BOONE – In a snow-swept homecoming battle at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Appalachian State kept their bowl eligibility hopes alive with a decisive 34-20 victory over James Madison on Saturday, turning a 14-point first-quarter deficit into their fifth win of the season.
The Mountaineers (5-5, 3-4 Sun Belt) scored 24 unanswered points in the second quarter, including a momentum-shifting punt return touchdown by Michael Hetzel, to overcome an early 14-0 hole against the Dukes (8-3, 4-3).
Despite challenging weather conditions that included 27 mph winds and snow, App State's offense found its rhythm behind running back Ahmani Marshall, who rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Quarterback Joey Aguilar connected on 12 of 23 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns, with receiver Makai Jackson hauling in five catches for 162 yards and a score.
The Dukes struck first, mounting an impressive 75-yard opening drive capped by Yamir Knight's 6-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Alonza Barnett III. JMU extended their lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter when Josh Phifer caught a 37-yard touchdown pass.
But the tide turned dramatically in the second quarter. After Michael Hughes connected on a 23-yard field goal to get App State on the board, the Mountaineers' defense forced a crucial turnover. The momentum shift led to Eli Wilson's 4-yard touchdown reception from Aguilar, cutting the deficit to 14-10.
Though JMU responded with a field goal, App State seized control with two quick scores before halftime. Jackson's 64-yard touchdown reception tied the game at 17, and less than a minute later, Hetzel's 9-yard punt return touchdown gave the Mountaineers their first lead at 24-17.
The Mountaineers' defense, led by Brendan Harrington and Kyle Arnholt with 11 tackles each, kept JMU's offense in check for most of the final three quarters. The unit recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers, while holding JMU to just six points in the second half.
JMU's Barnett III finished 21-of-36 for 232 yards and two touchdowns, but was pressured consistently and threw a crucial fourth-quarter interception. The Dukes' ground game, led by George Pettaway's 82 yards, showed flashes but couldn't sustain drives in critical moments.
The victory puts App State one win away from bowl eligibility with two games remaining. It also marked their 100th win as an FBS program, reaching the milestone on Senior Day in front of a sold-out crowd of 34,012.
The win continued the series' tradition of dramatic games between these Sun Belt rivals. After JMU's incredible 28-3 comeback victory in Boone in 2022 and App State's overtime triumph in Harrisonburg last year, this contest added another memorable chapter to their budding rivalry.
The Mountaineers' defense proved particularly stout in crucial situations, holding JMU to just 6-of-15 on third down conversions and forcing seven punts. App State's special teams also played a significant role, with Hughes adding field goals of 41 and 23 yards in addition to Hetzel's game-changing punt return touchdown.
Marshall's consistent running helped App State control the clock in the second half, with the Mountaineers holding a significant advantage in time of possession (34:05 to 23:27). The balanced offensive attack produced 365 total yards, with the running game accounting for 149 yards on 35 carries.
The loss dealt a significant blow to JMU's Sun Belt Championship Game hopes, while App State's resurgence keeps their postseason aspirations alive. The Mountaineers will need a win on the road at rival Georgia Southern to secure bowl eligibility.
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