James Madison vs Charlotte Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

In this article, we will formulate a James Madison vs Charlotte prediction for this College Football Week 1 game on Saturday, August 31st, at Jerry Richardson Stadium.  Let’s take a look at a James Madison Dukes vs Charlotte 49ers pick. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Dukes recent form and recent player performance 

-The 49ers recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving James Madison

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Charlotte

-Recent betting trends in games played between James Madison and Charlotte

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Dukes and 49ers. 

Has Momentum Stopped for James Madison?

James Madison had such a strong year last year, but they lost a ton from that squad. Curt Cignetti left after last season to join Indiana and in steps Bob Chesney. Chesney has made a good impression so far, but will he be able to make up for all the lost talent. Jordan McCloud was under center last year but he has now transferred to Texas State. For James Madison in steps Dylan Morris who was at Washington before coming to the Dukes. James Madison should also have a good running back with former North Carolina running back George Pettaway joining the team. 

On defense, James Madison really leaned on the transfer portal and they got a couple of players who should be impact players. Lloyd Summerall is from South Florida and he was a standout there last season. Raymond Scott came over from Fresno State and he’s someone who should have a big role on this team this year. 

Charlotte Believes This Year They Turn the Corner

Charlotte believes this is the year they can turn the corner. 49ers coach Biff Poggi is finally getting the guys who he believes are going to bring this team to the next level. The passing game was inconsistent last season but they believe Max Brown who came in from Florida can have a huge game. Jairus Mack was the top receiver from last season and he’s back and should be a major weapon. CJ Strokes came over from Michigan and he is in line for a huge role this season. 

The defense for the 49ers wasn’t awful last season, but they are going to need them to take an even bigger step forward this year. The 49ers attacked the transfer portal to improve, and that included bringing in Dre Martin from South Carlina and Dre Butler from Michigan State. Demon Clowney also had a huge season and he’s going to need to be good here. 

Total Points Trends

• Each of Charlotte’s last four season openers as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
• Five of James Madison’s last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

James Madison vs Charlotte Prediction

I believe Charlotte is going to have a huge season, and it’s going to start with being competitive in this game. I trust Max Brown to have success, and James Madison’s defense isn’t going to be as good. James Madison is going to be fine this season, but there are so many new pieces, they aren’t going to look very good in this game. Charlotte will keep it within a field goal, and they could win this game outright. Back Charlotte against the spread