James Madison may not be in the College Football Playoff picture right now. But the season isn’t over yet.
The Dukes are 9-1 overall and 7-0 in Sun Belt play, having already guaranteed themselves a spot in the conference championship. They’ve won each of their last five games by double digits, including their latest triumph over App State 58-10.
Now they’re taking on Washington State, which is 5-5 overall with a chance to earn bowl-eligibility this week. The Cougars have won two of their last three games, beating Toledo 28-7 and Louisiana Tech 28-3 during that stretch. But they also lost to Oregon State 10-7, so Wazzu hasn’t exactly been consistent.
Depending on what happens in the American Conference, this could be another opportunity for JMU to prove to the CFP Selection Committee that the Dukes are worthy of playoff consideration.
Washington State vs. JMU Betting Odds
James Madison is a -13.5 college football betting odds favorite against Washington State, with the Over/Under being 42.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Washington State is +450, while it’s -625 for James Madison.
Washington State vs. JMU On TV
The matchup between Washington State and James Madison will be televised on ESPN+. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 22. The contest is taking place at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Washington State vs. JMU Prediction
I predict JMU will win and cover the 13.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 42.5 total points.
I don’t think Wazzu is a bad team. And I think the Cougars could earn a bowl bid next week when they get a rematch with Oregon State. But the Dukes are the best team in the G5, in my opinion, and are highly motivated to not just win at home but to blow out a team like WSU.
Alonza Barnett III, after not playing his best early in the season, has found a rhythm. He has thrown for 2,089 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions on a 62% completion rate. He’s also rushed for 396 yards and 12 TDs.
Wayne Knight leads JMU with 840 yards and seven TDs rushing while catching a team-best 35 passes for 368 yards and one score. Landon Ellis has caught 32 passes for a JMU-high 532 yards and five TDs.
The Dukes are also 11th in the FBS in scoring defense (13.7 points per game allowed) and fifth in total defense (257.1 yards per game allowed). Trent Hendrick leads them with 76 tackles to go with three sacks.
The Dukes are one of five teams in the FBS that are top 15 in the country in scoring offense and scoring defense. Those other four teams – Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas Tech – are in the CFP bracket as things stand right now.
The Dukes are fantastic on both sides of the ball, and I think they show it once again at home against the Cougars.
