Air Force Falcons (8-4) vs James Madison Dukes (11-1)
Game Info: Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Amon G. Carter Stadium)
Betting Odds: Air Force Falcons +2 -- Over/Under: 41.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The James Madison Dukes and the Air Force Falcons will head down to Fort Worth to meet in this year’s Armed Forces Bowl this Saturday from the Amon G. Carter Stadium on ABC. JMU enters as 1.5-point favorites, with the total currently hovering 40.5. Stay tuned for our JMU vs Air Force prediction.
James Madison Dukes Preview
James Madison finished at 11-1 after defeating Coastal Carolina, 56-14. The Dukes responded to their first loss well with a strong effort on the blue turf, and they’ll look to wrap the season up strong in Fort Worth. The JMU offense is scoring 35.2 ppg, while passing for 287.1 ypg, rushing for 143.2 ypg, and converting 36.6% of their third downs.
JMU Player Notes
- Jordan McCloud tossed a season-high five touchdowns in the win over Coastal Carolina, and he finished with 3,400 passing yards, with 32 touchdowns to nine interceptions thru 12 starts.
- VA Beach native Kaelon Black leads JMU in rushing yards with 594 on 131 carries.
- Sophomore receiver Elijah Sarratt closed the season with three straight 100-yard performances, and he’s first on the team in receptions (74) and receiving yards (1,076).
- Senior wideout Reggie Brown has been effective on the outside himself, and he finished with splits of 51/1010/9.
- The JMU defense has allowed 18.5 points per game.
Air Force Falcons Preview
Air Force closed the season at 8-4 after losing to Boise State on the road, 27-19. The Falcons stalled in the fourth quarter versus the Broncos, and they’ll look to avoid dropping five straight to close the season Saturday. The Air Force offense is scoring 27.6 ppg, while passing for 88.3 ypg, rushing for 275.8 ypg, and converting 45.8% of their third downs.
AFA Player Notes
- John Busha finished the season at quarterback after Zac Larrier went down in the loss to Army, and he struggled in Boise, finishing with just 131 yards and an interception.
- Senior fullback Emmanuel Michel breached the 100-yard mark for the third time this season in the win over CSU, and he leads AFA in rushing yards (747) and touchdowns (9).
- Veteran RB John Lee Eldridge III led the country in yards per carry (6.9), and he finished with 521 yards on 76 touches.
- The Air Force defense has allowed 17.9 points per game.
JMU vs Air Force Trends
- JMU is 8-4 against the spread, with a 7-5 O/U record.
- AFA is 5-7 ATS, with a 6-6 over/under record.
James Madison vs Air Force Prediction
I’m so glad JMU was granted the hard-earned right to go bowling, and there’s a good chance their first taste of postseason action goes well. The Dukes had their season altered in overtime against App State, but after bouncing back on the blue turf versus Coastal Carolina, they still bring a ton of momentum into this contest, unlike their opponents. If Zac Larrier is unable to go after dropping their final four games, Air Force’s struggles will likely continue against a fierce James Madison defense. The Under will have a chance to clear, as both defensive units are capable of holding their own, but roll with JMU to win this year’s Armed Forces Bowl.
Corey’s Pick JMU TO COVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
