James Madison and its stingy rush defense will face run-happy Air Force in Armed Forces Bowl
James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) carries the football against Coastal Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Conway, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
No. 24 James Madison (11-1, Sun Belt) vs. Air Force (8-4, Mountain West), Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m. EST
LOCATION: Fort Worth, Texas
TOP PLAYERS
James Madison: QB Jordan McCloud has passed for 3,400 yards and 32 touchdowns. DL Jalen Green was leading the nation with 15.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss among 50 overall stops before sustaining a season-ending knee injury last month.
Air Force: Emmanuel Michel (733 yards, TDs) leads four Falcons who have rushed for at least 431 yards apiece. Zac Larrier (579, five TDs), John Lee Eldridge III (515, six) and Owen Burke (431, three) follow.
NOTABLE
Damian Wroblewski will serve as JMU’s acting head coach after Curt Cignetti was hired last week at Indiana. The Dukes lead the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 61.5 yards per game.
James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti leads his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. The Indiana Hoosiers are finalizing a deal to hire Curt Cignetti as their new football coach, two people with direct knowledge of the decision have told The Associated Press. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
Air Force ranks second in FBS rushing at 275.8 yards per game and is 10th in rushing defense, yielding just 96.3 per contest.
LAST TIME
First meeting.
BOWL HISTORY
James Madison wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) runs for a touchdown after a catch against Coastal Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Conway, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
Air Force will make its record seventh appearance in the bowl game and is 15-13-1 lifetime. The Falcons beat Baylor 30-15 in last year’s game. James Madison is transitioning from FCS and playing in its first bowl.
