Armed Forces Bowl – Dukes vs Falcons Free Picks
We Provided Our Favorite James Madison vs Air Force Picks
The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will feature the James Madison Dukes against the Air Force Falcons on Saturday, December 23.
James Madison jumped from the FCS to the FBS level in 2022 to the Sun Belt Conference. However, they were barred from competing for a Sun Belt Championship due to NCAA rules that a team jumping from the FCS level into the FBS level must wait two years to compete for a Championship and play in a bowl game.
However, there’s one exception. If the NCAA doesn’t have enough college bowl-eligible teams, a team that is ineligible to play in a bowl game with six or more wins would get an offer to play in a bowl game.
James Madison finished the season 11-1, and the NCAA needed a few more teams to fill in some spots. Therefore, James Madison is now in a bowl game against Air Force.
The Dukes opened as a 4.5-point favorite. However, they’ve dropped to -3 as of December 11. Meanwhile, the total has dropped from 42.5 at open to 41.
There’s been news about a handful of college football players entering the transfer portal for James Madison. However, all reports indicate that those transfers will still play in the Bowl game. That includes starting quarterback Jordan McCloud.
Should we pounce on the new James Madison line now?
Take a look at the James Madison vs Air Force picks for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.
Armed Forces Bowl
Dukes vs Falcons 
Day/Time:
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium
Streaming: ABC
James Madison’s Allowing Its Players In The Transfer Portal To Play
This is rare.
James Madison has eight significant players in the transfer portal. However, those eight players plan to continue playing in the Armed Forces Bowl.
The big name includes starting quarterback Jordan McCloud, who added 32 touchdowns in the air and another eight on the ground this season. McCloud is one of two key offensive players transferring.
Back-up running back Ty Son Lawton, who earned 126 carries for 568 yards, is also in the transfer portal after adding five touchdowns this season.
The rest of the critical transfers are from the defensive side of the ball. They will lose three linebackers, including Jailin Walker, who added 432 snaps, and Aiden Fisher, who played 741 snaps this season.
Zac Larrier Could Return For The Bowl Game
Air Force won its first eight games and then lost its last four. Now they’re playing in the Armed Forces Bowl on a four-game losing streak.
Air Force went 8-2 with Zac Larrier at quarterback. However, head coach Troy Calhoun suggested Larrier could return for the bowl game.
Other key players with injuries could also return, including WR Dane Kinamon and WR Jared Roznos.
Larrier threw for 744 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also was second on the team in rushing, with 579 yards on 133 carries.
Air Force would be better if Larrier returned to the field. If Larrier can’t go, sophomore John Busha would get the start. Against Boise State, he completed eight passes on 17 attempts and rushed for -1 yards on ten attempts.
This is big news to watch out for as the game approaches.
It Was Always The Defense!
The James Madison Dukes have a fantastic offense behind Jordan McCloud. He threw for 3,400 yards and rushed for another 311 yards to help push James Madison to 11-1 on the season.
But while the offense was terrific this season, the defense was even better.
The defense held opponents to 18.5 points per game. They also held NCAAF teams to just 61.5 yards per game on the ground.
Air Force will pass more than they used to. But the Air Force is still a run-heavy offense with a fullback leading the way. Emmanuel Michel has rushed for 747 yards this season with nine touchdowns. But he’s only added 4.4 yards per carry, which isn’t eye-popping.
James Madison will need to be better at tackling. They’ve missed many tackles, which can be hard against an Air Force-type offense. However, the secondary has been tremendous, and the pass rush is above average for the Dukes.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has held teams to 17.92 points per game. Opponents have earned only 166.83 yards in the air and just 96.25 yards on the ground.
McCloud and the Dukes should be more efficient offensively. But it takes two to tango.
This might not be the highest-scoring matchup of the CFP Bowl Games. There are other games on the CFB schedule for those types of games. But if you’re looking for some college football betting, our James Madison vs Air Force picks include James Madison at -3. We also like James Madison at -160 and like the Under 41.5 the most.
For NCAAF betting news, best college football bets today, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
