When JMU fans and players envisioned the first bowl game in program history, it’s unlikely they were dreaming up coaching changes and transfer portal chaos. Regardless, that’s the reality facing the Dukes on Saturday when they play Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.
An incredible 11-1 season for JMU will be put to the test against Air Force’s unique triple-option attack. Former head coach Curt Cignetti, who led the Dukes to their 11 wins this season, won’t be on the sidelines. He left Harrisonburg for Bloomington, becoming Indiana’s new head coach.
Cignetti, the 2023 Sun Belt Coach of the Year, sent shockwaves through the program when he left. More than 10 Dukes jumped into the transfer portal after his departure, although new head coach Bob Chesney has convinced a few to return to JMU.
Gone, however, are two starters. Defensive end Mikail Kamara followed Cignetti to Indiana and opted out of the bowl game. Offensive lineman Carter Miller also opted out, and he’ll stay in the Sun Belt to play for ULM in 2024.
Fortunately for JMU, those are the only announced opt-outs as of publication.
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McCloud Expected To Suit Up
Jordan McCloud, JMU’s starting quarterback and the Sun Belt Player of the Year, is expected to play despite being in the portal. McCloud accounted for 40 total touchdowns this season and looked elite in Cignetti’s offensive system.
He’s expected to have his trio of standout wide receivers – Phoenix Sproles, Reggie Brown, and Elijah Sarratt – all available. Sarratt is in the portal, while Brown and Sproles will end their college careers on Saturday.
In theory, JMU’s efficient passing offense should be ready to go Saturday, giving the Dukes a decent chance of winning the first bowl game in program history. McCloud deciding to play in the game is a major boost for the Dukes, as his backups are relatively inexperienced.
Defensively, the Dukes should have several key contributors as well, including a trio of star linebackers (Aiden Fisher, Jailin Walker, and Taurus Jones) in the portal. Having those three players available should help against an Air Force team that runs for nearly 300 yards per game behind a dangerous triple-option attack.
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Motivation Levels Key
JMU players being motivated despite possibly playing elsewhere in 2024 will be critical to the Dukes’ potential success. Air Force’s motivation will also be an interesting storyline to follow.
After a stellar 8-0 start that had Air Force firmly in the mix for a New Year’s Six Bowl berth, the Falcons sputtered and ended the year with four consecutive defeats. Can Troy Calhoun’s team bounce back Saturday and put the disappointing finish behind them?
Calhoun’s teams have been scary during bowl season, winning four consecutive bowl games, including last year’s Armed Forces Bowl.
If each team shows up with their A game, the bowl matchup could be one of the best all year. The two Group of Five teams combined for 19 wins this season and each were among the best in their respective conferences.
JMU will be hard-pressed to secure the first bowl win in program history.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
