Namely, James Madison is just the fifth top-25 team to play in the Armed Forces Bowl. Now that bowl is in its 21st edition. JMU has been ranked in the AP Top 25 in every poll since October 22. And they began the College Football Betting season, winning ten straight matchups. James Madison football will make its bowl season debut in Fort Worth, Texas. Specifically, the Dukes will meet Air Force in the 2023 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Additionally, JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne announced that Damian Wroblewski will serve as the acting head coach.
Armed Forces Bowl James Madison vs. Air Force Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Amon G Carter Stadium, Forth Worth, TX |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison | -3 -110 | 41 -110 | -160 |  |
| Air Force | +3 -110 | 41 -110 | +135 | |
| ||||
Armed Forces Bowl Format
The Armed Forces Bowl began in 2003 and is played at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Since its inception, various conferences have owned tie-ins to this bowl. Schools from the American Athletic Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, and Mountain West Conference have signed agreements to play in this game. Also, Army and Navy have tie-ins. This bowl was formerly named the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl, the Fort Worth Bowl, and the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
Armed Forces Bowl Recent Results
The 2021 installment was an entertaining affair. To illuminate, Army picked up a 41-yard field goal at the buzzer to top Missouri 24-22 in a seesaw sportsbook affair. The Under result snapped a 6-1 run by the Over. And then the underdog snapped a 3-0 ATS run by favorites. In 2022 Air Force flew past Baylor 30-15. Falcon QB Haaziq Daniels was the MVP. In sum, he threw for 103 yards and a TD while rushing for 81 yards and a score.
Armed Forces Bowl Matchup
Last game, the James Madison Dukes won 56-14 against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers as 8.5-point road favorites. The game went over the College Football Betting total of 49.5. James Madison has a record of 11-1 straight up, 8-4 against the spread, and 7-5 over/under the total. James Madison ranks 29th for total offense, 17th for passing, 85th for rushing, and 18th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 29th overall, 124th against the pass, 1st against the rush, and 18th for points allowed. Also, James Madison ranks 29th for fewest turnovers lost and 24th for takeaways.
JMU completed its second year in the FBS alone atop the Sun Belt East Division for the first time after finishing tied for first a season ago. Furthermore, the Dukes became the first transitioning team ever to win ten games against FBS opponents in a single season. They led the nation with both eight wins over bowl-eligible teams and a 6-0 true road.
Last game, the Air Force Falcons lost 27-19 against the Bosie State Broncos as 7-point road dogs. The game was a push to the total of 46. Air Force has a record of 8-4 straight up, 5-7 against the spread, and 5-6-1 over/under the total. Air Force ranks 81st for total offense, 133rd for passing, 2nd for rushing, and 65th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 6th overall, 13th against the pass, 10th against the rush, and 14th for points allowed. Also, 128th ranks for fewest turnovers lost and 92nd for takeaways.
Armed Forces Bowl James Madison vs. Air Force Prediction
In this situation, Air Force will be with its longtime head coach, Troy Calhoun, which gives them the advantage. JMU has had a good season but is stepping up in class here.