Troy vs James Madison Prediction 12/5/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Troy vs James Madison prediction for this College Football game on Friday, December 5th at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Sun Belt Championship game. 

Troy Trojans Betting Preview

The Troy Trojans are 8-4 (6-2) this season after they defeated Southern Miss by a score of 28-18 last week. Troy led 14-3 at halftime and they added 14 more points in the second half to get the big win. The Trojans out gained Southern Miss by a total of 428-304, went 7-15 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Goose Crowder went 24-34 for 285 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Tae Meadows rushed 21 times for 94 yards and one score. RaRa Thomas led the receivers with five catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

Prior to that game, Troy defeated Georgia State by a score of 31-19, but lost to Old Dominion by a score of 33-0 before that. The Trojans have won two games in a row and finished first in the Sun Belt West standings. Georgia State has scored 25.2 points per game with 216.4 passing yards and 109.2 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 23.9 points against per game this season. Goose Crowder has thrown for 1,118 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Tae Meadows has rushed 152 times for 685 yards and five scores this season. 

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 11-1 (8-0) this year after they defeated Coastal Carolina by a score of 59-10 in their last game. James Madison led 20-10 at halftime and outscored Coastal 39-0 in the second half for the blowout win. The Dukes out gained CC by a total of 525-170, went 5-11 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Alonza Barnett III went 15-21 for 207 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Jobi Malary rushed 12 times for 154 yards and one score. Braeden Wisloski led the receivers with four catches for 64 yards and one touchdown in the win. 

Prior to that game, James Madison defeated Washington State by a score of 24-20 and Appalachian State by a score of 58-10. The Dukes have won 10 games in a row and they finished first in the Sun Belt East standings. James Madison has scored 37.8 points per game with 211.7 passing yards and 239.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 16.0 points against per game this season. Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 2,440 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Wayne Knight has rushed for 1,051 yards and eight scores on 169 carries this year. 

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won each of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Troy has lost each of its last five road games against AP-ranked teams.
• James Madison has covered the spread in three of its last four home games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Troy’s last four games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Five of James Madison’s last six games have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• James Madison ranks 2nd among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (34:20).
• James Madison ranks T3rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (20.6).
• Troy ranks T14th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (9.8).
• Troy ranks 121st among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (109.2).

Troy vs James Madison Prediction 

James Madison comes into this matchup battling for a spot in the CFP and they are a huge favorite to win this game, but they have to be focused to avoid a slip up. The Dukes have dominated their conference this year and they have scored at least 35 points in seven of their twelve games. Troy was a bit inconsistent this season, but they finished by winning their last two games. The Trojans have scored at least 28 points in three of their last five, but will face a very good JMU defense. I know the Dukes are dealing with plenty of distractions right now, but I think it’s either James Madison or pass here.

David Racey is 153-128 (55%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!

David Racey's Pick: James Madison -23.5