A tough battle here that again rested on the arm of the JMU passer. While efficient completeing 13 of 18 passes, three of those incompletions were INT's. App State took full advantage and took the lead for good in the 4th quarter 20-13. JMU tried running and throwing but could not find the consistency necessary to get the W.
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We are 4 games from immortality.
App State outlasts James Madison in a defensive battle
In a game defined by strong defenses and clutch moments, the Appalachian State Mountaineers emerged victorious, defeating the James Madison Dukes 20-13 on the road. The win was a testament to the Mountaineers’ resilience and ability to capitalize on turnovers, which proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested matchup.
The game began slowly, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm in the first quarter. James Madison’s Noe Ruelas put the Dukes on the board first, drilling a 34-yard field goal with just 27 seconds left in the quarter for a 3-0 lead.
App State responded in the second quarter with a balanced attack. Anderson Castle broke through the Dukes' defense with a powerful 2-yard touchdown run, and Michael Hughes followed with a 56-yard field goal to send the Mountaineers into halftime with a 10-3 lead.
The third quarter saw James Madison fight back. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III connected with Cam Ross for a 5-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 10-10. However, App State’s Michael Hughes proved reliable once again, nailing a 34-yard field goal late in the quarter to regain the lead at 13-10.
The fourth quarter showcased the Mountaineers' ability to execute in critical moments. After Ruelas tied the game with a 37-yard field goal early in the quarter, Kanye Roberts delivered the game’s decisive play—a 13-yard touchdown run with 3:29 left, capping a clock-chewing drive. App State’s defense then stepped up, forcing the Dukes to turn the ball over on their final possession.
Statistically, the Mountaineers’ ground game was pivotal, amassing 175 rushing yards compared to the Dukes’ 54. Castle led the charge with 114 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Roberts added 76 yards and the game-winning score. Joey Aguilar, though held to just 87 passing yards, managed the game effectively, avoiding costly mistakes aside from one interception.
Defensively, App State was relentless, forcing three turnovers, including interceptions by Jordan Favors, Ronald Clarke, and Seth Robertson. The Mountaineers' pass rush was disruptive, with Michael Fletcher and Thomas Davis each recording a sack.
The win keeps App State’s momentum alive as they look to build on their physical, defense-first identity.
1st Quarter
(JMU) Noe Ruelas, 34 Yd FG, 0:27
2nd Quarter
(APP) Anderson Castle, 2 Yd run (Michael Hughes kick), 2:14
(APP) Michael Hughes, 56 Yd FG, 0:52
3rd Quarter
(JMU) Cam Ross 5 Yd pass from Alonza Barnett III (Noe Ruelas kick), 4:12
(APP) Michael Hughes, 34 Yd FG, 1:09
4th Quarter
(JMU) Noe Ruelas, 37 Yd FG, 6:15
(APP) Kanye Roberts, 13 Yd run (Michael Hughes kick), 3:29
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