James Madison vs North Carolina Prediction College Football Picks 9/21/24

North Carolina (3-0) vs James Madison (2-0)

Game Info: Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Kenan Stadium)

Betting Odds: North Carolina -10.5 / James Madison +10.5 --- Over/Under: 51.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The James Madison Dukes and North Carolina Tar Heels meet Saturday in week 4 college football action at Kenan Stadium. Here’s a James Madison vs North Carolina Prediction. This article will include a James Madison vs North Carolina Pick.

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes beat Charlotte and Gardner-Webb, and they play Ball State next. The James Madison Dukes look for a fifth straight 3-0 start to the season. Alonza Barnett III is completing 60 percent of his passes for 354 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Omarion Dollison and Cam Ross have combined for 156 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while George Pettaway has 5 receptions.

The James Madison Dukes ground game is averaging 174 yards per contest, and Pettaway leads the way with 114 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, James Madison is allowing 6.5 points and 296.5 yards per game. Jacob Dobbs leads the James Madison Dukes with 15 tackles, Chris Fitzgerald has 1 sack and Jacob Thomas has 1 interception.

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels beat Charlotte and NC Central, and they play Duke next. North Carolina looks for back-to-back 4-0 starts to the season. Conner Harrell is completing 57.1 percent of his passes for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Bryson Nesbit and Christian Hamilton have combined for 198 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while JJ Jones has 6 receptions.

The North Carolina Tar Heels ground game is averaging 248.7 yards per contest, and Omarion Hampton leads the way with 416 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, North Carolina is allowing 15.7 points and 256.3 yards per game. Amare Campbell leads the North Carolina Tar Heels with 17 tackles, Jahvaree Ritzie has 5 sacks and Kaleb Cost has 1 interception.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

North Carolina has won each of its last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
North Carolina has covered the spread in three of its last four games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference.

Total Points Facts

Three of North Carolina's last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Three of James Madison's last four road games in September have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

North Carolina ranks 15th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (248.7).
North Carolina ranks T20th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (71).
James Madison ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (30).
James Madison ranks T5th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (1.5).

James Madison vs North Carolina Prediction

The James Madison Dukes haven't played anybody yet this season, but they've proven to be a decent program with talent, and you don't get these lines with them often. In fact, this is the first time since 2018 that James Madison is a double-digit underdog. The North Carolina Tar Heels are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games as a double-digit favorite, and 4 of those failed covers were outright losses. This could also be a look-ahead spot for North Carolina, with rival Duke on deck. I'll take my chances with James Madison and the points.