In a jaw-dropping overtime showdown, the Appalachian State Mountaineers pulled off a stunning upset against the previously unbeaten and 18th-ranked James Madison Dukes. The game concluded with a heart-stopping winning touchdown by Kaedin Robinson, securing a 26-23 victory for the Mountaineers.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded when James Madison, hosting ESPN's "College GameDay" in a grand spectacle, took a 23-20 lead in overtime with a 25-yard field goal by Camden Wise. The Dukes seemed poised to extend their 13-game winning streak, but Appalachian State had other plans.
On a crucial third down from the 8-yard line, quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with Kaedin Robinson, who, after making a spectacular catch at the 5-yard line, broke through two tackles and barely crossed the goal line before losing control of the ball. A tense video review upheld the touchdown call, sealing the fate of James Madison's undefeated streak.
Appalachian State head coach Shawn Clark expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing that the victory was not an upset but a result of meticulous planning and execution. "This was the next game on our schedule. I think it shows you things still go through Boone, North Carolina, and we're not backing down from them," said Clark.
The win keeps Appalachian State's Sun Belt East hopes alive, with Aguilar delivering an exceptional performance, going 28-for-46 passing for 318 yards and three touchdowns, along with an interception. Robinson's four catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns were crucial in the Mountaineers' triumph.
Despite James Madison's formidable defense, Appalachian State strategically protected their quarterback and executed their game plan to perfection. Clark acknowledged James Madison's strength but asserted his team's resilience.
James Madison's head coach, Curt Cignetti, credited his team for their comeback effort but acknowledged that they fell short in overtime. "It wasn't that the plays weren't there; we just didn't execute them, and they executed theirs," said Cignetti.
The loss comes at a challenging time for James Madison, which had its appeal for a postseason waiver denied earlier in the week by the NCAA. The Virginia attorney general's involvement, arguing for JMU's inclusion in bowl consideration, added a layer of complexity to the Dukes' postseason predicament.
With the victory, Appalachian State not only handed James Madison their first loss of the season but also made a strong statement about their own standing in collegiate football. As the regular season winds down, this thrilling encounter will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the 2023 college football season.
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