James Madison vs San Diego State Prediction 9/19/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The James Madison Dukes and the San Diego State Aztecs meet Saturday in college football action from Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Here’s a James Madison vs San Diego State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best James Madison vs San Diego State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

James Madison kicked things off against Liberty in their opener. The Dukes were up 17-6 by halftime and eventually powered out a one-score win 20-13. QB JC Evans had 61 yards and a TD on 7-of-9 passing and also led the rush with 69 yards off nine carries. Leading receiver Noach Grevious had four catches for 39 yards in the winning effort for the Dukes.

In game two versus Wagner, the Dukes made things look easy. James Madison scored 21 points in three quarters and 24 in the other, rolling to an ultra-dominant blowout victory 87-3 in the end. Camden Coleman took over most of the QB duties with Evans injured, throwing for 171 yards and a TD on 12-of-18. Nick Herman led the rush with eight totes for 132 yards and a pair of scores.

San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview

Over on the San Diego State side, they got their year going with a matchup versus Portland State. The Aztecs notched double-digit points in three of four quarters (and scored in all four) on the way to a 53-20 blowout win. QB Jayden Denegal was 12-of-17 for 137 yards, two scores and one interception. Javion Kinnard rushed eight times for 79 yards as well.

Matched up against UCLA last weekend the Aztecs were held scoreless in the first half and went into the final quarter only down seven. After a 21-10 deficit from there however, SDSU ended up losing 28-10. Denegal was 6-of-17 for 45 yards, one TD and one pick. Lucky Sutton was tops in rushing with 19 carries for 81 yards in the losing effort for the Aztecs.

James Madison Dukes @ San Diego State Aztecs Betting Trends: Week 3

San Diego State Aztecs Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, Jaylon Hawkins is one of only five players in the FBS to have a kick return touchdown this season.

James Madison Dukes Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, George Pettaway ranks T5th amongst FBS players for rushing touchdowns (4) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• San Diego State ranks T5th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (3.0).
• San Diego State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (91.0).
• James Madison ranks 137th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (22:37).
• James Madison ranks T7th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (50.0).

James Madison vs San Diego State Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Aztecs but I could go either way. San Diego State’s offense couldn’t do much against UCLA in their latest loss, notching just 189 yards (45 passing), 3.5 yards per play, 14 first downs and 2-of-12 on third downs. The defense played well for most of the game and surrendered a decent 4-of-11 on third-down tries but also got hosed for 214 rushing yards. SDSU should match up much better in this one.

As for JMU, they blasted an overmatched Wagner team to the tune of 588 yards (290 rushing), 9.5 yards per play and 27 first downs in their latest win. The Dukes gave up just 204 yards (86 rushing) with 3.0 yards per play and 10 first downs defensively. San Diego State will give the Dukes much more of a challenge this weekend.

Andrew Jett's Pick: San Diego State Aztecs -1.5