Georgia Southern (4-2) vs James Madison (5-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Allen E. Paulson Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: Georgia Southern +9.5 / James Madison -9.5 — Over/Under: 60
The James Madison Dukes and the Georgia Southern Eagles meet in week 8 college football action from Allen E. Paulson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a James Madison vs. Georgia Southern prediction.
James Madison Recap
The James Madison Dukes come into this one looking to build some momentum after picking up a 39-7 win over Coastal Carolina last time out. After this game, James Madison will head home for a matchup against Southern Miss.
Dukes Trying To Establish Themselves In Sun Belt
Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 1,472 yards, 15 touchdowns, and an interception on 57.6% passing while also rushing for 309 yards and 5 touchdowns to lead JMU. George Pettaway has 387 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while Omarion Dollison leads JMU’s receiving group with 334 receiving yards and 3 TDs this season. Cam Ross has 18 receptions for 275 yards and 2 TDs while Taylor Thompson has 290 receiving yards and Yamir Knight has 254 receiving yards. On defense, Jacob Dobbs has a team-high 42 total tackles while Chris Shearin has a team-high 18 solo tackles. Khairi Manns has a team-high 3.5 sacks while Terrence Spence has a team-high 4 interceptions so far this year. As a unit, James Madison has put together 13 sacks and 12 interceptions as well on the year.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
- James Madison has won 19 of its last 22 games.
- James Madison has covered the spread in five of its last six games as a road favorite.
Georgia Southern Recap
The Georgia Southern Eagles come into this game looking to pick up another win after back-to-back Ws thanks to a 24-23 win over Marshall last time out. After this game, Georgia Southern will head out on the road for a duel against Old Dominion.
Eagles Looking To Keep Name In Hat In Sub Belt Race
JC French has thrown for 1,316 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 63.1% passing while Jalen White has rushed for a team-high 253 yards and 7 touchdowns. OJ Arnold also has 217 rushing yards with 3 TDs. Derwin Burgess Jr. leads the Eagles with 26 receptions for 329 yards and 2 TDs while Dalen Cobb has 312 receiving yards and Josh Dallas has 201 receiving yards as well on the year. Another two Georgia Southern receivers have 150+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Marques Watson-Trent has a team-high 55 total tackles including 25 solo tackles while Georgia Southern’s defense as a whole has combined for 5 sacks and 7 interceptions on the year.
Why the Georgia Southern Eagles will win
- Georgia Southern has won four of its last five October games as an underdog.
- Georgia Southern has covered the spread in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
James Madison vs. Georgia Southern Prediction
I’m on James Madison here. I’ll give Georgia Southern credit for battling hard the last couple of weeks, but in the end, I don’t know if I can back them here to go score for score with a solid JMU squad that’s better on both sides of the ball in all facets. I just think that JMU will pull away and win this one by two scores so give me the Dukes.