It's bowl season, and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) and James Madison Dukes (8-4) are bringing the action to the Boca Raton Bowl this Wednesday at FAU Stadium. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to Watch Western Kentucky vs James Madison in Boca Raton Bowl:
- Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- Stream: Fubo
The Hilltoppers had an up-and-down season, and their final stretch was anything but smooth. After booking their ticket to the Conference USA Championship Game, WKU got steamrolled by Jacksonville State in a 52-12 loss where not much went right.
QB Caden Veltkamp has entered the transfer portal, but he will suit up tonight and has had a solid season, throwing for 23 touchdowns, 10 picks, and adding 7 rushing touchdowns. Western Kentucky's run defense has struggled, allowing 221.9 yards per game, and they will have their hands full with James Madison's ground game.
The Hilltoppers have also lost 26 players to the portal, including defensive standout LB Darius Thomas, who led the team in sacks and was pivotal to their defense.
The Dukes have had their challenges, but unlike WKU, their transfer portal drama is minimal. Instead, injuries are the issue. QB Alonza Barnett III is out with a leg injury, which means Billy Atkins, a four-year backup, will take the reins.
On the bright side, JMU has a solid rushing attack led by RB George Pettaway, who's primed to exploit WKU's porous rush defense. Pettaway rolled up 881 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns this season, adding another 197 receiving yards and 2 scores.
This will be a great night of college football action on Wednesday, who will take home the Boca Raton Bowl trophy?
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