Mountaineers SHOCKED in Road Finale at No. 24 James Madison, 58-10

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State concluded its 2025 road schedule with a 58-10 loss to No. 24 James Madison on Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium, falling to 4-6 overall and 1-5 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Injury and Early Struggles Define Defeat

The Mountaineers’ most significant concern came when starting quarterback AJ Swann was transported off the field with a lower-body injury. Backup JJ Kohl entered and connected with Davion Dozier for a 19-yard touchdown pass in the final two minutes, providing the lone offensive highlight.

App State didn’t score until the fourth quarter when Dominic De Freitas converted a 48-yard field goal, his fourth conversion from beyond 45 yards this season, ending a shutout bid with the score at 44-0.

Defensive Bright Spots Scarce

The Mountaineers generated limited defensive success against the Dukes (9-1, 7-0 SBC). Caleb Sandstrom tipped an early pass that Dylan Manuel intercepted for App State’s lone takeaway. Sandstrom, Rondo Porter, and Colton Phares each recorded one sack.

Despite Manuel’s early interception, momentum evaporated when DJ Barksdale intercepted a wide receiver screen four plays later, setting up a four-play, 46-yard James Madison touchdown drive. A 42-yard completion, aided when App State’s defender collided with an official, set up Wayne Knight’s 1-yard touchdown run.

Halftime Deficit Mirrors Historical Shutout

JMU extended its lead to 17-0 on Knight’s 41-yard run after breaking initial containment. The Dukes capitalized on a fourth-and-1 false start near midfield to build a 24-0 advantage with 1:26 before halftime on Alonza Barnett III’s quarterback sneak.

James Madison regained possession 22 seconds later via three-and-out, adding a 38-yard field goal as time expired for a 27-0 halftime lead. It marked App State’s first shutout half since trailing 17-0 at Idaho in 2017 (eventually won 23-20).

Second Half Collapse

The Dukes scored on a short 24-yard drive following a three-and-out and unsuccessful fake punt to open the second half, pushing the margin to 34-0. JMU led 37-0 entering the fourth quarter before De Freitas’ field goal finally ended the shutout at 44-0.

Looking Ahead

App State returns home next Saturday to face Marshall at 2:30 p.m. for Black Saturday and Heroes Day at Kidd Brewer Stadium, with the 2005 national championship team being honored.

The Mountaineers are 3-4 in their last seven games against ranked opponents and face critical final regular-season contests to secure bowl eligibility.