Tag: James Madison Football

James Madison and Jacksonville State earn bowl berths after all, despite NCAA eligibility rules

James Madison and Jacksonville State are IN.

James Madison won’t need to take legal action against the NCAA after all.

Following the final week of regular-season football, the Dukes will in fact be able to play in a bowl because not enough teams crossed the six-win threshold to fill the 82 bowl spots.

JMU (11-1), as well as Jacksonville State (8-4), were previously ineligible for a bowl due to being in their second years of transition from FCS to FBS. After a 10-0 start, the Dukes requested an NCAA waiver for bowl eligibility, but it was denied, prompting the Virginia Attorney General to threaten legal action. After losing its first game last week, JMU decided not to follow through on the threat, but kept it open as a possibility. Now, those plans can now be scrapped altogether. Both teams are in.

This is great news for those teams and their fans, though it won’t likely make people feel any better about the two-year grace period that will remain in place for future teams making the leap.

 

 

How James Madison could still make a bowl game in the 2023-24 season

James Madison could still potentially make a bowl game this year. Here’s how.

While James Madison football might not be bowl eligible because of NCAA rules concerning FCS teams that just recently joined the FBS, there is still a way that the Dukes can play in a postseason game.

If there aren’t enough teams to fill all the FBS bowl spots, James Madison could be able to capitalize on the situation.

Since James Madison is 10-1, it more than meets the requirement for fill-in teams to staff bowl games where there aren’t enough six-win teams in the NCAA to play in them, as USA TODAY Sports noted.

There are 41 bowl games, which calls for 82 teams to play. If there aren’t 82 teams that organically can make a bowl game, James Madison would immediately qualify to fill one of the open spots.

Essentially, if 82 teams hit six wins before the end of the season, James Madison would have to sit out another year before bowl game consideration. If there aren’t 82 teams, James Madison would have a great chance at playing in a bowl game.

It’d be a win-win for James Madison and the NCAA if this were the case.

For the Dukes, it’d be a chance to play in a bowl game and reap the reward of a double digit-win season. For the NCAA, it’d still allow a worthy team to play in a bowl game while adhering to its two-season waiting period in place for FCS teams that transfer into the FBS.

While the latter’s policy will still get scrutiny in the years to come, this would be the best-case scenario for a James Madison team that’s not automatically granted a spot in one of the 82 possible bowl game spots.

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Why James Madison football is ineligible for a bowl game in 2023

Why can’t undefeated James Madison participate in postseason football?

Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Are you trying to figure out why undefeated James Madison football isn’t eligible for a bowl game this year? We’re here to help.

James Madison football has been one of the great stories of the college season, as the undefeated Dukes continue to steamroll the opposition.

However, the program will not be eligible for a bowl game this season, despite winning all of its nine games so far this season. What gives?

The NCAA requires all teams that transition from FCS to FBS competition spend two years outside of postseason play before being eligible to participate in any bowl games or College Football Playoff games.

Since James Madison moved from FCS to FBS play in 2022, it still has another year to go per NCAA rules before being eligible to contend in the postseason. As The Athletic noted, the program also applied for a one-year transition waiver in the spring but ultimately was denied.

However, the school requested a waiver this week to bypass the current laws and allow the Dukes the ability to compete in a bowl game this year.

“JMU presents a unique set of factors in making this request for relief,” the letter reads, per CBS Sports. “No other school has gone above and beyond the transition requirements in all the ways we have. This request is specific, unique, and consistent with the principles of student-athlete welfare espoused by the NCAA.”

Unless the NCAA amends the stipulations for James Madison, the team will have to wait until 2024 to partake in any postseason opportunities.

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James Madison’s coaches used a smartphone photo to try and convince refs to overturn a touchdown call

Bold strategy, James Madison.

During James Madison’s road bout with Utah State on Saturday, the Dukes coaching staff found a very creative (if unsuccessful) way to protest an Aggies touchdown call.

On a 4th-and-four in the second quarter, Utah State attempted a field goal that turned into a trick play where Aggies kicker Elliott Nimrod ran the ball in for a touchdown.

However, the James Madison coaches argued that Nimrod had stepped out of bounds before scoring.

As the referees debated if Nimrod had actually gotten into the end zone, one of the Dukes assistants got out his cell phone with a photo of what could be an Aggies step out of bounds and handed it to James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti.

Cignetti then tried to show the deliberating referees where he felt the kicker had indeed stepped out before the touchdown.

Well, the refs weren’t so happy about that as they quickly brushed off the photo of what James Madison felt should’ve sparked a turnover on downs.

Well, the referees confirmed the touchdown for Utah State, and all James Madison got out of the exchange was a hilarious video that shows just how much technology has changed in the past decade-plus.

If anything, NBA veteran Patrick Beverley will be proud that the James Madison coaches borrowed his strategy of finding impromptu photographic evidence of when you feel the officials have it wrong during the game.

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James Madison vs. Appalachian State, live stream, preview, TV channel, time, how to watch college football

The James Madison Dukes will meet the Appalachian State Mountaineers in Sun Belt Conference action on Saturday from Kidd Brewer Stadium.

