The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) face off against the James Madison Dukes (8-4) on Wednesday, December 18th. This game will be played at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton and televised on ESPN. Both Western Kentucky and James Madison will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 ET.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes

Western Kentucky Offense Breakdown

Western Kentucky’s offense has been driven by their passing game, ranking 17th in passing yards per game with 261.8 yards. They are 16th in passing completions, averaging 21.8 per game, and have the same national ranking in completion percentage at 66%. Overall, they are 64th in scoring, with 25.5 points per game, and we have them 80th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 1.

Caden Veltkamp leads the Hilltoppers’ passing attack with 2,806 yards and a 66.6% completion rate, throwing 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has a passer rating of 100. Kisean Johnson is the leading receiver with 66 catches for 855 yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, Western Kentucky averages 118.2 rushing yards per game.

James Madison Offense Breakdown

James Madison’s offense is averaging 33.8 points per game, placing them 21st in the nation. They are also ranked 90th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 9. The Dukes have a strong rushing attack, averaging 195 yards per game on 38.8 attempts.

George Pettaway leads the ground game with 876 rushing yards, averaging 5 yards per carry, and has scored five touchdowns. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 2,596 yards with 26 touchdowns and four interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 102.

Western Kentucky Team Defense

Western Kentucky’s defense has struggled this season, particularly in their recent game against Jacksonville State, where they allowed 52 points and 562 total yards. The Hilltoppers gave up 386 rushing yards on 56 attempts and five rushing touchdowns, while also allowing 176 passing yards and two touchdowns.

On the season, Western Kentucky ranks 173rd nationally in rushing yards allowed, giving up 224.2 yards per game on the ground. Opponents have averaged 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranks 20th in the country, on just 22.8 pass attempts per game, the 11th fewest in the nation.

Western Kentucky Team Defense

James Madison’s defense is ranked 21st nationally, allowing just 20.8 points per game on average. They are also holding opponents to 124.4 rushing yards per game and 198.4 passing yards, with a passer rating of 65.7, the 8th-lowest in the country.

In their recent game, the defense gave up 35 points, allowing 415 total yards, including 222 rushing yards and 193 passing yards. They also allowed two passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.

Western Kentucky vs James Madison Trends

• Across their ten previous road games, Western Kentucky has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 6-4 while averaging 27 points per game.
• Through their last ten home games, James Madison has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 32 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have a straight up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 3-2.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, James Madison has a poor record vs the spread going 2-3. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 3-2.

Hilltoppers vs Dukes Prediction

Our projections have Western Kentucky winning their week one matchup against James Madison by a score of 27-19. Western Kentucky comes into the game as the +8.5 point underdogs, but we like their chances to not only win straight-up but also cover the spread.

With the over/under line set at 52.5 points, our recommendation is to take the under, as our model suggests a combined score of 46 points.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.