The South Alabama Jaguars and the James Madison Dukes meet Sunday in college football action from Bridgeforth Stadium. South Alabama just finished up a game versus Central Michigan. In that matchup the Jaguars lost a tough one by four points. As for James Madison, they’re coming off a game against Utah State. The Dukes went on to win by a touchdown. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

South Alabama Jaguars 

The Jaguars’ season kicked off with a tough road matchup against Tulane, and South Alabama ended up falling 37-17 to start at 0-1. The Jaguars would rebound in game two versus Southeastern Louisiana with a 35-17 win, then came a 33-7 victory versus Oklahoma State. South Alabama’s La’Damian Webb paced the running game with 151 yards and two scores in that game three win. 

On Saturday versus Central Michigan, the Jaguars held a 14-13 lead at the break, but ultimately surrendered it in a 34-30 loss. QB Carter Bradley finished with 254 yards and two scores, while Webb added 68 yards and two rushing scores. Caulin Lacy caught both pass TDs with 132 yards off six grabs. 

South Alabama Jaguars Team Facts

South Alabama has won seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
South Alabama has covered the spread in each of its last five September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Four of South Alabama’s last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

James Madison Dukes 

Over on the Dukes’ side, they blew out Bucknell 38-3 in their opener, but the next two games were very close. First came a 36-35 thriller road win over Virginia, then a 16-14 victory versus Troy the next weekend. In the Trojans matchup, James Madison’s Jordan McCloud threw for 200 yards and a touchdown to Elijah Sarratt (62 yards; six receptions). 

Matched up against Utah State, the Dukes jumped out to a 38-17 lead at the break. James Madison slowed down in the second but still got the win 45-38. McCloud posted 364 yards with four scores and two picks there, and Kaelon Black led the rush on 76 yards. Reggie Brown was tops in receiving with five catches for 160 yards and two scores. 

James Madison Dukes Team Facts

James Madison has won each of its last seven games.
James Madison has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
James Madison has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
Four of James Madison’s last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

James Madison ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (10.8).
James Madison ranked 5th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (2.4).
South Alabama was one of only five FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing after Q1 last season.
South Alabama ranked 8th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (3.2).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with James Madison. The Dukes pulled off a nice road win over the weekend against Utah State, however there are plenty of places to improve. James Madison posted 512 yards (364 passing) with 7.0 yards per play and 23 first downs. That said, the Dukes went just 3-of-12 on third-down tries and coughed up five turnovers (three fumbles). JMU also gave up 402 passing yards on defense but did just enough to keep the Aggies at bay. 

As for South Alabama, they played a pretty solid game overall but ultimately fell victim to a good performance from Central Michigan over the weekend. I like the Jaguars to stick with the pace here prior to James Madison pulling out a late cover.