2024 College Football Bowl Previews (Dec 18th)

Boca Raton Bowl: James Madison Dukes (8-4) vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5)

Key Facts: Western Kentucky has a tradition of strong bowl performances. The Hilltoppers are 7-3 in bowl games during their time at the FBS level, and 4-1 under Tyson Helton with his only loss in 2020. The Tops even have a couple cool historical bowl wins, a Refrigerator Bowl in 1952 and a Tangerine Bowl in 1963. The Boca Raton bowl in particular has been great for Western Kentucky they are 2-0 in this bowl with blowout wins over Memphis and Appalachian State, Western Kentucky has yet to score less than 51 points in a Boca Raton bowl. It may be a little tougher to reach this go around, both QBs that started games this year Caden Veltcamp and TJ Finley have both hit the portal. James Madison is still new to FBS, they lost their only bowl appearance last season but the Dukes have immediately succeeded with no less than 8 wins in each year at the FBS level. James Madison leads FBS in turnover margin this year. Western Kentucky has struggled offensively in November with their highest output being 21 points in a 38-21 loss to Liberty. This appears to be an unsponsored bowl.

Previous Meetings: This is a FIRST TIME MATCHUP!! This one was quite surprising to me. Both programs have an extensive history in FCS and it’s quite surprising their paths never collided in the playoffs back when both programs were part of the subdivision.

Motivation Edge: This one isn’t easily discernable. Boca Raton is an exciting destination for both as both teams get to leave their slightly cold destinations to head to the beach. Western Kentucky historically shows up for bowl games and this is only JMU’s second bowl game ever so they’ll be happy as well. Both teams struggled down the stretch with JMU losing their last 2 games and Western Kentucky losing 3 of their last 4 so both are looking to finish strong.

Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk: UNLV Rebels (10-3) vs California Golden Bears (6-6)

Key Facts: Bowl games aren’t a strong suit for either program. UNLV hasn’t won a bowl since the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl and Cal is 2-4 in their last 6 bowl appearances. Neither program has made a lot of bowls lately, UNLV has made 2 since that 2000 Las Vegas Bowl. Cal is making their 5th bowl appearance in the last decade. Art of Sport not to be confused with the Twitter account “Art but make it sports” is a deodorant/body wash brand.

Previous Meetings: Unbelievably despite being in bordering states these programs have only met once! This game happened very recently with Cal winning 20-14. UNLV had a shot at the upset as they were at the Cal 8 but the Cal defense stood up and wouldn’t let them get any further to secure the win. These programs will meet again in Berkeley in 2026.

Motivation Edge: The edge might belong to Cal here. UNLV would love to end the streak since their last bowl win but the Rebels were so close to reaching the Playoff and Barry Odom just left leaving them with an interim coach situation. Cal will be very thrilled to be here and they’ll have a revitalized fanbase behind them, I don’t know why moving to the ACC made their fanbase so active all of a sudden but I’m all for it.