There’s still a lot at stake for James Madison and Old Dominion in this week’s Sun Belt Game of the Week.
Both are still in contention to appear in the Sun Belt title game but must pick up a win here. They’ll also need some other things to work in their favor.
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How To Watch James Madison-Old Dominion
The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET Saturday and will air on ESPNU.
James Madison-Old Dominion Betting Odds
JMU is a 3.5-point college football betting odds favorite.
James Madison-Old Dominion Coaches & Overall Records
JMU: Bob Chesney (7-2)
ODU: Ricky Rahne (19-28)
Last meeting: Oct. 28, 2023; JMU won 30-27.
The series is tied 2-2 with the Dukes winning the last two matchups.
JMU Preview
The Dukes’ hot start to the season and four-game win streak was derailed in Week 6 when they lost their first conference game of the season to ULM. Since then, they have gone 3-1 and suffered another Sun Belt loss to Georgia Southern.
While it’s been strong for most of the season, JMU’s offense struggled in both of those losses and scored a combined 31 points. Against Georgia Southern, the Dukes didn’t put any points on the board until the third quarter on a pick-six. That loss proved pivotal as GSU now sits ahead of the Dukes in the Sun Belt West.
JMU has found its rhythm again, however, and has won two in a row. It is coming off a 38-7 victory over Georgia State. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III finished with 274 total yards and three passing touchdowns. He ranks fourth in the Sun Belt in total offense with 262 total yards per game and has tossed 21 touchdowns against only two interceptions. He’s added five scores on the ground.
Even under first-year head coach Bob Chesney, the Dukes’ defense has remained as one of the best in the league. They currently have the top scoring defense (16.4 points per game) and are allowing just 320 YPG, which also ranks first in the conference and is 10th best in the FBS. JMU has allowed only one opponent to score more than 28 points, and that was in the 70-50 shootout win over North Carolina.
After visiting ODU, the Dukes visit App State and then have a tough home contest against Marshall to close out the season.
They will need to go 3-0 there and hope Georgia Southern drops a pair of games to have any chance at making the Sun Belt Championship.
ODU Preview
I think inconsistent is probably the best word to describe ODU’s season.
The Monarchs started 1-4 before going on a three-game win streak and then falling to App State two weeks ago. Coming off a bye, ODU sits two wins away from bowl-eligibility and is still in the hunt for a trip to the Sun Belt Championship.
Besides when Virginia Tech pulled away late in the fourth quarter, each of ODU’s losses have come in one-possession games. The Monarchs have fared well against strong opponents but haven’t played as well against lesser competition on paper. They have wins over Bowling Green, Georgia Southern, and Texas State.
ODU’s defense has taken a step forward in the past month and is allowing 18.75 points per game over its past four outings. It’s allowing 25.2 PPG on the season. Monarchs linebacker and preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year Jason Henderson hasn’t played since the season opener and is redshirting as he recovers from a knee injury suffered in last year’s season finale.
Freshman QB Colton Joseph took over as the starter Oct. 5 against Coastal Carolina and has been key in the Monarchs’ resurgence. He’s passed for 1,169 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions in five games. He’s added 454 yards and six TDs on the ground.
The Monarchs close the season hosting JMU and Marshall before visiting Arkansas State. A win this week will be critical if they want to make a bowl game.
James Madison-Old Dominion Prediction
I predict James Madison will win by four and barely cover the 3.5-point spread.
Like I mentioned above, the Monarchs have been in every game this season and are the type of team that can match JMU’s grittiness. I like them to keep it close but for JMU to prevail.