Image provided by: JMU Athletics Communications
Written by Bennett Conlin
JMU football will face Air Force in the first bowl game in program history. JMU confirmed the initial report Sunday afternoon. The Dukes and Falcons will face off in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 23rd at 3:30pm ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC and will take place in Fort Worth, Texas.
Air Force ended the season on a disappointing note with 8 wins and 4 losses. The Falcons started 8-0 and looked like legitimate contenders to compete for a spot in the Group of 5 in the New Year’s Six Bowl Game. Instead, Air Force dropped its final four games of the year, falling far out of contention.
However, the program is solid. Air Force plays great defense and runs an option offense that is predicated on running the football. The Falcons may only throw the ball a few times in this contest, but it will test JMU’s stingy run defense.
Who plays for JMU?
of Richmond Times-Dispatch Jordan McLeod reported that he intends to play a game at JMU despite being in the transfer portal. Several other Dukes have joined the portal, and RTD’s report suggests at least some of these players will play.
Once fully qualified this season, JMU was one of the best Group of 5 teams in the country. JMU is 11-1 this season, with its only loss coming in overtime to App State. The Dukes ended the year with a 56-14 victory over Coastal Carolina.
If the Dukes bring their rich players to the game, it will likely give them an advantage.
As for head coach Curt Cignetti, it was initially reported that he would coach JMU’s bowl. He won’t be coaching games anymore. Damian Roblewski, the team’s offensive line coach, will serve as JMU’s head coach for the contest, the school announced Sunday.
Playing in a bowl game is a milestone accomplishment for JMU, and Wroblewski will lead the Dukes in search of meaningful wins.