An offensive shootout could break out in Wednesday’s first bowl game with Western Kentucky facing James Madison in the Boca Raton Bowl. The Hilltoppers and Dukes are no strangers to playing offense – Western Kentucky excels throwing the ball while James Madison knows how to run.
Things looked to be headed south when the Hilltoppers quarterback and Conference USA Player of the Year Caden Veltkamp announced he would be entering the transfer portal. However, he’ll take part in one last ride with his teammates and lead a passing game that was 32nd in the country.
James Madison still has its quarterback in Alonza Barnett III, but he won’t suit up after suffering an injury in the regular-season finale. As a result, third-string Billy Atkins, who has made one career start in the three seasons, will be starting under center. Luckily, the Dukes have their rushing game against a team that isn’t the best at stopping the run.
Wednesday will be the first meeting between Western Kentucky and James Madison, and while every bowl team is trying to end the season on a high note, the Dukes will be going for their first bowl win in program history. Can it be done, or will Western Kentucky win its fourth consecutive bowl game?
When is the Boca Raton Bowl between Western Kentucky and JMU?
The kickoff for the Boca Raton Bowl game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the James Madison Dukes at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, is Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch Western Kentucky and JMU in the Boca Raton Bowl
The Boca Raton Bowl game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the James Madison Dukes will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison odds, line
The James Madison Dukes are the favorites to defeat the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Boca Raton Bowl, according to the BetMGM college football odds on Wednesday afternoon.
Spread: James Madison (-7)
Moneyline: James Madison (-275); Western Kentucky (+225)
Over/under: 50.5
Watch Western Kentucky and James Madison in the Boca Raton Bowl with a free Fubo trial
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison: Boca Raton Bowl predictions
USA TODAY: JMU is the unanimous pick
Scooby Axon: James Madison
Jordan Mendoza: James Madison
Paul Myerberg: James Madison
Erick Smith: James Madison
Eddie Timanus: James Madison
Dan Wolken: James Madison
ESPN: Western Kentucky 28, James Madison 26
‘Both teams are capable enough on defense and can spread the ball around in the passing game, as WKU’s Caden Veltkamp has 23 touchdown passes. Hilltoppers coach Tyson Helton is 4-1 in bowls, though, and will add a close win to his ledger.’
College Football News: James Madison 34, Western Kentucky 16
‘This one will be rough. Not only is WKU hammered by the transfer portal, but James Madison star QB Alonza Barnett III is hurting with an apparent leg injury (and won’t play). James Madison should be okay enough to get by. There’s a decent next-man-up thing happening with this team, but WKU is way too (hurt) by losses to hold up.’
The Athletic: James Madison wins
All nine experts at The Athletic picked James Madison to beat Western Kentucky in the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl.
BetMGM: JMU wins, WKU covers
BetMGM’s betting model gives James Madison a 70.5% chance of beating Western Kentucky, as of Friday, December 13, based on game simulations, offensive and defensive matchups and recent game result. But the model predicts with 55.1% confidence that Western Kentucky will cover the spread.
USA Today college football bowl schedule
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