The James Madison Dukes and the Air Force Falcons meet Saturday in Armed Forces Bowl college football action from Amon G. Carter Stadium. James Madison finished off their campaign at 11-1 overall. The Dukes blew out Coastal Carolina in their latest matchup. As for Air Force, they’re 8-4 and riding a four-game skid following an eight-point loss to Boise State in their most recent outing. Let’s get into our James Madison vs. Air Force prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place. 

James Madison Dukes 

The Dukes had just one blemish on the card this year: a 26-23 overtime loss to Appalachian State back on November 18. Otherwise James Madison powered through an unbeaten schedule on the strength of 35.2 points per game on average. The passing game (288.2 yards per game; 33 TDs) contributed more than the rush (142.1 yards per game; 17 scores) this year. 

In their last matchup versus Coastal Carolina, the Dukes bounced back from their lone loss with a blowout victory. James Madison scored points in every quarter on the way to a 56-14 result. Jordan McCloud notched 324 yards, five scores and one interception. Elijah Sarratt caught three of the TDs among his six grabs for 107 yards. 

James Madison Dukes Team Facts

• James Madison has won 14 of its last 15 games.
• James Madison has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games.
• James Madison has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
• James Madison has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
• Four of James Madison’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

More College Basketball Picks: South Alabama vs Eastern Michigan Prediction!

Air Force Falcons 

Over on the Air Force side, they were looking great after an 8-0 start but they haven’t won a game since October 28. The Falcons have posted 27.8 points per game on average, with just 88.3 yards per game, six TDs and six interceptions via the pass. On the ground, Air Force averages 275.8 yards per game and has scored 33 times. 

Back on November 24 in their last matchup versus Boise State, Air Force was down 17-6 by the break. The Falcons got a little better from there but still lost 27-19. John Busha posted 131 pass yards with a pick and just eight completions. Dylan Carson led the rush with his 12 carries, 132 yards and one touchdown. 

Air Force Falcons Team Facts

• Air Force has won 11 of its last 12 matches when playing with a rest advantage.
• Air Force has covered the spread in each of its last four Bowl games.
• Air Force has won the first half in eight of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
• Each of Air Force’s last four games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Air Force rank 14th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (17.9).
• James Madison are one of only 10 FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ((6-0)).
• James Madison rank 18th among FBS teams for points per game this season (35.2).

ANDREW’S FREE JAMES MADISON VS AIR FORCE PREDICTION 

I’ll stay with James Madison. The Dukes are coming off a nice win over a decent Coastal Carolina team, notching 481 yards of offense (324 passing), 26 first downs and a solid 6-of-11 rate on third-down tries. That makes 30 or more points in four of the last five games for JMU, and 30 or more points in nine of 12 games this year in total. The Dukes will be chucking the ball all over the field here, and I expect another big outing for the passing attack. 

As for Air Force, their hope will be a measured, run-heavy, clock-control type game on Saturday. The Falcons will need to keep James Madison’s offense off the field, and Air Force certainly has the running-game talent to do it. That said, I don’t think the Falcons will be able to keep up on the scoreboard without a more balanced attack. The Dukes should be firmly in control in this one.