James Madison vs Old Dominion could be one of this weekend’s most interesting NCAAF matchups. It will be the two teams first time playing each other with JMU as a member of the Sun Belt.
The Monarchs are 2-0 against James Madison since 2011. Ahead of this weekend’s game, here is a look at each team’s season so far and how that could affect any James Madison vs Old Dominion prediction.
Last Game Records
James Madison has had an extremely successful first season at the FBS level. However, ahead of this game, JMU has lost three games in a row, including a 34-10 loss to Louisville last weekend.
Meanwhile, Old Dominion enters this weekend’s game after a similar last three weeks of their NCAAF schedule to JMU. The Monarchs have lost three games in a row and lost 12-0 to Marshall last weekend.
Matchup Information
James Madison vs. Old Dominion Betting Analysis
James Madison’s Season So Far
James Madison began their transition to the FBS level this season after consistent success at the FCS level. Last season, in their final season at the FCS level, JMU reached the semi-finals of the FCS playoffs before losing 20-14 to North Dakota State.
Incredibly, JMU began its first season in the Sun Belt with a 5-0 record. However, after their three consecutive losses, they are currently in third place in the Sun Belt East of NCAAF standings.
NCAAF Stats
In terms of NCAA football stats, James Madison currently has the 27th-best scoring offense in the country. The Dukes average 35.1 points per game and average the 31st most yards per game, 444.8.
On defense, James Madison allows 22.5 points per game, which is currently the 40th-best at the FBS level. Impressively, the Dukes are a top-40 team in both scoring offense and defense in their first season at the FBS level.
Old Dominion Season So Far
The Monarchs are 3-6 so far this season after a 6-7 record in 2021. Old Dominion defeated Virginia Tech 20-17 in their opening game of the season and have also won against Arkansas State and Coastal Carolina, but have lost six of their other games this season.
Monarch’s Offense
So far this season, Old Dominion averages 341.2 yards per game, which is currently the 105th-best in the FBS.
The Monarchs’ offense scores an average of 21.9 points per game, currently the 108th-best in college football.
Monarch’s Defense
The Monarchs’ defense is allowing 25.3 points per game this season, which is currently the 62nd-best in the FBS.
Old Dominion allowed only 12 points last weekend but allowed 31 points to Georgia State on October 29 and 38 points to Liberty on October 1.
Old Dominion is currently sixth in the Sun Belt East. The Monarchs will have to win each of their remaining games to become bowl eligible for the second season in a row.
NCAAF Injury Report
Unfortunately, both Old Dominion and James Madison have had a significant amount of college football injuries.
James Madison currently has several players dealing with injuries, including quarterback Todd Centeio.
Old Dominion tight end Zack Kuntz had a season-ending injury on November 1. Both teams’ injuries could affect the college football picks for this weekend’s game.
James Madison vs Old Dominion Betting Preview
Entering this weekend’s game, it is important to know the college football odds for the game. James Madison is a 7.5-point favorite.
The Dukes’ moneyline is currently -305, while Old Dominion’s moneyline is +240. The over/under for this weekend’s game is 46.5.
These college football odds will be an important part of any James Madison vs Old Dominion prediction.
James Madison vs. Old Dominion Betting Prediction
Despite the team’s injuries, James Madison is one of the best teams in the Sun Belt in their first season in the conference.
As a result, one James Madison vs Old Dominion prediction that could make sense this weekend is picking the Dukes to win.
Who to Bet On?
Both teams’ recent games have finished with less than 46.5 total points. That could continue this weekend due to each team’s injuries.
James Madison will have to play on the road this weekend, but in their last two wins, they won by more than 7.5 points. That could be true again this weekend; the Dukes are 5-3 against the spread so far this season.
NCAAF Pick: James Madison (-280)
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