BOCA RATON, Fla. – It was a night to celebrate for the James Madison Dukes as they captured their first-ever bowl victory, defeating Western Kentucky 27-17 at the Boca Raton Bowl. The historic win not only signifies their resilience throughout the season but marks a significant milestone for JMU football under new head coach Bob Chesney.
The game unfolded with two quarterbacks, JC Evans and Billy Atkins, leading the charge for the Dukes. Both had not previously led any scoring drives this season, yet they found themselves at the forefront of this victorious moment. Evans ran for one touchdown and threw for another, demonstrating exceptional poise under pressure. Meanwhile, Atkins engineered the game-winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.
“At some point, the light shines on you,” said Coach Chesney. “When it does, it either reveals all the work you’ve done or exposes the work you didn’t do. They battled and never gave up.” This sentiment echoed the resilience JMU showcased after facing numerous challenges throughout the season, including the loss of key players and their previous head coach, Curt Cignetti, to Indiana.
The Dukes wasted no time asserting their ground game, racking up 212 rushing yards against the Hilltoppers' struggling defense, which had been inconsistent throughout the season. Running back George Pettaway was impressive, contributing over 100 rushing yards and helping to dominate the time of possession—JMU controlled the ball for over 36 minutes compared to WKU's 23.
After falling behind early, the Dukes proved they could adapt. Western Kentucky initially took the lead with quarterback Caden Veltkamp finding success through the air. Veltkamp delivered two touchdown passes, which put the Hilltoppers up 14-7 at halftime. But rather than buckle under the pressure, JMU made strategic adjustments. They committed to their running game, resulting in Evans scoring JMU's first touchdown of the night with a five-yard rush to tie the game.
JMU's defensive unit capitalized on key turnovers, again showcasing the grit and determination of their squad. Defensive end Khairi Manns played a pivotal role, forcing and recovering a fumble, stymying WKU’s momentum late in the game. The Dukes not only matched their regular-season defensive prowess but exceeded expectations when it mattered most.
With the game tied at 17-17 and the clock winding down, it was Atkins who emerged as the decisive leader. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 181 yards, culminating his impressive performance with a back-shoulder throw to tight end Taylor Thompson for the game-winning touchdown. “I saw the one-on-one matchup and trusted Taylor to make the play,” Atkins recounted, reflecting on the nail-biting moment of the game's closing minutes.
The atmosphere at FAU Stadium was electric, filled with enthusiastic JMU supporters draped in purple, celebrating the program's significant achievement. This win was particularly symbolic, happening exactly 20 years after JMU claimed its first FCS national championship, creating a perfect bookend to years of hard work and determination. JMU finished the season with nine wins, solidifying itself as one of the Sun Belt's rising programs.
The victory showcased James Madison's tenacity, marked by their ability to remain composed and execute their game plan flawlessly, even with injuries and coaching changes. JMU is now poised to leverage this momentum for future success. “Just a great moment in the history of our program. To be the first ever to do anything for the first time is big,” said Coach Chesney, summing up the team's accomplishment succinctly.
With JMU's recent victory, they not only celebrated their athletic prowess but also solidified their legacy and potential as they continue to grow. The Dukes' performance highlighted their determination to etch their name on the college football map. This win is not just about this game; it's about the future of the James Madison program, more determined than ever to make waves and continue their ascension.
