Ball State Cardinals (1-2) vs. James Madison Dukes (3-0)
September 28, 2024 1:30 pm EDT
The Line: James Madison Dukes -20.5; Over/Under: +57.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a James Madison vs Ball State prediction for this College Football Week 5 game on Saturday, September 28th, at Bridgeforth Stadium. Let’s take a look at a James Madison Dukes vs Ball State Cardinals pick.
James Madison Has Dominated
James Madison has dominated to start the season and they were really impressive in the last game. James Madison went on the road and scored 70 points against North Carolina on the way to the victory. Alonza Barnett III had a strong game completing 22 of his 34 passes for 388 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed 13 times for 99 yards and a touchdown. The defense also did a good job of creating turnovers and even though they gave up 50 points.
James Madison’s offense is averaging 37.7 points per game, while its defense is giving up 21 points per game. The offense is ranked 25th in the league, while the defense is ranked 58th. In this game, the offense is going to need to get out to a fast start.
Why James Madison Will Beat Ball State
- Ball State has lost each of its last 11 September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- James Madison has won each of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Ball State has failed to cover the spread in 11 of its last 12 September games as an underdog.
- The home team has covered the spread in four of Ball State’s last five games.
Ball State Fell Just Short in Last Game
Ball State has only won one game this season, but they fell short in the last game. Ball State scored 34 points against Central MIchigan, but it wasn’t enough as the defense gave up 37 points. Kadin Semonza completed 30 of his 40 passes 285 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Braeden Sloan finished with 19 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Two games ago against Miami, Ball State scored zero points while the defense gave up 62 points and that led to the blowout defeat. Ball State on the season is averaging 25.33 points while their defense is giving up 44.33 points per game. The offense is ranked 94th in the league while the defense is ranked 132nd.
James Madison vs Ball State Prediction
James Madison is going to put on a show in this game. James madison is averaging 37.7 points and in the last game against North Carolina they ran up the score. Ball State’s offense isn’t going to keep up and that is going to be the difference here. By the time halftime rolls around this game is going to be already be a blowout, and in teh second half they will cruise. Back James Madison against the spread.
