App State defeated James Madison 34-20 in Week 13, with the Mountaineers' dominant second quarter setting the tone for the victory. App State covered the 7-point spread while the game finished under the 57.5-point over-under.

The Mountaineers exploded for 24 points in the second quarter, highlighted by a 64-yard touchdown pass from Joey Aguilar to Makai Jackson. App State added another scoring drive in the period, with Aguilar connecting with Jackson again on a 52-yard completion to set up additional points.

James Madison kept pace early with a touchdown in the first quarter, and Alonza Barnett III found Josh Phifer for a 37-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter to respond to App State's onslaught. However, the Dukes managed just 3 points in the second half.

For James Madison, Barnett led passing with 232 yards, George Pettaway rushed for 82 yards, and Taylor Thompson hauled in 8 receptions. App State's defense made critical plays throughout, including a sack of Barnett in the fourth quarter to stall a potential drive. The game featured two lead changes and remained competitive until App State's second-quarter surge proved decisive.