With this weekend’s college football slate being somewhat subdued, James Madison has stepped into the national limelight ahead of Saturday’s home game against Appalachian State. The 10-0 Dukes will host ESPN’s College Gameday on Saturday and the beloved national pregame show will be spotlighting the program as it fights for postseason eligibility.
In its second year as an FBS program, James Madison is currently ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA rules requiring a probationary period for schools transitioning up from FCS. The rule also bars the Dukes from competing in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game despite them being the last remaining undefeated team in the conference. The school was denied a postseason waiver by the NCAA Division I Board Administration Committee back in April and despite mounting public pressure, the board held firm and denied JMU’s second waiver request on Wednesday. However, the Dukes could still go to a bowl if there aren’t enough bowl eligible teams to fill the 82 slots across 41 bowl games this winter.
JMU’s fight has garnered increasing attention in recent weeks as the program has clearly proven it can thrive in the FBS ranks without a transition period. Last year’s team finished their first season at the level with an 8-3 record and was barred from the SBC title game despite technically winning the East division. In the aftermath of the NCAA’s decision on Wednesday, Virginia Attorney General and JMU alum Jason Miyares hired a law firm to represent the school in a potential legal fight against the NCAA if the decision is upheld.
As for Saturday, this will be the primary topic throughout the morning on College Gameday as we can expect the hosts and Dukes leaders like head coach Curt Cignetti to discuss their plight. JMU’s battle against App State will kick off at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.