James Madison vs Old Dominion Prediction Football Picks Today 10/18/25

In this article we will formulate a James Madison vs Old Dominion prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 18th at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 8 matchup. 

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 5-1 (3-0) this year after they defeated Louisiana by a score of 24-14 last week. James Madison trailed 14-7 at halftime, but they outscored ULL by a total of 17-0 in the second half to get the victory. The Dukes out gained Louisiana by a total of 477-288, went 8-17 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-1 in the game. Alonza Barnett III went 26-40 for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Wayne Knight rushed 20 times for 111 yards. Landon Ellis led the receivers with six catches for 120 yards and three scores in the win. The JMU defense recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss in the game. 

James Madison also has wins against Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Liberty, and Weber State, while picking up a loss against Louisville by a score of 28-14. The Dukes have won four games in a row and they are currently first in the Sun Belt East standings. James Madison has scored 27.2 points per game with 167.8 passing yards and 232.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 13.7 points against per game this season. Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 957 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Wayne Knight has rushed for 537 yards and four scores on 81 carries this year. 

Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Preview

The Old Dominion Monarchs are 4-2 (1-1) this season after they lost to Marshall by a score of 48-24 in their last game. Old Dominion trailed 24-10 at halftime and never had a chance at the comeback in the loss. The Monarchs were out gained by a total of 445-439, went 4-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 5-0 in the game. Colton Joseph went 15-28 for 266 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Maurki James rushed 12 times for 83 yards and one score. Tre’ Brown III led the receivers with one catch for 71 yards and one touchdown in the loss. The ODU defense recorded zero sacks and four tackles for loss in the game. 

Old Dominion also has a loss against Indiana by a score of 27-14, but they have wins against Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Virginia Tech, and NC Central. The Monarchs have won four of their last five games and they are currently tied for third in the Sun Belt East standings. Old Dominion has scored 34.2 points per game with 250.5 passing yards and 238.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 20.2 points against per game this season. Colton Joseph has thrown for 1,481 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also leading the ground game with 483 yards and six scores on 64 carries this season. 

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won 10 of its last 11 games in Virginia.
• Old Dominion has lost eight of its last 10 games against teams from Virginia.
• Old Dominion has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against teams from Virginia.
• James Madison has covered the spread in three of its last four games in Virginia.
• James Madison has won the first quarter in three of its last four home games against conference opponents.
• James Madison has won the first half in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of James Madison’s last seven games have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Five of Old Dominion’s last six games as an underdog against teams from Virginia have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• James Madison ranks T3rd among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (2.3).
• James Madison ranks 3rd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (74.0).
• Old Dominion ranks 3rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (18.2).
• Old Dominion ranks 130th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (26:35).

James Madison vs Old Dominion Prediction 

James Madison comes into this contest looking for their fifth win in a row and their defense has allowed 14 points or fewer in all four of those wins. The Dukes have played very well to start the season and will be at home here. Old Dominion had their winning streak snapped last week, but they moved the ball well before battling turnover issues. This should be a great game between two solid Sun Belt teams, but I have to side with JMU on their home field. 

David Racey is 70-48 (59%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!