WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl
The 2024 Boca Raton Bowl brought together two competitive Group of Five teams, Western Kentucky University (WKU) Hilltoppers and James Madison University (JMU) Dukes, in a matchup that highlighted contrasting styles of play. Fans eager for insights into wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats will find this article packed with detailed breakdowns, unique analysis, and key takeaways from the game held on December 18, 2024, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. JMU emerged victorious with a 27-17 scoreline, securing their first-ever bowl win as an FBS program. This analysis draws from extensive research into box scores, game recaps, and player performances to provide a fresh perspective on how individual efforts shaped the outcome.
In exploring wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, it’s clear that JMU’s ground game and defensive opportunism were pivotal, while WKU relied heavily on aerial attacks but struggled with turnovers and rushing inefficiencies. Below, we’ll break down the game step by step, ensuring every aspect of wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats is covered comprehensively.
Game Overview: Setting the Stage for WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats
The Boca Raton Bowl pitted WKU (8-6 overall, 6-2 in Conference USA) against JMU (9-4 overall, 4-4 in Sun Belt), marking the first-ever meeting between the programs. WKU entered as underdogs, fresh off a lopsided loss in the Conference USA Championship but with a strong bowl history under coach Tyson Helton (three straight wins prior). JMU, under first-year coach Bob Chesney, sought to cap a transitional season with a milestone victory, despite missing starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III due to injury.
The game unfolded as a tale of halves. WKU led 14-7 at halftime thanks to efficient passing, but JMU dominated the second half 20-3, outgaining WKU 203-136 yards. Total attendance was 15,808, and the contest aired on ESPN. Key themes in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats include JMU’s +3 turnover margin, their 212 rushing yards, and WKU’s 302 passing yards despite three fumbles lost.
JMU’s defense stifled WKU’s run game to just 16 yards, forcing pressure on quarterback Caden Veltkamp throughout. On offense, JMU leaned on backup quarterbacks Billy Atkins and JC Evans, who combined for innovative plays. This overview sets the foundation for a deeper look at wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, revealing how individual brilliance and team strategy intertwined.
WKU Football Player Stats: Standouts and Struggles in the Match Against James Madison Dukes
Focusing on wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats from the Hilltoppers’ side, quarterback Caden Veltkamp was the centerpiece. Despite entering the transfer portal, Veltkamp delivered a solid performance, completing 25 of 39 passes for 302 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His QBR hovered around 76.5, showcasing poise under duress from JMU’s pass rush. Veltkamp’s touchdowns included a 17-yard strike to Moussa Barry in the second quarter and an 11-yard pass to Dalvin Smith late in the half, giving WKU a 14-7 lead.
In rushing wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, Elijah Young led with 11 carries for 37 yards (3.4 average), including a 17-yard long run. However, the team totaled just 20 carries for 16 yards (0.8 average), hampered by negative plays like Veltkamp’s four carries for -12 yards due to sacks. Other rushers, such as L.T. Sanders (two carries, -4 yards), couldn’t gain traction against JMU’s front seven.
Receiving wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats highlighted versatility. Dalvin Smith shone with two receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown, his 65-yard catch-and-run being a game-high long play. K.D. Hutchinson hauled in nine catches for 70 yards, providing consistent short gains. River Helms added three receptions for 68 yards, while Moussa Barry (two for 26 yards, one TD), L.T. Sanders (three for 26 yards), Elijah Young (four for 21 yards), and Michael Mathison (two for 15 yards) rounded out a group effort totaling 25 receptions for 302 yards (12.1 average) and two scores.
Defensively, in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, Keyshawn Swanson led with 11 tackles (seven solo, 1.5 for loss). The unit recorded 73 total tackles (39 solo), four tackles for loss, and two pass deflections but no sacks or interceptions. Deante McCray’s blocked field goal at halftime was a highlight, preventing JMU from tying the game. However, three lost fumbles hurt WKU badly.
Special teams featured kicker Lucas Carneiro, who went 1-for-1 on field goals (31 yards) and 2-for-2 on extra points. Punter Tom Ellard averaged 41.8 yards on five punts. Overall, wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats for WKU show a pass-heavy approach that faltered due to turnovers and a nonexistent run game.
James Madison Dukes Football Player Stats: Key Contributors in the Victory Over WKU
Shifting to JMU’s side in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, the quarterback duo of Billy Atkins and JC Evans stepped up admirably. Atkins, starting for the injured Barnett, completed 16 of 23 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Evans added 1-of-1 for 1 yard and one touchdown pass, plus significant rushing contributions. Their combined efficiency (17-of-24, 182 yards, two TDs) kept drives alive.
Rushing dominated JMU’s wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, with 46 carries for 212 yards (4.6 average) and one touchdown. George Pettaway powered the ground attack with 14 carries for 100 yards (7.1 average), including a 21-yard long. JC Evans added 10 carries for 64 yards and a 7-yard rushing touchdown. Jobi Malary contributed 13 carries for 33 yards, while Atkins (five for 11 yards), Wayne Knight (two for 3 yards), and Tyler Purdy (one for 2 yards) provided support.
