JMU, Jacksonville St. bowl-bound for first time

James Madison and Jacksonville State are each headed to bowl games for the first time in their program histories, filling two openings because there were not enough eligible teams to take all 82 slots.

Both programs are transitioning from the FCS to FBS level, and NCAA rules state schools are not eligible for the postseason for two years during the transition. But because there were not enough bowl eligible teams to fill all slots, James Madison and Jacksonville State were allowed to go bowling.

James Madison started the year 10-0 and at one point threatened legal action against the NCAA to become bowl eligible. But a loss last week, and the possibility there would not be enough bowl-eligible teams, prompted the school to drop any thought of a lawsuit. The Dukes are 11-1 this season, tops in the Sun Belt, but are not eligible for the conference title game.

Jacksonville State finished 8-4 in its first season as an FBS program under coach Rich Rodriguez.

Even with James Madison and Jacksonville State, one more team will be needed to fill all the bowl games this year. Minnesota will have the first opportunity to take that spot based on having the highest APR score among the 5-7 teams.