In this article we will formulate a James Madison vs Louisiana prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 11th at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 7 matchup.
James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The James Madison Dukes are 4-1 (2-0) this season after they defeated Georgia State by a score of 14-7 last week. James Madison trailed 7-0 at halftime, but scored the only points in the second half to complete the comeback victory. The Dukes out gained Georgia State by a total of 285-249, went 4-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Alonza Barnett III went 11-22 for 74 yards, while Jordan Fuller rushed 18 times for 94 yards. Landon Ellis led the receivers with three receptions for 28 yards in the win. The JMU defense recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that win, James Madison defeated Georgia Southern, defeated Liberty, lost to Louisville, and defeated Weber State. The Dukes are averaging 27.8 points per game with 143.4 passing yards and 241.6 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 13.6 points against per game this season. Alonza Barnett III has completed 58.6% of his passes for 667 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while Landon Ellis has 13 receptions for 183 yards and two scores. Wayne Knight has led the rushing attack with 426 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries this season.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 2-3 (1-0) this year after they defeated Marshall in double overtime by a score of 54-51 in their last game. Louisiana was tied at 17 at halftime, but they trailed 34-17 in the third quarter. The Ragin’ Cajuns scored with 16 seconds left to force overtime and ended up winning in the second overtime. Louisiana was out gained by a total of 503-461, went 7-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Lunch Winfield went 7-13 for 125 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 13 times for 129 yards and three scores. Charles Robertson led the receivers with two catches for 61 yards and one touchdown in the victory. The ULL defense recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that win, Louisiana lost to Eastern Michigan and Missouri, beat McNeese, and lost to Rice. The Ragin’ Cajuns are averaging 28.2 points per game with 122.4 passing yards and 212.2 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 32.2 points against per game this season. Lunch Winfield (questionable) has completed 42.9% of his passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns, while Shelton Sampson Jr has eight receptions for 150 yards. Zylan Perry has led the rushing attack with 411 yards and five touchdowns on 59 carries so far this season.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
- James Madison has won 18 of its last 20 games in Virginia.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of Louisiana’s last four games.
- James Madison has won the first half in nine of its last 10 home games against conference opponents.
- James Madison has won the first quarter in each of its last three home games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of James Madison’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Louisiana’s last six October games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- James Madison ranks 4th among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (217.2).
- James Madison ranks 4th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (34:05).
- Louisiana has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
- Louisiana has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
James Madison vs Louisiana Prediction
James Madison comes into this matchup after winning three games in a row and they have allowed just 30 points in those three victories. The Dukes have only lost one game this year, which was a close game against Louisville. Louisiana did beat Marshall in their last game, but their defense has been awful through five games. The Ragin’ Cajuns are going to struggle on defense once again in this matchup, as this is a great chance for the JMU passing attack to get on track. Take the Dukes to cover here.
David Racey is 58-44 (57%) 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!