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James Madison University Triumphs 27-17 Over Western Kentucky in Boca Raton Bowl, Secures First-Ever Bowl Victory

Dec 19, 2024, 01:42 AM

James Madison University (JMU) secured its first-ever bowl victory by defeating Western Kentucky University (WKU) 27-17 in the Boca Raton Bowl. The game, which took place in Boca Raton, Florida, saw JMU outscore WKU 20-3 in the second half, showcasing a dominant defensive performance and key plays from quarterbacks Billy Atkins and JC Evans. Atkins, making his first start since 2022, threw for 181 yards and a crucial touchdown pass to Taylor Thompson in the fourth quarter. Freshman JC Evans contributed significantly, running for a touchdown and throwing for another, marking his first career pass for a score. The victory was highlighted by JMU's defense, which recorded 11 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries, including a critical strip sack late in the game. This win marks a historic moment for JMU, achieving their first bowl title in their third season as an FBS program. Coach Bob Chesney, who led JMU to a 9-4 record this season, received a $25,000 bonus for the victory, while WKU finished the season with an 8-6 record.