After a wildly successful start in the FBS, it was easy to wonder if James Madison would continue to win after head coach Curt Cignetti went to Indiana.
But after Bob Chesney took over, the Dukes did indeed keep on winning. JMU won its first four games of the season, including a 70-50 victory over North Carolina, and went 8-4 during the regular season. The Dukes also earned their first win in a bowl game, beating Western Kentucky 27-17 in the Boca Raton Bowl.
But JMU was also 4-4 in Sun Belt play. In Chesney’s second season, the Dukes will be hoping to be better against conference teams. In fact, it would be reasonable for them to expect to play in the Sun Belt Championship in 2025.
And if JMU is going to be in the College Football Playoff discussion, the Dukes will want to begin this year’s campaign with a victory.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Weber State vs. JMU Betting Odds
JMU is a -27.5 college football betting odds favorite against Weber State, with the Over/Under being 55.5.
Weber State vs. JMU On TV
The matchup between Weber State and JMU will be televised on ESPN+.
The game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Weber State vs. JMU Prediction
I predict JMU will win and cover the 27.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 55.5 points.
JMU has plenty of production returning. That includes at quarterback.
All-Sun Belt honorable mention quarterback Alonza Barnett III threw for 2,598 yards, 26 touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 60% of his passes and rushing for 442 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. But he’s been recovering from a torn ACL sustained at the end of last season, so it’s still unclear when he’ll be ready.
The Dukes also added QB Matthew Sluka, who was UNLV’s Day 1 starter last season and played for Bob Chesney at Holy Cross. Richmond transfer Camden Coleman could also be in the mix.
At running back, Group of Five Preseason All-American George Pettaway returns after rushing for 980 yards and five scores while catching 24 passes for 200 yards and two TDs. Wayne Knight is also back after ranking second on the team with 449 yards and two touchdowns rushing while catching 15 passes for 137 yards and two TDs. Jobi Malary (269 yards and two TDs in 2024) is returning as well.
First-team All-Sun Belt tackle and G5 Preseason All-American Pat McMurtrie will lead JMU’s offensive line. And JMU has the second-highest ranked transfer class in the Sun Belt, according to 247Sports, behind only Southern Miss. The Dukes prioritized defense, so some new names might play important roles for them on that side of the ball.
Two G5 Preseason All-Americans are back for the Dukes on defense, though. Defensive back Jacob Thomas led JMU with 73 tackles while adding three interceptions. Defensive tackle Immanuel Bush recorded 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 2024.
Considering this team has the talent and experience to make a run for a College Football Playoff spot this year, I think the Dukes will take care of business against Weber State.
