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  • Western Kentucky lost to Jacksonville State 52-12 in their last game.
  • James Madison lost a double overtime game to Marshall last time out.
  • This will be the first-ever matchup between Western Kentucky and James Madison.

Check out our Western Kentucky vs James Madison prediction and preview article as the two programs prepare for battle in the Boca Raton Bowl. The Hilltoppers are trying to bounce back from a blowout loss in the Conference USA Championship. The Dukes have lost two straight but want to end their season on a high note. James Madison should have the advantage, especially considering the number of opt-outs for Western Kentucky.

Hilltoppers Try to Get Offense Going

Western Kentucky is used to putting up a lot of points in their fast-paced air raid offense. The last several games have been difficult, though, as the Hilltoppers have failed to score more than 21 points in four straight games. They are facing offensive struggles and will be shorthanded with 20+ players in the transfer portal.

While he is in the portal, quarterback Caden Veltkamp is still expected to play in the Boca Raton Bowl. The 6-foot-6 sophomore has had a big season with 2,806 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 162 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns. The last several games, though, have not been Veltkamp’s best, as he has decent yardage numbers but has not produced more than two touchdowns in four straight games.

Dukes Hope to Keep Hilltoppers Frustrated

James Madison is much better shape transfer portal-wise as they only have one starter not playing in the Boca Raton Bowl and only three total players in the portal. They have a strong defense, too, having held eight different opponents under 20 points this season. Western Kentucky’s offense is struggling, and that should make for a perfect matchup for the Dukes.

Especially considering the Hilltoppers are a pass-first offense, the Duke’s d-line could have a field day as Eric O’Neill and Khairi Manns have 12 and 8 sacks, respectively, this season. Offensively, Alonza Barnett III is a playmaker who has passed for 2,598 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Dukes quarterback also has rushed for 442 and seven touchdowns. Especially with so many opt-outs for WKU, Barnett III should have a monster game.

Western Kentucky vs James Madison Prediction: Dukes Dominate the Hilltoppers

This matchup would be much closer if Western Kentucky had their entire team suiting up to play. That is not the case, though, and James Madison will have a huge advantage simply because of their continuity. Their defense will make Cade Veltkamp run for his life most of the game, and Alonza Barnett III will be tough to stop.

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