Countdown to the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Showdown

Boca Raton, Florida: Countdown to the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl

Football fans, get ready! The excitement is building as the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl approaches, where the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will face off against the James Madison Dukes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Both teams are vying for a ninth victory this season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! The game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET at the FAU Stadium in beautiful Boca Raton, Florida.

What to Expect

Mark your calendars! You can catch all the action live on ESPN or stream it on fuboTV. It’s going to be a thrilling matchup as both teams look to end their seasons on a high note. The Dukes, sporting an 8-4 record, are excited to step onto the field against the Hilltoppers who hold an 8-5 record.

Key Matchup: Strength vs. Weakness

One of the biggest focal points in this game will be James Madison’s rushing attack. They boast the 28th-ranked rushing offense in the FBS, averaging 191.7 yards per game. In contrast, the Hilltoppers struggle defensively, ranking 130th and allowing a staggering 221.9 yards per game. This mismatch presents a golden opportunity for the Dukes, especially when you consider their impressive ability to secure rushing yards.

Last Games Recap

In their last outing, the Dukes faced a tough opponent, losing to Marshall in a nail-bitter 35-33 contest. Their star quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, showcased his skills with 138 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground, with 24 rushing yards from 14 attempts. Running back Jobadiah Malary shone as well, rolling up over 100 yards against a solid defense.

On the other side, Western Kentucky had a rough go of it against Jacksonville State, suffering a 52-12 defeat. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp managed 141 passing yards but struggled to keep the offense moving. Running back Elijah Young did find some success, rushing for over 100 yards, but it wasn’t enough to spark a rally.

Players to Keep an Eye On

For the Dukes, keep your eyes on Alonza Barnett III, who has accumulated 2,596 passing yards this season, with an impressive 26 touchdowns to his name. He’s also a dual threat with his 7 rushing touchdowns. Running back George Pettaway will be pivotal for the Dukes as well, leading the team with 876 rushing yards.

The Hilltoppers will rely heavily on Veltkamp’s arm, who has tallied 2,806 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. His ability to find playmakers like Kisean Johnson, who has caught 66 passes for 855 yards, will be critical for their success.

Fun Facts: Scoring and Defense

This year’s Boca Raton Bowl not only has talent on the field but intriguing stats to back it up. The Dukes have outscored their opponents by an average of 13 points per game, while the Hilltoppers have managed just a 1 point per game margin. That’s quite the difference when every point will matter in this bowl game!

Final Thoughts

As December 18 approaches, anticipation builds for this exciting college football showdown. Will James Madison showcase their powerful rushing game, or can Western Kentucky step it up to surprise the Dukes? Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see how it all unfolds. Be sure to grab your snacks and settle in, because this is one game you won’t want to miss!