James Madison Dukes (5-0) vs Georgia Southern Eagles (4-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm (Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium)
Betting Odds: James Madison Dukes -5.5 -- Over/Under: 58.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Georgia Southern Eagles will play the James Madison Dukes in a Sun Belt game on Saturday afternoon at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Georgia Southern has won two games in a row, while James Madison comes into this matchup with a perfect record.
Georgia Southern Preview
The Georgia Southern Eagles are 4-1 (1-0) this season after they defeated Coastal Carolina by a score of 38-28 in their last game. Georgia Southern trailed 14-7 in the second quarter, but they were able to score 31 of the next 38 points for the win. The Eagles were out gained by a total of 465-438 and forced four turnovers in the game. Georgia Southern’s lone loss came against Wisconsin by a score of 35-14 in their third game of the season. The Georgia Southern offense is averaging 34.8 points per game with 337 passing yards per game and 134.6 rushing yards per game, while going 48.5% on third downs. Davis Brin has thrown for 1,611 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for the Eagles this season. OJ Arnold has rushed for 269 yards and three touchdowns, while Khaleb Hood has caught 39 passes for 414 yards and three scores. The Georgia Southern defense is allowing 20.2 points against per game this year.
James Madison Preview
The James Madison Dukes are 5-0 (2-0) this season after they defeated South Alabama by a score of 31-23 in their last game. James Madison led 17-0 in the second quarter and was in control for most of the game, before South Alabama scored two times late in the fourth to make it a one possession game. The Dukes out gained South Alabama by a total of 377-326 and forced two turnovers in the win. James Madison has also defeated Bucknell, Virginia, Troy, and Utah State. The James Madison offense is scoring 33.2 points per game with 241.6 passing yards per game and 160.4 rushing yards per game. Jordan McCloud has thrown for 1,173 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions for the Dukes this season. Kaelon Black has rushed for 365 yards, while Reggie Brown has caught 16 passes for 373 yards and three scores. The James Madison defense is giving up 22.6 points against per game this season.
James Madison Dukes Team Facts
- James Madison has won each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- James Madison has covered the spread in each of its last three games.
- James Madison has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
- Four of James Madison's last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Georgia Southern Eagles Team Facts
- Georgia Southern has lost five of its last six October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Georgia Southern has covered the spread in four of its last five games.
- Five of Georgia Southern's last six games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pick
James Madison comes into this game looking to stay undefeated and they will have the home field advantage for this matchup. Both of these teams are very similar when looking to points per game and points against per game, but Georgia Southern is gaining about 70 more yards per game. Georgia Southern is throwing for about 335 yards per game and will be facing a JMU defense that is allowing over 300 passing yards per game. I think the Georgia Southern passing attack will be the difference here and I am going to take them with the points.
David’s Pick Georgia Southern +5.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
