James London kicked a 40-yard field goal in overtime Thursday night, lifting Appalachian State to a stunning 34-31 victory over previously unbeaten James Madison at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
The senior kicker’s game-winner capped a wild finish that saw the Mountaineers take a seven-point lead on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass by Henry Hasselbeck, surrender the tying touchdown with three seconds remaining and then get a second chance when James Madison missed a 47-yard field goal in overtime.
London delivered, sending his fourth successful field goal of the night through the uprights to complete one of the biggest upsets of the North Carolina college football season.
Appalachian State improved to 5-2 overall, 2-1 in Sun Belt Conference play – rejoining the title conversation in the East Division. James Madison dropped to 7-1, 4-1, possibly endangering its hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff.
Beating the Unbeaten 💪 OTs Never Get Old 🎊🎊 #GoApp #BeatJMU https://t.co/aWpsNo5C3D — App State Football (@AppState_FB) October 23, 2026
How it happened
James Madison struck first on a 1-yard touchdown run by George Pettaway less than four minutes into the game. The offenses then struggled to find their footing, with the teams combining for 11 first-half punts, including eight in a row in the fourth quarter.
London put Appalachian State on the scoreboard with a 48-yard field goal early in the second quarter, but the Dukes extended their lead to 14-3 when JC Evans connected with Braeden Wisloski on a 70-yard touchdown pass.
Malachi Singleton answered with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Alexander Sanchez, trimming the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.
London’s 27-yard field goal brought App State within one point in the third quarter before Camden Coleman found Cole Keller for a 19-yard touchdown, putting JMU ahead 21-13.
The Mountaineers responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive, tying the game 21-21 early in the fourth quarter. After the teams exchanged field goals, lineback Colton Phares delivered one of the game’s defining plays.
The senior linebacker intercepted Coleman and returned the ball 21 yards to the JMU 14. Following a pass interference penalty, Henry Hasselbeck found Luke Douglas for a 4-yard touchdown, giving Appalachian State a 31-24 advantage with 5:52 remaining.
James Madison had one final answer.
Taking possession at its own 29 with 2:55 left, the Dukes marched 71 yards in 15 plays. Coleman scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining, and Morgan Suarez’s extra point forced overtime.
The Dukes got the ball first in the extra period but lost 11 yards on their opening play. Suarez eventually attempted a 47-yard field goal that struck the left upright and bounced away.
Appalachian State moved the ball into position for London, whose 40-yard kick ended the game and gave the homestanding Mountaineers another signature win – the biggest of the Dowell Loggains’ coaching era.
History repeats itself: For the second time in four seasons, Appalachian State handed James Madison its first loss of the season in dramatic fashion. On Nov. 18, 2023, the Mountaineers defeated the 10-0 Dukes 26-23 in overtime in Harrisonburg, spoiling JMU’s unbeaten season during a weekend when ESPN’s College GameDay visited campus.
By the numbers
James London: The senior connected on field goals of 48, 27, 36 and 40 yards, with the final kick delivering the victory. He also hit two PATs to finish with 14 kicker points.
Colton Phares: App State’s senior linebacker finished with a game-high 13 tackles, including nine solo stops, a tackle for loss, the game-defining interception and a pass breakup. His fourth-quarter takeaway set up the go-ahead touchdown. He lived up to his Captain America nickname on this night in Boone.
Malachi Singleton: The App State quarterback completed 26 of 40 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Jaquari Lewis: The Mountaineers’ leading rusher gained 74 yards on 13 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt.
Camden Coleman: One of two James Madison quarterbacks to play Thursday, he completed 22 of 39 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also scored the game-tying touchdown on a 6-yard run with three seconds left in regulation.
Total offense: James Madison outgained Appalachian State 423-366, but the Mountaineers converted the game’s only turnover into seven points.
Third-down struggles: James Madison converted just 2 of 15 third-down opportunities, while Appalachian State finished 7-for-18. The Dukes, however, went 3-for-3 on fourth down, including two critical conversions on their last-minute touchdown drive.
Scoring summary
First quarter
- JMU — George Pettaway 1-yard run (Suarez kick), 11:33.
Second quarter
- APP — James London 48-yard field goal, 12:41.
- JMU — Braeden Wisloski 70-yard pass from JC Evans (Suarez kick), 4:48.
- APP — Alexander Sanchez 19-yard pass from Malachi Singleton (London kick), 1:02.
Third quarter
- APP — London 27-yard field goal, 10:05.
- JMU — Cole Keller 19-yard pass from Camden Coleman (Suarez kick), 2:38.
Fourth quarter
- APP — Chris Lofton 5-yard pass from Malachi Singleton (Singleton pass), 13:15.
- JMU — Suarez 47-yard field goal, 9:19.
- APP — London 36-yard field goal, 6:16.
- APP — Luke Douglas 4-yard pass from Henry Hasselbeck (London kick), 5:52.
- JMU — Coleman 6-yard run (Suarez kick), 0:03.
Overtime
- APP — London 40-yard field goal.
Final: Appalachian State 34, James Madison 31.
