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FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 23, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Air Force Falcon football secured an impressive 31-21 win over No. 24 James Madison Dukes. The Falcons capped their 2023 season with a 9-4 record.
The game unfolded as a clash of titans, with Air Force facing the nation's top-ranked rush defense in James Madison, allowing only 62 yards per game. However, the Falcons defied the odds, churning out a remarkable 351 yards on the ground. Senior fullback Emmanuel Michel emerged as the star of the show, setting an Air Force bowl record with an astounding 203 rushing yards on 35 carries, earning him the well-deserved title of Armed Forces Bowl MVP.
Air Force's victory was propelled by a relentless running game and a tenacious defense that tallied four sacks and an interception. Senior linebacker Bo Richter led the defensive charge with three sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, both standing as Air Force bowl records.
The Falcons took control of the game in the second quarter, seizing momentum after linebacker Jonathan Youngblood intercepted James Madison's quarterback Jordan McCloud. Air Force capitalized on the turnover, orchestrating an impressive 72-yard drive culminating in another one-yard touchdown run by Michel. The first half concluded with quarterback Zac Larrier connecting with receiver Jared Roznos for a 42-yard touchdown, establishing a commanding 21-7 lead for the Falcons.
Despite James Madison's efforts to rally in the third quarter, Air Force responded emphatically with a 75-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Larrier's one-yard plunge, extending their lead to 28-14. The Falcons' dominance was further solidified as Matthew Dapore sealed the victory with a 26-yard field goal, bringing the score to 31-14 with 8:20 left in the game.
James Madison managed to score a late touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome Air Force's performance.
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