JMU was arguably the best Group of Five team all season, but the Dukes nearly didn’t even make a bowl game due to NCAA rules for teams transitioning to the FBS. But there weren’t enough bowl-eligible teams, so now JMU will play in its first bowl at the FBS level.
The Dukes (11-1) will take on Air Force (8-4) in the Armed Forces Bowl, which might be the most exciting clash between G5 teams during bowl season.
Here’s more info about the game.
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Armed Forces Bowl Betting Odds
JMU is a -2.5 college football betting odds favorite against Air Force, with the Over/Under being 41.
The moneyline for JMU is -145, while it’s +120 for Air Force.
Armed Forces Bowl On TV
The JMU vs. Air Force matchup in the Armed Forces Bowl will be televised on ABC.
The game will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 23, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
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JMU vs. Air Force Prediction
I’m picking JMU to win and cover the spread at -2.5. I also am predicting the game will go Under 41 total points.
Air Force was clearly not playing at its best at the end of the regular season. The Falcons, after starting the 2023 season 8-0, have lost their last four contests.
Meanwhile, JMU has only lost once all season – in overtime against App State. While the Falcons do have the second-best rushing offense in the country with 275.8 yards per game, the Dukes allow 61.5 rushing yards per game, which is the fewest in the FBS.
I think JMU’s defense will give Air Force’s offense plenty of problems. I also anticipate the Dukes will find a way to win in a low-scoring game.
