Southern Miss vs James Madison Prediction College Football Picks 10/26/24

In this article, we will formulate a Southern Miss vs James Madison prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 26th at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 9 matchup. 

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Betting Preview

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 1-6 (0-3) this year after they lost to Arkansas State by a score of 44-28 in their last game. Southern Miss trailed 28-21 at the half, but they allowed the first 13 points in the second half in the loss. The Golden Eagles were outgained by a total of 467-369, lost the turnover battle 3-0, and went 6-14 on third down in the game. Ethan Crawford threw for 187 yards and one interception, while also rushing for 87 yards and two scores. 

Southern Miss also has losses against Kentucky, USF, Jacksonville State, Louisiana, and ULM, but they do have a win against SELA. The Southern Miss offense has scored 17.4 points per game with 197.9 passing yards and 104.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 34.1 points per game this season. The Golden Eagles have gone 23.6% on third down and 8-13 on fourth down so far this season. Ethan Crawford has completed 49.2% of his passes for 594 yards and three interceptions, while Larry Simmons has caught 17 passes for 287 yards. 

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 5-2 (1-2) this season after they lost to Georgia Southern by a score of 28-14 in their last game. James Madison trailed 21-0 at halftime and they never got closer than 14 points in the loss. The Dukes were outgained by a total of 405-253, won the turnover battle 4-0, and went 7-18 on third down in the game. Alonza Barnett III threw for 186 yards and one touchdown, while George Pettaway rushed for 63 yards. 

James Madison also has a loss against ULM this season, but they have wins against Charlotte, Gardner Webb, UNC, Ball State, and Coastal Carolina. The JMU offense has scored 35.4 points per game with 237.7 passing yards and 174.9 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 18 points per game this season. The Dukes have gone 43.2% on third down and 6-18 on fourth down through seven games. Alonza Barnett III has completed 56.9% of his passes for 1,658 yards, 16 touchdowns, and one interception, while Omarion Dollison has caught 18 passes for 385 yards and four scores. 

Why Southern Miss will cover

• James Madison has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four October games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Southern Miss’ last eight completed road games have gone OVER the total points line.
• Six of James Madison’s last seven October games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• James Madison ranks 10th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (6.6).
• James Madison ranks T125th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (33.3).
• Southern Miss ranks 131st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (9.9).
• Southern Miss ranks 131st among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (-6.9).

Southern Miss vs James Madison Prediction 

James Madison has lost two of their last three games and they have lost some momentum from their great start to the season, but they should bounce back here. The Dukes have been very good at home this season and will face a Southern Miss defense that has allowed at least 38 points in four of their last five games. Southern Miss has not defeated a FBS team so far this year and I don’t think that is going to change here. I think James Madison is going to win this game easily, but I do think Southern Miss can keep this game somewhat respectable. Take Southern Miss and the points here. 

David Racey's Pick: Southern Miss +24.5