Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. James Madison Dukes: 2024 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

James Madison Dukes defeated Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 27–17 in Week 1, 2024. Final score: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 17, James Madison Dukes 27.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	0	12	0	3	17
James Madison Dukes	6	0	9	9	27

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Billy Atkins (James Madison) — 181.0 yds · 1 TD · +0.29 EPA/play +6.68 EPA
• Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky) — 311.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.05 EPA/play +2.22 EPA
• JC Evans (James Madison) — 1.0 yds · 1 TD · +0.36 EPA/play +0.36 EPA

Rushing

• George Pettaway (James Madison) — 97.0 yds +0.26 EPA
• Elijah Young (Western Kentucky) — 37.0 yds -0.54 EPA
• Wayne Knight (James Madison) — 22.0 yds -0.51 EPA

Receiving

• Kisean Johnson (Western Kentucky) — 9 rec · 82.0 yds +0.07 EPA
• Omarion Dollison (James Madison) — 6 rec · 82.0 yds +0.35 EPA
• Easton Messer (Western Kentucky) — 3 rec · 68.0 yds +0.31 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Billy Atkins	James Madison	23	69.6%	181	1	+0.29	+6.68
Caden Veltkamp	Western Kentucky	42	57.1%	311	2	+0.05	+2.22
JC Evans	James Madison	1	100.0%	1	1	+0.36	+0.36

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Western Kentucky	James Madison
Plays	60	69
EPA / play	-0.213	+0.031
Total EPA	-12.78	+2.14
Success rate	30.0%	40.6%
Pass EPA / play	+0.053	+0.293
Rush EPA / play	-0.833	-0.109
Yards	341	391

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	James Madison	3	5	-2.63	Punt
Q1	Western Kentucky	3	3	-3.05	Punt
Q1	James Madison	6	59	+5.28	Rush TD
Q1	Western Kentucky	3	2	-3.03	Punt
Q1	James Madison	4	13	-4.89	Ended
Q1	Western Kentucky	5	49	-2.77	Fumble
Q1	James Madison	3	8	-1.49	Punt
Q1	Western Kentucky	8	48	+4.01	Pass TD
Q2	James Madison	7	35	-0.91	Missed FG
Q2	Western Kentucky	6	20	-1.84	Punt
Q2	James Madison	6	32	-0.29	Punt
Q2	Western Kentucky	7	83	+6.58	Pass TD
Q2	James Madison	4	36	+1.03	Ended
Q3	Western Kentucky	3	2	-3.10	Punt
Q3	James Madison	11	71	+6.22	Pass TD
Q3	Western Kentucky	4	15	-4.80	Fumble

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q3 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Fumble (-6.93 EPA)
2. Q3 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Caden Veltkamp pass to Dalvin Smith for 65 yards (3rd & 4) (+5.69 EPA)
3. Q2 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Caden Veltkamp pass to Dalvin Smith for a touchdown (11 yards) (+4.82 EPA)
4. Q4 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Fumble (-4.49 EPA)
5. Q1 · James Madison Dukes · Jobi Malary rushes for a loss of 1 yard (4th & 1) (-4.09 EPA)
6. Q3 · James Madison Dukes · Jobi Malary rushes for 5 yards (4th & 1) (+4.03 EPA)
7. Q4 · James Madison Dukes · Billy Atkins pass to Taylor Thompson for a touchdown (21 yards) (+3.85 EPA)
8. Q2 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Caden Veltkamp pass to Moussa Barry for a touchdown (17 yards) (+3.54 EPA)

Key takeaways

• James Madison Dukes controlled the final (27–17) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Billy Atkins (James Madison) — 181.0 yds, 1 TD.
• EPA edge: James Madison at 0.031 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes?

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 17, James Madison Dukes 27 in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season.

Who won Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes?

James Madison Dukes won with a final score of 17–27.

Where can I find the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401677079.

Who led Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes in passing?

Billy Atkins (James Madison) led passers with 181.0 yards and 1 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at James Madison Dukes in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.