Receiving wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats featured Omarion Dollison with six catches for 82 yards. Taylor Thompson had three receptions for 36 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown from Atkins in the fourth quarter. Kyi Wright caught two for 21 yards, with a 1-yard touchdown from Evans. George Pettaway (three for 20 yards), Yamir Knight (one for 11 yards), Logan Brown (one for 7 yards), and Jobi Malary (one for 5 yards) helped total 17 receptions for 182 yards (10.7 average) and two scores.
Defensively, JMU’s wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats were stellar, forcing three fumbles (recovered by Jacob Dobbs, Gannon Weathersby, and Khai Manns) for a +3 turnover margin. The unit held WKU to 0.8 yards per rush and pressured Veltkamp constantly. Kicker Noe Ruelas made two field goals (28 and 25 yards) but missed a 47-yarder and had a 56-yarder blocked, going 3-for-3 on extra points.
JMU’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense define their wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, leading to 394 total yards and control of the clock (36:32 possession).
Team Comparison: Breaking Down WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats
Comparing wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats reveals stark contrasts. WKU dominated passing (302 yards vs. JMU’s 182) but was outrushed 212-16. JMU’s 19 first downs edged WKU’s 14, and their zero turnovers versus WKU’s three proved decisive. Possession favored JMU heavily, allowing them to wear down WKU’s defense.
| Category | WKU | JMU |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 318 | 394 |
| Passing Yards | 302 | 182 |
| Rushing Yards | 16 | 212 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| First Downs | 14 | 19 |
| Possession Time | 23:28 | 36:32 |
| Penalties | 4-30 | 3-25 |
In wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, JMU’s efficiency (4.6 yards per rush) contrasted WKU’s struggles (0.8 yards per rush). Veltkamp outpassed Atkins/Evans in volume, but JMU’s dual-threat QBs added rushing TDs. Receivers like Smith and Dollison provided big plays, but JMU’s defense limited WKU’s explosives post-halftime.
In-Depth Analysis: What the Stats Reveal About WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats
Delving deeper into wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, JMU’s second-half adjustments were game-changers. After trailing 14-7, they scored on four of five possessions, including Evans’ 1-yard TD pass and Atkins’ 21-yard strike to Thompson. WKU’s three fumbles—all lost—led to JMU points, underscoring ball security issues.
Veltkamp’s 302 yards echo his 2023 bowl MVP performance (383 yards, five TDs), but without a run game, drives stalled. Pettaway’s 100-yard rushing day marked his second century mark, exploiting WKU’s 18th-ranked pass defense but weaker run stop (ranked outside top 50). In wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, JMU’s +1.42 turnover margin (best in FBS) shone through.
Unique insight: JMU’s quarterback rotation—Atkins for passing, Evans for running—created mismatches WKU couldn’t solve, a tactic borrowed from Chesney’s prior schemes. WKU’s blocked FG by McCray was their third of the season (tied for 10th nationally), but it wasn’t enough. These wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats highlight JMU’s resilience amid injuries and WKU’s portal-related depth challenges.
Conclusion: Lessons from WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats
In summarizing wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats, JMU’s 27-17 win was a testament to balanced offense, stout defense, and turnover exploitation. Standouts like Pettaway, Atkins, Evans, Veltkamp, and Smith defined the game, but JMU’s ground dominance and error-free play sealed it. For WKU, the loss ends an 8-6 season with positives like Veltkamp’s growth, but questions loom with transfers. JMU finishes 9-4, building momentum for 2025.
This matchup in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats reminds us that bowl games reward preparation and adaptability. Both programs have bright futures, with JMU eyeing Sun Belt contention and WKU aiming for Conference USA redemption.
FAQs: Common Questions on WKU Football vs James Madison Dukes Football Match Player Stats
Q: Who were the leading passers in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats?
A: Caden Veltkamp led WKU with 302 yards and two TDs, while Billy Atkins paced JMU with 181 yards and one TD.
Q: What was the rushing yardage comparison in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats?
A: JMU rushed for 212 yards, led by George Pettaway’s 100, while WKU managed only 16 yards total.
Q: How many turnovers occurred in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats?
A: WKU had three fumbles lost; JMU had zero, creating a +3 margin for the Dukes.
Q: Who scored the touchdowns in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats?
A: For WKU: Moussa Barry and Dalvin Smith (receiving). For JMU: JC Evans (rush), Kyi Wright and Taylor Thompson (receiving).
Q: What was the final score and key defensive play in wku football vs james madison dukes football match player stats?
A: JMU won 27-17; a standout was Deante McCray’s blocked FG for WKU, though JMU’s fumble recoveries were crucial.
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