Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison Poised to Ground Air Force
Our NCAA football score predictions show James Madison winning this one on Saturday comfortably over Air Force, and after perusing the college football odds on the Armed Forces Bowl, we like what we see!
Armed Forces Bowl Game Information
- Game: James Madison (11-1) vs Air Force (8-4)
- Date/Time: Saturday, December 23, 2023, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Armon G Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX.
- Dukes vs Falcons Live Stream: ESPN
James Madison saw its undefeated season evaporate with a stunning loss to Appalachian State. The Dukes followed that with a dominating performance over Coastal Carolina in their regular season finale and easily cashing for those who backed them in college football picks as an 8½-point road chalk. Meanwhile, Air Force has dropped its last four contests.
Armed Forces Bowl Odds and Spreads
Armed Forces Bowl Betting Trends
- James Madison is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
- James Madison is 14-1 SU in their last 15 games.
- James Madison is 13-1 SU in their last 14 games played on a Saturday.
- James Madison is 13-1 SU in their last 14 games when playing as the favorite.
- James Madison is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Saturday when playing on the road.
- Air Force is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
- Air Force is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
- Air Force is 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing as the underdog.
ATS Pick: James Madison (-2½) vs Air Force
James Madison team made the jump from the FCS to the FBS last year and finished with an 8-3 record in their inaugural season at the nation’s top level of college football. But this year, they took a quantum leap forward and not only ended with an 11-1 mark but wound up ranked 18th in passing yards (287.1 YPG), 18th in scoring (35.2 PPG), and 18th in defense (18.5 PPG).
19 years later, JMU gets set to play in its first bowl game.#GoDukespic.twitter.com/zk3nynsvca
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) December 17, 2023
After reviewing the NCAA football betting lines, I see the Dukes laying only 2½ to Air Force at a neutral site. But Air Force owns a strictly one-dimensional offense, ranked No. 2 in rushing and averaging 275 yards per game but mired in the muck of the basement in terms of passing offenses, ranked 133rd and averaging only 88 yards per game.
But here’s all you need to know when betting on this one at your favorite sportsbook – James Madison’s run-stop unit is ranked No. 1 in the nation, surrendering 61 yards per game. And if the Falcons can’t run, they can’t compete. Lay it with Sweet Jimmy Mad!
Armed Forces Bowl Prediction
I’m expecting a low-scoring game so points should be at a premium. Don’t expect either team to score a quick touchdown. Take the under at -141 for “Time of First Score O/U 7 (mins elapsed).”
Questions Of The Day
What was the biggest challenge that James Madison faced this season?
Appalachian State proved to be James Madison’s biggest challenge as the Mountaineers were the only team to defeat the Dukes and won the Sun Belt East Division in a tie-breaker because of it.
Which player will score the most points?
James Madison quarterback, Jordan McCloud, has the most rushing touchdowns on the season with eight and should be the player to score the most points in the Armed Forces Bowl.