The James Madison Dukes will meet the Appalachian State Mountaineers in Sun Belt Conference action on Saturday from Kidd Brewer Stadium.

James Madison is coming off a blowout win over Norfolk State where they put up 63 points and picked up their second win of the season. Meanwhile, Appalachian State is coming off a comeback win over Tory where they picked up a 32-28 win to improve their record to 2-1.

This will be another great day of college football, here is everything you need to know to watch and stream the action on Saturday.

James Madison vs. Appalachian State

  • When: Saturday, September 24
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: ESPN+
  • Live Stream: ESPN+ (watch now)
NCAA Football Odds and Betting Lines

NCAA odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds were updated at 9:00 a.m. ET on Saturday.

James Madison vs. Appalachian State (-6.5)

O/U: 58.5

Want some action on college football? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO & NJ.

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James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Season Prediction, Breakdown, Key Games, Players

James Madison College Football Preview 2022: Team breakdown, season prediction, keys to the campaign, and what you need to know

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the James Madison season with what you need to know and keys to the season.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

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James Madison Dukes Preview
Head Coach: Curt Cignetti, 4th year at JMU, 33-5
12th year overall, 100-31
2021 Record: Overall: 12-2, Conference: 7-1
Keys To The Season | Season Prediction, What Will Happen
James Madison Top 10 Players | James Madison Schedule

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022

James Madison isn’t just entering FBS life in the Sun Belt looking to have a good time.

Oh it will – this fan base is jacked for the upgrade to the big-time – but this is a program used to winning lots and lots of games, going to the FCS Playoffs on a regular basis, and doing it all with plenty of big pop to the offense and with a defense that comes in smoking.

And then there’s the obvious X factor – just how quickly can this program adapt, adjust, and be ready for life against the bigger teams with the depth and talent it hasn’t faced in a long time.

The last game against an FBS program was the opener of the 2019 season. It was a good 20-13 loss to West Virginia, and the 24-13 opener loss to NC State in 2018 was tough, but the 2017 powerhouse blew out East Carolina and there’s going to be no fear factor with the parts currently in place.

The team isn’t eligible for a bowl game this year – totally silly, by the way – and there’s no pressure whatsoever in the transition.

This is about adapting, adjusting, and establishing itself as a potential Sun Belt power.

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Offense

With seven starters expected back and a whole lot of good new guys from the transfer portal, the offense is going to work. It was No. 1 in the Colonial Athletic Association last year and overall it was 17th in the FCS with one of the nation’s most efficient lower-level passing games.

QB Cole Johnson was the CAA Offensive Player of the Year and now he needs to be replaced, and star receiver Antwane Wells is off to South Carolina, but …

Getting Todd Centeio from Colorado State will be a big help in the thin quarterback situation. Backup Billy Atkins got in a little work last year, but Centeio is a five-year veteran who can run as well as bomb away.

Yeah, the loss of the 83 catches, 15 touchdowns, and 15 yards per catch from Wells hurt, and the Dukes have to replace three of their top four receivers, but Kris Thornton is back after also catching 83 passes for close to 1,100 yards and 13 scores. Getting the 97 catches from Boston College veteran Kobay White helps.

The offensive line will instantly be a factor in the Sun Belt. Four starters are expected back around all-star tackle Nick Kidwell. Overall it has to be a bit better in pass protection, but it’ll bash away for the running game.

The passing game was the star last year, but the O gets back 947-yard back Latrele Palmer and adds another 220-pounder in AJ Davis from Pitt in what should be a good and deep rotation.

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Defense

The defense was every bit as good as the high-powered offense, but it loses a whole lot more talent. Last year’s D allowed just 275 yards and 15 points per game with a fantastic pass rush and production everywhere.

The star power losses might be big, but …

The defensive line will still get into the backfield. Pass rusher Bryce Carter is done, but Isaac Ukwu is an all-star end who’s back after making nine tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. The interior was young and should have a good rotation around veteran Tony Thurston on the nose. However, there’s not a ton of massive bulk inside.

Losing leading tackler Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey to Texas stings. He made 116 tackles with four picks, and the linebacking corps also loses second-leading tackler Kelvin Azanama. This isn’t a deep group for the 4-2-5, and the young backups from last year have to rise up.

The secondary is in better shape – at least it will be in time. Only two starters are back, but Sam Kidd is a terrific all-around safety tied with Chris Chukwuneke as the leading returning tackler with 60 stops. The transfer portal is bringing in the bodies for the rest of the backfield.

Jarius Reimonenq is a veteran all-around defensive back – he’ll be a safety – from Arkansas State, and Deon Jones is a veteran safety who played at Maryland and Boston College.

Keys To The Season | Season Prediction, What Will Happen
James Madison Top 10 Players | James Madison Schedule

James Madison Dukes: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats NEXT

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

James Madison Dukes Top 10 Players: College Football Preview 2022

Who are the top 10 James Madison players going into the 2022 college football season?

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Who are the top 10 players going into the season?

