The Boca Raton Bowl featured an exhilarating matchup between Western Kentucky and James Madison, showcasing a high-scoring contest. The Hilltoppers are known for their strong passing game, while the Dukes excel in rushing plays.

Things took a turn when Hilltoppers quarterback and Conference USA Player of the Year, Caden Veltkamp, announced his intent to enter the transfer portal. Despite this, he chose to play one last game with his teammates, contributing to a passing offense ranked 32nd nationally.

In a well-executed game plan, the Dukes utilized Billy Atkins at quarterback, achieving 214 rushing yards and 182 passing yards for a convincing 27-17 win.

Veltkamp performed admirably, throwing for 302 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was the Dukes’ relentless pressure in the closing moments that proved pivotal. The Hilltoppers struggled in the fourth quarter, culminating in a crucial fumble recovered by an alert Khairi Manns.

This matchup marked the first encounter between Western Kentucky and James Madison, making it a historic moment for the Dukes who celebrated their inaugural bowl game victory. Here are some highlights from the exciting Boca Raton Bowl.

James Madison Triumphs Over Western Kentucky, 27-17

The Dukes are celebrating a significant victory as they clinch the Boca Raton Bowl with a strong finish, overcoming the Hilltoppers 27-17. This win marks a historic first for the program.

James Madison 27, Western Kentucky 17: Critical Fumble Leads to Field Goal

As the game approached its conclusion, the Dukes were on a roll. Veltkamp and the Hilltoppers faced a tough situation in the passing game when Khairi Manns managed to disrupt a throw and subsequently recovered the fumble.

This defensive stand allowed James Madison to consume some clock and add three more points to their total.

James Madison 24, Western Kentucky 17: Atkins Finds Thompson

The Hilltoppers found themselves needing to catch up. Billy Atkins skillfully led a drive that culminated in a 75-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Thompson, putting the Dukes seven points ahead with just over nine minutes remaining in the game.

Western Kentucky 17, James Madison 17: Hilltopper Field Goal Levels the Score

Western Kentucky executed a 62-yard drive that set up Justin Caneiro’s successful 31-yard field goal, tying the game once more as we entered the crucial final moments.

End of Third Quarter: James Madison 17, Western Kentucky 14

As the third quarter came to a close, James Madison regained the lead with a strong 10-point performance since halftime. However, Western Kentucky was in a good position, threatening to score as they were deep in Dukes’ territory.

James Madison 17, Western Kentucky 14: Dukes Reclaim the Lead Following Turnover

A failed trick play by Western Kentucky resulted in a turnover that allowed James Madison to seize the momentum. A misplaced pass led to a fumble that the Dukes recovered.

With the ball in Hilltopper territory, the Dukes efficiently moved it to the 10-yard line and opted for a field goal on fourth down. Noe Ruelas kicked a successful 28-yard field goal, marking his first successful attempt after missing the previous two.

Western Kentucky 14, James Madison 14: Long Drive Leads to Tied Score

After 11 plays and a crucial fourth down conversion, James Madison managed to tie the game. JC Evans stepped up with a strong performance, and after converting a fourth-and-1 at the six-yard line, he connected with Kyi Wright for a one-yard touchdown.

Halftime: Western Kentucky 14, James Madison 7

Western Kentucky led at halftime thanks to a strong second quarter, scoring 14 points to take the advantage midway through the Boca Raton Bowl.

Both teams showcased their strengths, with Veltkamp accumulating 163 passing yards while James Madison rushed for 110 yards. However, the Dukes struggled with their passing game, which hindered their drives. Additionally, they missed two field goals: one that barely missed and another that was blocked on the last play before halftime.

Western Kentucky 14, James Madison 7: Hilltoppers Take Lead Just Before Halftime

Western Kentucky regained the lead as Veltkamp skillfully passed the ball.

Dalvin Smith caught a perfectly thrown 11-yard touchdown pass. With limited time remaining in the first half, the Hilltoppers made an impressive 83-yard drive, taking less than two minutes, highlighted by significant aerial plays.

James Madison 7, Western Kentucky 7: Hilltoppers equalize

Western Kentucky answered back with their first touchdown of the match, courtesy of a pass from Caden Veltkamp. The Hilltoppers’ quarterback connected with Moussa Barry for a 17-yard touchdown to finish off a drive that began in James Madison’s half.

End of first quarter: James Madison 7, Western Kentucky 0

Only one touchdown was scored in the first quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl, with James Madison in the lead.

Backup quarterback JC Evans was instrumental with his mobility, including a notable 7-yard touchdown run. James Madison relied heavily on their rushing attack, amassing 73 of their 88 yards on the ground during the opening quarter.

Both teams made mistakes; James Madison failed to convert a fourth down near their own area, while Western Kentucky lost possession due to a fumble while in enemy territory.

James Madison 7, Western Kentucky 0: Backup QB makes an impact

Though he didn’t start the game, freshman quarterback JC Evans came in and made significant contributions on the ground, helping James Madison score.

Utilized mainly for his running skills, Evans rushed for 27 yards on the drive’s second play, bringing the team into Western Kentucky’s territory, followed by a 7-yard touchdown run to finish the drive. He contributed 43 of the 77 yards during that scoring series.

When is the Boca Raton Bowl featuring Western Kentucky and JMU?

The Boca Raton Bowl game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and James Madison Dukes is set to kick off on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. ET at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.

How to watch Western Kentucky versus JMU in the Boca Raton Bowl

You can catch the Boca Raton Bowl game on ESPN, which will be broadcast nationwide.

Live streaming options are available through Fubo, which also offers a free trial.

Western Kentucky vs. James Madison betting odds

The James Madison Dukes are favored to overtake the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Boca Raton Bowl, according to BetMGM’s college football betting odds as of Wednesday afternoon.

• Spread: James Madison (-7)
• Moneyline: James Madison (-275); Western Kentucky (+225)
• Over/under: 50.5

Stream the Boca Raton Bowl between Western Kentucky and James Madison for free with a Fubo trial

Predictions for the Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. James Madison

YSL News: JMU is the favored team

• Scooby Axon: James Madison
• Jordan Mendoza: James Madison
• Paul Myerberg: James Madison
• Erick Smith: James Madison
• Eddie Timanus: James Madison
• Dan Wolken: James Madison

ESPN predicts: Western Kentucky 28, James Madison 26

“Both teams have solid defenses and can effectively distribute the ball in the passing game, with WKU’s Caden Veltkamp posting 23 touchdown passes. Hilltoppers coach Tyson Helton boasts a 4-1 record in bowl games and is expected to secure another close win.”

College Football News notes: James Madison 34, Western Kentucky 16

“This matchup may be challenging. Western Kentucky is heavily impacted by player transfers, while James Madison star QB Alonza Barnett III is dealing with a leg injury and will not participate. Nonetheless, James Madison should manage to get through this game. They have some effective substitutes, but WKU’s challenges will be too great to overcome.”

The Athletic experts predict: James Madison triumphs

All nine analysts from The Athletic have predicted that James Madison will defeat Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl.

BetMGM suggests: JMU to win, WKU to cover

BetMGM’s predictive model gives James Madison a 70.5% probability of beating Western Kentucky, based on game simulations, matchups, and recent performances, as of December 13. However, the model estimates a 55.1% chance that Western Kentucky will close the point spread.

Check out YSL News’s college football bowl schedule for updates!

James Madison vs. Western Kentucky historical matchup

The Boca Raton Bowl represents the first encounter between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the James Madison Dukes in the history of their football programs.