Troy vs. JMU Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch

James Madison is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

The Dukes (11-1, 8-0 Sun Belt) are ranked 25th this week by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. And that opens the door for some interesting scenarios.

The five highest-ranked conference champions make the CFP. No. 17-ranked Virginia is playing unranked Duke this week in the ACC Championship. If Duke and JMU win this week, that opens the door for James Madison to make the CFP.

The Dukes would certainly deserve consideration. They’re 18th in ESPN’s strength of record metric. While they do have a weak strength of schedule, they’ve mostly blown out all the teams they’ve played. They’re sixth in the FBS in average scoring margin (plus-20.6).

But to even be considered for the CFP, the Dukes have to win their first Sun Belt Championship since moving up from the FCS. And Troy doesn’t intend on making that easy for them.

Since starting 1-2, the Trojans (8-4, 6-2) refused to go away in the Sun Belt West. Even after losing back-to-back games to Arkansas State and Old Dominion, Troy bounced back and beat Georgia State and then secured the SBC West crown with a 28-18 victory at Southern Miss.

Now Troy is a win away from yet another Sun Belt title.

Troy vs. JMU Betting Odds

JMU is a -23.5 college football betting odds favorite against Troy, with the Over/Under being 46.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Troy is +1250, while it’s -3000 for JMU.

Troy vs. JMU On TV

The matchup between Troy and JMU will be televised on ESPN. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5. The contest is taking place at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Troy vs. JMU Prediction

I predict JMU wins but Troy covers the 23.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 46.5 total points.

There’s a lot going on for James Madison at the moment. Not only are the Dukes potentially a win away from their first Sun Belt title and a CFP berth, they’re going through a coaching change. JMU head coach Bob Chesney is reportedly going to UCLA, and former Florida and Louisiana head coach Billy Napier has been chosen to replace Chesney.

I don’t think JMU will lose this game, especially at home. But I could see this being decided by three touchdowns or less.

Alonza Barnett III has been an explosive quarterback. The Sun Belt Player of the Year has thrown for 2,440 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 61.6% completion rate while rushing for 459 yards and 13 TDs. Meanwhile, Wayne Knight leads JMU’s rushing attack with 1,051 yards and eight scores.

And on the defensive side of the ball, the Dukes are led by linebacker Trent Hendrick, the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, as well as nine other players who received all-conference accolades.

I anticipate JMU will lean on its defense in a game like this.

I think the Dukes are loaded with too much talent and will ultimately find a way to win the Sun Belt. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if this game is uglier than some expect.