WHERE WILL JMU BOWL?

The James Madison University (JMU) Dukes, the newly crowned national champions of the Football Championship Series (FCS), are gearing up for their first-ever bowl game appearance in program history. The Dukes, led by dynamic quarterback Todd Centeio and a stingy defense, capped off a dominant 13-1 season with a thrilling 28-18 victory over Montana State in the FCS title game. As the FCS champions, JMU has earned an automatic berth in the prestigious FCS Bowl Series, and the question on every Dukes fan's mind is: where will they bowl?

FCS Bowl Series: A Brief Overview

The FCS Bowl Series is an annual postseason tournament for the top teams in the FCS, the second-highest level of college football in the United States. The series consists of 16 bowl games, each featuring a matchup between an FCS team and a team from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football. The semifinals and championship game of the FCS playoffs are also held as part of the Bowl Series.

JMU's Potential Bowl Destinations

With their FCS title victory, JMU has secured a spot in one of the 16 FCS Bowl Series games. The specific bowl game that JMU will play in will be determined by the NCAA Division I Football Committee, which will consider factors such as JMU's record, its strength of schedule, and its fan base.

Several potential bowl destinations for JMU include:

• Celebration Bowl: Held in Atlanta, Georgia, the Celebration Bowl is the premier bowl game for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). JMU, as a non-HBCU, would be an intriguing addition to this game and would likely draw a large and enthusiastic crowd.
• Camellia Bowl: Played in Montgomery, Alabama, the Camellia Bowl is another popular FCS bowl game. JMU would be a strong candidate for this game, given its proximity to Virginia and its large fan base in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• FCS Kickoff: Held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the FCS Kickoff is the first FCS bowl game of the season. Playing in this game would be a homecoming for JMU, and it would give the Dukes a chance to showcase their team in front of their home crowd.
• National Title Game: The FCS championship game, which is also part of the Bowl Series, is the ultimate goal for every FCS team. JMU, as the defending champion, will have a chance to repeat as national champions and cement their place in FCS history.

Factors Influencing JMU's Bowl Destination

Several factors will influence the NCAA's decision on where to place JMU in the FCS Bowl Series. These factors include:

• JMU's Record: JMU's 13-1 record is one of the best in the FCS, and it will be a major factor in determining their bowl destination.
• JMU's Strength of Schedule: JMU played a challenging schedule this season, with wins over several FBS teams, including Virginia Tech and Appalachian State. This strength of schedule will also be a positive factor in their bowl placement.
• JMU's Fan Base: JMU has a large and passionate fan base that travels well. This fan support will be a factor in the NCAA's decision, as it will help to generate revenue for the bowl game and create a lively atmosphere.

JMU's Chances of Reaching the National Title Game

JMU's chances of reaching the national title game are strong. The Dukes have a talented and experienced team, led by Centeio, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the FCS. They also have a stout defense that ranks among the best in the country. If JMU can maintain its high level of play, they have a good chance of making a run to the championship game.

Conclusion:

The JMU Dukes are poised to make history in their first-ever bowl game appearance. With a talented team and a large fan base, the Dukes have the potential to make a deep run in the FCS Bowl Series and even reach the national title game. Where JMU will bowl is still unknown, but one thing is for sure: the Dukes will be a force to be reckoned with no matter where they play.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When will JMU bowl?

JMU will bowl on either December 17th or December 18th, 2022.

2. Where will JMU bowl?

The specific bowl game that JMU will play in has yet to be determined.

3. Who will JMU play in their bowl game?

JMU's opponent in their bowl game will be a team from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

4. How can I watch JMU's bowl game?

JMU's bowl game will be televised on either ESPN or ESPNU.

5. What are JMU's chances of winning their bowl game?

JMU has a good chance of winning their bowl game, given their talented team and experienced coaching staff.