Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
By Bennett Conlin
JMU Football’s request for playoff eligibility was denied by the NCAA on Wednesday, according to ESPN. Pete Thamel first reported. JMU confirmed the news in a statement.
“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome of the NCAA’s review of our request for bowl relief,” JMU said in a statement on social media. “We are saddened for our university community and, in particular, we are devastated for our football program, the coaches and the student-athletes who orchestrated an incredible season and deserved this opportunity.”
What does it mean?
JMU can still host a bowl game if there are not enough eligible teams to fill all 82 team slots out of 41 bowl games. This seems likely, based on recent projections.
JMU cannot, however, participate in a New Year’s Six Bowl game because the Dukes are not eligible in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Dukes also will not play for the Sun Belt Championship, as the league has already stated that it will not allow an ineligible team to play for its championship title.
The Dukes still have a lot to look forward to this season, including this weekend’s matchup with App State, which includes a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay. JMU denied that waiver numbers were a major topic of discussion on the show.
“As we turn the page, we have an incredible week with College GameDay here and our final home game, so we are focused on maximizing these moments for our university and celebrating our senior class,” the statement said. press release from JMU.
