Western Kentucky has made a behavior of profitable the Boca Raton Bowl, whereas James Madison is just about a newcomer to the Soccer Bowl Subdivision postseason scene.
The groups will conflict within the bowl sport Wednesday in Boca Raton, Fla.
Will probably be the second bowl sport for James Madison, which first grew to become eligible final 12 months upon shifting as much as full FBS standing. The Dukes misplaced final 12 months to Air Pressure within the Armed Forces Bowl.
“Actually enthusiastic about profitable this primary bowl sport at school historical past,” first-year coach Bob Chesney mentioned.
Western Kentucky (8-5), with about two dozen gamers within the switch portal, could possibly be harm when it comes to personnel for the sport. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp entered the portal however will play within the sport.
The Hilltoppers are 2-0 within the Boca Raton Bowl, defeating Memphis in 2016 and Appalachian State in 2021. They’re coming off a 52-12 loss to Jacksonville State within the Convention USA championship sport Dec. 6 after profitable that matchup within the common season.
“We’ll rebound and go get an enormous bowl win,” mentioned Western Kentucky coach Tyson Helton, who holds a 4-1 bowl document. “It is an honor to play in a bowl sport, and it is a good larger honor to go win a bowl sport.”
James Madison (8-4) has misplaced its final two video games, together with 35-33 in double additional time to visiting Marshall on Nov. 30 to wrap up Solar Belt Convention play.
The Dukes probably will play with out beginning quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who was banged up within the regular-season finale vs. the Thundering Herd. Redshirt junior Billy Atkins will begin within the bowl.
“He is able to go, and he has taken a ton of reps,” Chesney mentioned. “He has been right here the entire time. I am excited for Billy to get his shot. He is an previous soul in there. … Billy has been making ready like he is the starter.”
The Dukes have cranked up good dashing totals not too long ago, and that could possibly be a bonus with much less expertise at quarterback. Jobi Malary racked up a season-high 106 dashing yards within the Marshall sport.
“All these guys perceive the run sport needs to be an enormous a part of what we do that sport,” Chesney mentioned.
Western Kentucky had two of Convention USA’s high gamers.
Veltkamp, who threw for 23 touchdowns and a pair of,806 yards this 12 months, was named the Offensive Participant of the 12 months. He was the Offensive Most Helpful Participant in final 12 months’s Well-known Toastery Bowl.
C-USA Particular Groups Participant of the 12 months went to kicker Lucas Carneiro, who’s 17-for-18 on subject objectives and 39-for-39 on additional factors.
The Hilltoppers will need to be crisp on offense, with James Madison main the nation in turnover margin at plus-17.
Western Kentucky’s protection has allowed a mean of almost 5 yards per carry. Defenders Darius Thomas, Hosea Wheeler and Dallas Walker hit the portal.
Chesney, wrapping up his first season with an FBS program, mentioned lots of the Dukes are fired up concerning the bowl vacation spot.
“Some guys are returning again house to Florida, in order that will likely be good for them,” Chesney mentioned. “This can be a massive bonus that we’re enjoying on this bowl sport.”
This will likely be James Madison’s first sport in Florida in 24 years. It additionally would be the first assembly between the Dukes and Hilltoppers.
–Area Degree Media
