BOCA RATON, Fla. (BCSNN) — The James Madison Dukes secured their first bowl win in program history, defeating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 27-17 in the Boca Raton Bowl on Wednesday night. Backup quarterback Billy Atkins led the Dukes to victory, throwing for 181 yards and a touchdown in his first start since 2022.

Atkins stepped in after starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III was injured in the regular-season finale against Marshall.

James Madison (9-4) took an early lead, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. Western Kentucky (8-6) responded with two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead into halftime. The Hilltoppers' Caden Veltkamp threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns, but turnovers proved costly as the Hilltoppers coughed up three in the Boca Raton Bowl.

The Dukes pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Hilltoppers 20-3. George Pettaway led the James Madison ground game with 100 yards rushing, while JC Evans scored a touchdown on a 1-yard pass from Atkins in the third quarter. Western Kentucky's defense struggled to contain the Dukes' offense, and the Hilltoppers' offense couldn't overcome the turnovers.

James Madison's defense was key to the victory, forcing turnovers and making crucial stops. The Dukes' defense held Western Kentucky to just 17 points in the second half and limited Veltkamp's impact on the game. The win marks a significant milestone for James Madison as they continue to build their program under head coach Bob Chesney.

The victory also highlights the resilience of the Dukes, who overcame the loss of their starting quarterback to secure their first bowl win. Atkins' performance in his first start since 2022 was instrumental in the victory, and his leadership will be remembered as a key factor in the Dukes' success. The Boca Raton Bowl showcased the competitive nature of college football and the determination of both teams to end their season on a high note.