2023 vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers

Extent:
54 posters
Scope and content:

Many of the signs make reference to the NCAA bowl game controversy; the Jonas Brothers, specifically Joe Jonas's recent separation from actress Sophie Turner; University of Michigan's football cheating scandal; and other happenings in pop culture.

Biographical / historical:

ESPN College GameDay's third visit to Harrisonburg on November 18, 2023 was marked by a record setting crowd of approximately 26,000 people. Additionally, GameDay celebrated its 30th anniversary with its visit to JMU which also included musical performances by the Jonas Brothers and Bailey Zimmerman.

Leading up to GameDay, JMU and the NCAA were embroiled in a bowl game controversy related to JMU's transition period after switching from the Coastal Athletic Association to the Sun Belt Conference in 2021. Per NCAA rules, a two-year transition period is required for teams to fully transition from Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) to Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision). JMU's transition period was in effect from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. While JMU was undefeated and nationally ranked at the time, the NCAA upheld the transition period rule that the football team would not be bowl eligible. Ultimately, JMU was able to play in a bowl game (Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl vs. Air Force, 2023 December 23) since there were not enough six-win teams to fill all the bowl game slots.

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Parent restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

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