| MATCHUP | Troy Trojans | James Madison Dukes |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 3-4 | 7-1 |
| Spread | +21 -115 | -21 -105 |
| Moneyline | +900 | -1600 |
| Total | Over 49.5 (-110) | Under 49.5 (-110) |
| Where | Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA | |
| When | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
Troy Trojans Betting Preview
The Troy Trojans enter Thursday night’s contest with a 3-4 overall record (3-1 home record, 0-3 mark on the road and a 1-2 mark in Sun Belt play). The Trojans have struggled recently, losing four of the team’s last five games, including a 21-14 defeat to UL Monroe Warhawks last week.The Troy offense has been inconsistent through seven games played in 2026. The Trojans are averaging 22.9 points per game while generating 373.7 total yards per contest. Troy has accumulated 176.4 passing yards and 197.3 rushing yards per game this season.
Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the football, Troy has been respectable. The Trojans are allowing 24.9 points and 334.7 total yards per game. Examining the data more closely, Troy has surrendered only 129.3 rushing yards per contest which ranks 43rd in the nation.
Through seven games played in 2026, senior quarterback Goose Crowder has compiled 1,162 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 266 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns demonstrating his dual threat ability. Talented running back Gavin Griffin has tallied 398 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while junior wide receiver T.K. Keyes has accumulated 13 receptions, 282 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The James Madison Dukes enter Thursday night’s matchup with a 7-1 overall record (4-0 record at home, 3-1 mark on the road and a 4-1 mark in Sun Belt play). Despite suffering a 34-31 overtime loss to Appalachian State last week, James Madison has played quality football in 2026, winning seven of the team’s first eight games played this season.The Dukes have been one of the most explosive offenses in the country. James Madison is averaging a massive 41.4 points (3rd in FBS) and 456.3 total yards per game, including 249.1 passing yards and 207.1 rushing yards per contest.
Defensively, James Madison has also been solid. The Dukes are allowing only 18.3 points per game while ranking 25th nationally against the run, surrendering just 110.1 rushing yards per contest.
Quarterback Camden Coleman has thrown for 1,568 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Running back George Pettaway has been outstanding, rushing for 812 yards and eight touchdowns.
Why the Troy Trojans will win.
• Strong rushing attack. Troy is averaging 197.3 rushing yards per game.• Quarterback play. Senior signal caller Goose Crowder has compiled 1,162 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 266 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns demonstrating his dual threat ability.
• Enhanced motivation. The Troy Trojans have lost four of the team’s last five games.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win.
• Offensive firepower. James Madison is averaging a whopping 41.4 points per game which ranks third in the country.• Balanced offense. James Madison averages 249.1 passing yards and 207.1 rushing yards per contest.
• Current form. The James Madison Dukes have won seven of the team’s last eight games.