Southern Miss vs. James Madison college football tips prediction 10/26/24

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 5-2 (1-2) this season after losing 28-14 to Georgia Southern in their last game. James Madison trailed 21-0 at halftime and never got closer than 14 points in the loss. The Dukes were outscored 405-253 overall, won the turnover battle 4-0 and went into the third down 7:18 of the game. Alonza Barnett III threw for 186 yards and a touchdown, while George Pettaway threw for 63 yards.

James Madison also has a loss to ULM this season, but they have wins against Charlotte, Gardner Webb, UNC, Ball State and Coastal Carolina. The JMU offense scored 35.4 points per game with 237.7 passing yards and 174.9 rushing yards per game while the defense allowed 18 points per game this season. The Dukes are 43.2% on third down and 6-18 on fourth down in seven games. Alonza Barnett III has completed 56.9% of his passes for 1,658 yards, 16 touchdowns and one interception, while Omarion Dollison caught 18 passes for 385 yards and four scores.

Why Southern Miss will report

• James Madison failed to close the lead in three of its last four games in October as a favorite against teams not ranked in the AP rankings.

Total score facts

• Seven of Southern Miss' last eight completed road games have exceeded the point total.
• Six of James Madison's last seven games in October as a favorite against teams not ranked in the AP rankings were BELOW the total score.

Matchup/League Facts

• James Madison ranks 10th among FBS teams in H2 opponent points per game this season (6.6).
• James Madison ranks 125th among FBS teams this season and has the 4th down conversion percentage (33.3).
• Southern Miss ranks 131st among FBS teams in Q1 opponent points per game this season (9.9).
• Southern Miss ranks 131st among FBS teams in average third-quarter point differential this season (-6.9).

Southern Miss vs James Madison Prediction

James Madison has lost two of their last three games and they have lost some momentum from their great start to the season, but they should bounce back here. The Dukes have been very good at home this season and face a Southern Miss defense that has allowed at least 38 points in four of their last five games. Southern Miss hasn't beaten an FBS team yet this year and I don't think that will change here. I think James Madison will easily win this game, but I think Southern Miss can keep this game somewhat respectable. Take Southern Miss and the points here.