James Madison Claims First Bowl Victory, Defeating Western Kentucky 27-17
The Dukes secured their first bowl win in program history at the Boca Raton Bowl, fueled by a strong rushing game and a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.
- James Madison's Billy Atkins, stepping in as quarterback due to Alonza Barnett III's injury, threw a game-winning 21-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Thompson in the fourth quarter.
- The Dukes' ground game, led by George Pettaway's 100 rushing yards, exploited Western Kentucky's struggling run defense, which ranks among the worst in the nation.
- Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp, despite entering the transfer portal, played and threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns but was hindered by three team fumbles, including a critical one late in the game.
- James Madison's defense delivered key plays, including Khairi Means' late-game sack and forced fumble, which sealed the victory and set up a final field goal by Noe Ruelas.
- This marks James Madison's first bowl win since transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2022, while Western Kentucky concluded a turbulent season that saw 26 players enter the transfer portal.
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