Though it wasn’t always smooth, JMU has won its first two games during head coach Bob Chesney’s tenure.
The Dukes (2-0) will have an even tougher test this week, though. They go on the road to compete with North Carolina of the ACC. The Tar Heels have won their first three games of the 2024 season.
UNC is favored for good reason. But this is a prime candidate to be a Group of Five-Power Four upset.
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JMU vs. North Carolina Betting Odds
JMU is a +10.5 college football betting odds underdog against North Carolina, with the Over/Under being 47.5.
The moneyline for JMU is +310, while it’s -400 for North Carolina.
JMU vs. North Carolina On TV
The matchup between JMU and North Carolina will be televised on the ACC Network.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 21. The contest is taking place at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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JMU vs. North Carolina Prediction
I predict JMU will win and cover the spread at +10.5. I also project the game will go Under 47.5 total points.
This pick is a result of my trust in JMU’s defense. The Dukes have struggled mightily on offense, only scoring 13 points against FCS Gardner-Webb a couple weeks ago.
But when they need their defense to rise to the occasion, it does. JMU allowed just one touchdown over the first two weeks of the season. The Dukes also are coming off a bye, and I think that extra week to prepare will help them both on defense and will help them sort out some of their offensive woes.
I think the first month of the season has been a perfect time for JMU to coalesce as it acclimates to the new coaching staff – all without taking a loss. Now is the time for the team to rise to the occasion if the Dukes want to be a contender for a College Football Playoff spot.
