The James Madison Dukes and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet in the Boca Raton Bowl in Florida on Wednesday night. The Hilltoppers finished up the season with an 8-5 record following a loss in the CUSA Championship game. The Dukes ended the season with two straight losses and an 8-4 record. They are currently 7 point favorites with this Western Kentucky vs. James Madison matchup set to kick at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+7) at James Madison Dukes (-7) o/u 51
5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, December 18, 2024
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
TV: ESPN
Public Betting: Public Bettors Backing Dukes
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 78% of bets are on James Madison. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers got dominated by Jacksonville State 52-12 in the Conference USA Championship. Caden Veltkamp completed 18 of 30 pass attempts for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also lost two fumbles. Elijah Young rushed for 108 yards on 19 carries. The defense allowed 386 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. WKU has played in the Boca Raton Bowl twice, winning 51-31 in 2016 and winning 59-38 in 2021. Caden Veltkamp plans to enter the transfer portal but will play in the bowl game. Easton Messer, who was 2nd in receiving this season, has also entered the portal.
James Madison Dukes
The Dukes finished their regular season with two straight losses, with the latest being a 35-33 loss to Marshall in double overtime. Alonza Barnett III completed 14 of 19 pass attempts for 138 yards. He also had 2 touchdowns and an interception. James Madison rushed the ball 53 times in this matchup, gaining 4.6 yards per carry and scoring 2 touchdowns. The defense had a fumble recovery, 4 sacks and 7 interceptions. Alonza Barnett is hurt and will be out for this matchup. Billy Atkins is expected to be the starter in this matchup. In his one start back in 2022, he completed 13 of 35 pass attempts for 164 yards to go along with a touchdown and 4 interceptions in a 26-12 loss to Marshall.
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Betting Trends
Western Kentucky is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games
The OVER is 3-2 in Western Kentucky’s last 5 games
James Madison is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
The UNDER is 6-2 in James Madison’s last 8 games
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Prediction:
I like the under 51 in this matchup. Both teams are struggling lately with the Hilltoppers losing 3 of their last 4 games and the Dukes losing their last two. Western Kentucky has struggled to score over their last 4 games averaging just 14.75 ppg. James Madison ranks 29th in ppg allowed giving up 22.1 per game. Veltkamp is on his way out the door and one of his top receivers is right there with him. On the other side of the ball, Billy Atkins finds himself starting for the first time since 2022 where he threw 4 interceptions. The Dukes should keep the ball on the ground as they have done all season and the Hilltoppers should crash on it and force Atkins to beat them through the air. I think both teams will struggle to get much going in this one.
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Prediction: Under 51