James Madison University football has kept Dukes and fans across the nation on the edge of their seats as the team continues to dominate and create program history. After the NCAA denied JMU’s Bowl Eligibility request, thousands of Dukes showcased their purple and gold pride on ESPN’s College Day with creative signs addressing the NCAA’s decision. Following the team’s victory against Coastal Carolina, achieving a standing record of 11-1 on November 26, 2023, the university officially announced the football team's bowl eligibility.
Earning a bowl-eligible spot marks an official milestone in the team's history. With this incredible achievement, let's delve into how JMU secured its bowl-eligible spot and what this signifies for JMU football.
James Madison University football is relatively young in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), being only in its second year in the Sun Belt conference. After the school transitioned from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the FBS, the football team is currently in its two-year transition period. Typically, no team two years and younger is bowl-eligible to ensure the university and team can compete at the FBS level. However, there is an exception: if there are no six-win teams to fill the bowl spots, JMU (along with Jacksonville State) has the opportunity to play. With Clemson University’s victory over South Carolina’s Gamecocks, the JMU Dukes continue to dominate and secure the sixth bowl spot.
History unfolds as JMU football prepares to play in the bowl game. Achieving a bowl game seemed unattainable after the team's recent departure from the FCS. In these exciting times, the university, students, the Harrisonburg community, and fans across the nation eagerly await further details regarding the bowl game. The entire bowl schedule will be revealed on December 3 on ESPN. Until then, wear your JMU apparel loud and proud as the Dukes continue to make history and dominate the Sun Belt!
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