place in Harrisonburg, Virginia on Saturday as AP No. 18 James Madison saw it’s perfect season come to an end at home against Appalachian State, 26-23, in overtime.
This game had everything. With ESPN’s College GameDay on hand, the Dukes came back from a 17-5 deficit in the fourth quarter thanks to a 4th-and-18 conversion, a last-minute touchdown and a successful two-point try that tied App State at 20 just before the clock expired. The Mountaineers held JMU to a field goal to start overtime and then ended the game on an eight-yard touchdown pass from Joey Aguilar to Kaedin Robinson.
Overtime triumph!
🎙️ @AdamBWitten & Brandon Turner#GoApp pic.twitter.com/Z5e8RwdQl0
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) November 18, 2023
For James Madison, an undefeated season was pretty much all the Dukes had to play for this year. Due to NCAA rules prohibiting programs from bowl game eligibility for two years after transitioning from FCS to FBS, James Madison will not be able to participate in any postseason contests.
The NCAA denied the school’s request for a waiver earlier this week. Obviously, this is quite a shame for a JMU team that has more than earned the opportunity to appear in a bowl game. But it was also perfect fodder for an App State social team that couldn’t wait to pour some salt in the Dukes’ wounds after handing them their first loss of the year.
Denied. #GoApp pic.twitter.com/URJyZ69lmS
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) November 18, 2023
So much pain in so few words.
