On Wednesday, the James Madison Dukes (8-4) will head to South Florida to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) in the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. The Dukes are currently 7-point favorites, according to ESPN.
2024 Boca Raton Bowl Preview
The Hilltoppers are coming off a devastating 52-12 loss against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the Conference USA Championship game. Western Kentucky’s run defense had a difficult time controlling Jacksonville State’s senior running back, Tre Stewart, who amassed a total of 255 scrimmage yards, to go along with 3 rushing touchdowns.
As for the Dukes, this marks their second bowl game in program history. Last season, JMU suffered a 31-21 loss against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. However, the Dukes were without head coach Curt Cignetti, who had already departed for Indiana.
While JMU won’t have to worry about not having their coach, the same can not be said about their quarterback, Alonza Barnett III. Barnett limped off the field during JMU’s final offensive play against Marshall on November 30.
“Right now it looks like [Alonza] is not going to go and won’t be available for the bowl game,” said JMU’s head coach Bob Chesney.
Without Barnett, the Dukes will rely on Billy Atkins to get the job done. This will be Atkins second ever start in his collegiate career. His last start came against Marshall in 2022, where the then-redshirt freshman completed 13 of his 35 passes for 164 passing yards and a touchdown. However, Atkins also threw four interceptions in the Dukes’ 26-12 loss.
JMU’s defense has been nothing short of dominant in 2024. The Dukes allowed just 123.7 rushing yards per game this season, which is the fewest of any team in the Sun Belt Conference. They also led the conference by surrendering just 13 rushing touchdowns.
JMU leads all Sun Belt teams in sacks (38) and interceptions (17). In addition, they’re tied with Appalachian State for the second most fumble recoveries (9).
Key Players for James Madison
Terrence Spence (CB)
Terrence Spence has been a game-changer for JMU’s defense. The senior cornerback leads the Dukes with five interceptions, including one pick-six this season. The Dukes are 4-0 in games where Spence has an interception, and have scored 30+ points in each of those four games. That includes the 70-point outing against North Carolina earlier in the year.
George Pettaway (RB)
George Pettaway has been the focal point of JMU’s run game this season. In 12 games, he accumulated a total of 1,080 scrimmage yards, to go along with seven touchdowns. Pettaway will have a highly favorable matchup against the Hilltoppers defense.
This season, Western Kentucky allowed 221.9 rushing yards per game, which was by far the most of any team in their conference. They also allowed 25 rushing touchdowns. In the Hilltoppers five losses on the year, they gave up 291.8 rushing yards per game. If Pettaway manages to get involved early in the Boca Raton Bowl, that could wind up being the difference maker for the Dukes.
Key Players for Western Kentucky
Kisean Johnson (WR)
Assuming that WKU has a hard time running the ball against JMU’s stellar run defense, they may look towards Kisean Johnson to pick up the slack. This season, Johnson led the Hilltoppers in both receiving yards, with 855, and receiving touchdowns, with seven. The 6-foot-1 senior has racked up over 80 receiving yards in five different games during his 2024 campaign. Western Kentucky is 4-1 throughout those games.
Devonte’ Matthews (DB)
Devonte’ Matthews has been causing havoc for opposing teams in 2024. In 13 games as a senior, Matthews racked up a total of 90 tackles, to go along with two interceptions. He also has one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries. It would be no surprise to see Matthews come up with at least one takeaway in the absence of Alonza Barnett III.
Keys to Victory for James Madison
Contain Western Kentucky’s Passing Game
No matter how good JMU’s defense has been, stopping the Hilltoppers passing game won’t be an easy task by any means. Western Kentucky averages the most passing yards per game of any team in Conference USA, with 261.8. They also have the most passing touchdowns, with 26. WKU’s starting quarterback, Caden Veltkamp, is entering the transfer portal. However, on Saturday, their head coach, Tyson Helton, stated that Veltkamp will be playing in the bowl game.
Limit Interceptions Thrown
Not throwing any interceptions will be massive for the Dukes in this contest. These turnover issues would be a non-factor if Barnett were at the helm, considering that the sophomore had threw just four interceptions all season.
However, with Atkins under center, these costly mistakes become much more problematic. This season, in games where Western Kentucky has logged at least one interception, they are 7-1. However, in games without an interception, they’re just 1-4.