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

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James Madison Dukes Preview
Offense, Defense Breakdown | Keys To The Season
Season Prediction, What Will Happen | JMU Schedule 

Michigan State football transfer chooses James Madison football

MSU cornerback transfer has found his new home

Michigan State freshman cornerback Antoine Booth made the decision that he was going to enter the NCAA transfer portal after not logging any playing time in his only season with the Spartans.

Booth was a member of Mel Tucker’s 2021 recruiting class, the first of his tenure in East Lansing. Booth was a 3-star prospect out of DeMatha Catholic in Baltimore, Maryland.

Booth has found his new landing spot, he will be heading to James Madison University. Booth is a legacy of JMU with his dad being a member of the school’s hall of fame.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

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James Madison vs Sam Houston Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston Broadcast

Date: Saturday, May 8
Game Time: 2:30 pm ET
Venue: Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ABC

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Sam Houston vs James Madison FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why James Madison Will Win

James Madison (7-0) got up fast on North Dakota in a 34-21 win, and the defense held tough in the second half. The running game was great, QB Cole Johnson was razor sharp, and the team controlled the tempo throughout.

Sam Houston might have a high-powered offense, but it doesn’t control the clock, it turns the ball over a bit too much, and the defense now has to deal with an offense that knows how to convert on third downs.

North Dakota State wasn’t the normal North Dakota State, but it was still strong. Sam Houston still had to hold on for dear life late, and it caught a bit of a break with young Bison QB Cam Miller struggling in the big moment.

That’s not going to be a problem for Johnson.

Johnson and the James Madison offense should be able to keep things moving, the offensive line is a killer, and the run defense has been among the best in the FCS all year.

However …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

Sam Houston (8-0) can play a little run D, too.

The Bearkats might be known for their downfield passing game and the all-around playmaking ability of QB Eric Schmid, but the defense allows just 69 rushing yards per game, stuffed North Dakota State outside of two decent runs, and it’s got the pass rush and ability to pressure the JMU backfield all game long.

It’s not that James Madison can’t throw, but to go old school Janet Jackson, it’s all about control. It has to own the clock, the tempo, and the offense has to work on its terms – this isn’t really a team that wants to get into a wild shootout, even though it has the ability to do it.

Make this about the passing game and the up-and-down style, and then turn the great pass rush loose.

What’s Going To Happen

Which side can get the other to play the right style?

It’s not like Sam Houston can’t pound and grind, and James Madison can certainly for get the O going through the air. The difference is that the Dukes are going to be a wee bit better at doing what they want.

It’s not going to be a low-scoring fight, but the JMU quarterback play will be far better than what Sam Houston saw against North Dakota State, and the D will do its part to come up with just enough key stops to get by.

Cole Johnson might be under pressure all game long, but he’ll hit the third down throws and will come up with two big deep shots in big moments.

James Madison vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, Sam Houston 24
Line: James Madison -1.5, o/u: 46.5

Must See Rating: 5

5: Gangs of London
1: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

James Madison vs Sam Houston Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston Broadcast

Date: Saturday, May 8
Game Time: 2:30 pm ET
Venue: Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ABC

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Sam Houston vs James Madison FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why James Madison Will Win

James Madison (7-0) got up fast on North Dakota in a 34-21 win, and the defense held tough in the second half. The running game was great, QB Cole Johnson was razor sharp, and the team controlled the tempo throughout.

Sam Houston might have a high-powered offense, but it doesn’t control the clock, it turns the ball over a bit too much, and the defense now has to deal with an offense that knows how to convert on third downs.

North Dakota State wasn’t the normal North Dakota State, but it was still strong. Sam Houston still had to hold on for dear life late, and it caught a bit of a break with young Bison QB Cam Miller struggling in the big moment.

That’s not going to be a problem for Johnson.

Johnson and the James Madison offense should be able to keep things moving, the offensive line is a killer, and the run defense has been among the best in the FCS all year.

However …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

Sam Houston (8-0) can play a little run D, too.

The Bearkats might be known for their downfield passing game and the all-around playmaking ability of QB Eric Schmid, but the defense allows just 69 rushing yards per game, stuffed North Dakota State outside of two decent runs, and it’s got the pass rush and ability to pressure the JMU backfield all game long.

It’s not that James Madison can’t throw, but to go old school Janet Jackson, it’s all about control. It has to own the clock, the tempo, and the offense has to work on its terms – this isn’t really a team that wants to get into a wild shootout, even though it has the ability to do it.

Make this about the passing game and the up-and-down style, and then turn the great pass rush loose.

What’s Going To Happen

Which side can get the other to play the right style?

It’s not like Sam Houston can’t pound and grind, and James Madison can certainly for get the O going through the air. The difference is that the Dukes are going to be a wee bit better at doing what they want.

It’s not going to be a low-scoring fight, but the JMU quarterback play will be far better than what Sam Houston saw against North Dakota State, and the D will do its part to come up with just enough key stops to get by.

Cole Johnson might be under pressure all game long, but he’ll hit the third down throws and will come up with two big deep shots in big moments.

James Madison vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, Sam Houston 24
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: Gangs of London
1: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]