Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison vs Air Force
By Rory Daniels
Bowl Season continues! 84 teams, 42 matchups, 35 different cities; if you thought the College Football postseason was restricted to the four teams in the playoffs, think again. In this game preview, we turn our attention to the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl:
Where and When
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
Date: 23rd December 2023
Time: 3:30pm (ET)
Story so far…
James Madison, like Jacksonville State would have been sat of home had it not been for insufficient bowl eligible teams. In their second-season transitioning to the FBS, postseason play is not allowed. That also meant they missed a shot at the Sun Belt title despite winning the Eastern division. In an 11-1 record, they stumbled only once, with an overtime loss to App State. The unfortunate consequence for JMU was that fifth-year head coach Curt Cignetti moves on to the Power 5 with Indiana. Perennial Patriot League winner Bob Chesney will take over a team who have regularly been in the Associated Press Top 25 throughout the season.
Air Force are enjoying consistency at their head coaching spot with their former quarterback Troy Calhoun at the helm for his 17th season. In that time he has a 7-5 bowl record, which includes victory the last three times, including in last year’s Armed Forces Bowl. The Falcons tied for fourth in the Mountain West but endured a four game losing skid at the end of the schedule, kickstarted by losing to fellow service academy Army.
The Quarterbacks…
James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud has entered the transfer portal but confirmed he will finish the season by representing the team in the bowl game. He is well travelled, now in his 6th year, he played for 3 at South Florida and 2 with Arizona. It’s clear why he may be hoping for bigger things with 32 touchdowns and 3400 passing yards in 2023. Pair that with 311 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground, it’s clear he is a true dual-threat QB who will be difficult to stop.
As with all service academies the triple option system means the QB role is not one defined by passing statistics. It’s all about what you bring on the ground. Starter Zac Larrier was injured vs Army but the team hope he is fit to start. His track background was on display for the Falcons as he ran for 579 yards and five touchdowns. Backup Jensen Jones was much less effective averaging 4.9 yards per carry, so Larrier’s fitness is something to watch closely.
Prospects to watch…
James Madison
Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver – McCloud’s favourite target was Elijah Sarratt who led the Dukes with 1,076 yards and 8 touchdowns. At 6’2, 207lbs he is a physical player, who will be a handful for the Air Force secondary. The transfer from FCS outfit St Francis, hit his stride late in the season with 3 consecutive 100+ receiving yard outings.
Jamree Kromah, Defensive End – The undoubted star on defense for James Madison was Jalen Green, who was lost for the year to injury in Week 10. That meant defensive lineman Jamree Kromah had to step up. At 6’4, 275lbs he was used across the defensive front and recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Him and Mikail Kamara will need to show their run defense ability in this tilt.
Air Force
Dylan Carson, Running Back – Air Force’s running statistics were headed up by full back Emmanuel Michel but you could argue that running back Carson is the more explosive threat. He averages 7.4 yards per carry and had his workload ramped up in the final three games of the year.
Bo Richter, Defensive End – Key to knocking McCloud out of rhythm will be edge rusher Bo Richter. His 36 pressures, 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles landed him a spot on the All-Mountain West team and you can expect him to be in the backfield with regularity.
Prediction
This could be a tight run thing. The clash of styles making it one of the trickier matchups to predict. James Madison have the benefit of substantial preparation time that teams meeting Air Force in-season don’t get the luxury of. For that reason, I give them the slight nod.
James Madison 23-20 Air Force
