HARRISONBURG, Va. — In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Tychaun Chapman powered through for a 10-yard touchdown run, while Braylon Braxton connected with Charles Montgomery for a crucial 2-point conversion, leading Marshall to a 35-33 victory over James Madison. This win marked a historic milestone for Marshall, securing their first-ever berth in the Sun Belt Championship game.
Marshall concluded the regular season with a strong record of 9-3, including 7-1 within the Sun Belt Conference. They are set to face Louisiana-Lafayette on December 7 for the conference title match.
James Madison initially took control of the game with a series of impressive plays, including a 5-yard touchdown run from George Pettaway and a 9-yard touchdown pass from Alonza Barnett III to Omarion Dollison, capping an impressive 11-play, 90-yard drive. Additionally, Noe Ruelas added a 23-yard field goal, propelling James Madison to a commanding 17-0 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Rece Verhoff brought Marshall back into contention with a 42-yard field goal, and shortly thereafter, Braxton threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Toby Payne, trimming the lead to just seven points. Remarkably, on the following play from scrimmage, Jadarius Green-McKnight intercepted a pass and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown, quickly leveling the score at 17-17 just 7 seconds later.
Jobi Malary then put James Madison back in front with a 7-yard touchdown run, creating a 24-17 advantage with about 11 minutes remaining. However, Braxton fought back, rushing into the end zone to tie the game at 24-24 with just over five minutes on the clock.
Following a three-and-out from the Dukes, Marshall attempted a 36-yard field goal with only 2 seconds left in regulation but failed to execute before time expired.
In the first overtime, Verhoff successfully launched a 49-yard field goal, and Ruelas followed suit with a 38-yard kick for James Madison. As the second overtime unfolded, Wayne Knight caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Barnett, giving the Dukes a temporary lead. However, Chapman answered back with his 10-yard run, resulting in a tie at 33-33, setting the stage for an exhilarating finish.
