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James Madison issues statement on denial of bowl eligibility waiver from NCAA

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•11/15/23
james-madison-issues-statement-on-denial-of-bowl-eligibility-waiver-from-ncaa
David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

James Madison got the unfortunate news on Wednesday evening that their waiver for bowl eligibility was denied by the NCAA. The news came down despite the Dukes ascending to inside the Top 20 of college football rankings. Their team currently remains undefeated with a 10-0 overall record. On Wednesday evening, JMU issued a statement on the NCAA’s decision.

Check it out below.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the outcome of the NCAA’s review of our request for bowl relief. We’re saddened for our university community, and in particular, we’re devastated for our football program, the coaches and student-athletes who have orchestrated an amazing season and earned the opportunity. As we turn the page, we have an incredible week lined up with College GameDay here and our final home game, so we’re focused on maximizing these moments for our university and celebrating our senior class,” the statement from JMU athletics read.

Virginia attorney general issued a statement on Wednesday

Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares released a statement Wednesday night in light of the NCAA’s decision to deny James Madison a postseason waiver. The Division I Board Administration Committee made the decision that will keep JMU, Jacksonville State and Tarleton State out of bowl games as they transition to Division I.

Through a spokeswoman, Miyares expressed his disappointment in the decision, which comes as the Dukes bring an undefeated record into Week 12. This week’s game against Appalachian State is shaping up to be a big draw since ESPN is sending College GameDay to the matchup.

“Despite their undefeated record and historic season, the NCAA again refused to allow JMU to be bowl- and postseason-eligible,” the statement read. “The Attorney General is disappointed and will consider all legal options to support the JMU community and the future of their student-athletes.”

JMU also released a statement in light of the decision, expressing its disappointment.

“We’re saddened for our university community and, in particular, we’re devastated for our football program, the coaches, and the student-athletes who have orchestrated an amazing season and earned the opportunity,” the statement read.

A look at the fallout of the NCAA committee’s decision on James Madison’s bowl status

The efforts to get James Madison eligible for bowl games are ramped up over the last few weeks. The university sent a letter to the NCAA asking for relief from the rules keeping them out of bowl games. Over the last two years, the Dukes have totaled a 15-3 record against FBS teams since transitioning from FCS, and they noted that in the letter.

Of course, some of the bigger implications of the committee’s decision revolve around the College Football Playoff. Because James Madison can’t compete in the postseason, the Dukes can’t be ranked in the CFP top 25. If the waiver was granted, though, executive director Bill Hancock said JMU would be in consideration for the rankings because it could play in bowl games.

“Yeah, of course,” Hancock said when asked whether the committee will rank JMU immediately if it becomes bowl-eligible. “Just remember that the committee will rank any team that is eligible for postseason.”

Hancock was asked to clarify that remark, and the answer remained the same.

“Yes,” he said. “The committee will rank any team — I don’t want to be a smart-aleck here, but the fact is the committee will rank any team that’s eligible for postseason.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.