The James Madison Dukes have done everything they possibly can to play in a bowl game for the first time in the college football program’s 51-year history. In their second year of FBS-level play, coach Curt Cignetti’s Dukes are one of just one of seven remaining undefeated teams in college football in 2023.
Some might ask, who are the James Madison Dukes?
As mentioned, they’re new to the FBS level after previously competing in the FCS, winning two national titles. However, in 2021, JMU accepted an invitation to move up a subdivision and join the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. The Dukes went 8-3 in their first year in the Sun Belt, but NCAA rules state that any team jumping up to FBS competition is subject to a two-season postseason ban, preventing bowl appearances.
The only exception is if there aren’t enough bowl-eligible teams at the end of the regular season. In other words, the only way for teams like James Madison to reach a bowl game this year is by hoping other teams fail to win enough games.
Well, since JMU is playing so well, the program filed a waiver request, seeking special bowl eligibility anyway. Yet, the NCAA denied James Madison’s request to participate in the Sun Belt Conference Championship and further bowl game matchups.
A spokesperson representing James Madison said they were “Disappointed” with the ruling.
James Madison has just two games left on their schedule, and on Saturday, ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be broadcast live on campus. With a big home game against Appalachian State, the network couldn’t have picked a better time to visit.
James Madison then closes out their season against Coastal Carolina, and if things go their way, maybe a bowl game can still be in their future, but the NCAA’s latest ruling certainly won’t help.