The Troy Trojans and James Madison Dukes meet Thursday in week 9 college football action at Bridgeforth Stadium. Here’s a James Madison vs. Troy Prediction. This article will include a James Madison vs. Troy Pick.
Troy Trojans Betting Preview
The Troy Trojans lost to Louisiana and UL Monroe, and they play LA Tech next. Troy has lost 4 of its last 5 games. Goose Crowder is completing 55.7 percent of his passes for 1,162 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. TK Keyes and Noreel White have combined for 470 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Jace Petty has 17 receptions. The Troy Trojans ground game is averaging 197.3 yards per contest, and Gavin Griffin leads the way with 398 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Troy is allowing 24.9 points and 334.9 yards per game. Keno Jones leads the Troy Trojans with 52 tackles, Donnie Smith has 6 sacks, and Jamarion Keyes has 1 interception.
James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The James Madison Dukes beat Georgia State, lost to App State, and they play Southern Miss next. The James Madison Dukes have won 18 of their last 20 games. Camden Coleman is completing 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,567 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Corey Scott and Cole Keller have combined for 721 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while Michael Scott has 22 receptions.
The James Madison Dukes’ ground game is averaging 207.3 yards per contest, and George Pettaway leads the way with 824 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, James Madison is allowing 18.3 points and 352.6 yards per game. Nakian Jackson leads the James Madison Dukes with 59 tackles, JT Hooten has 3 sacks, and DJ Kelly has 4 interceptions.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
- James Madison has won each of its last 13 games in Virginia.
- Troy has lost four of its last five games.
- James Madison has covered the spread in each of its last five games in Virginia.
- Troy has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- James Madison has won the first quarter in each of its last six games in Virginia.
- James Madison has won the first half in each of its last six games in Virginia.
Why the Troy Trojans will win
- Troy has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 road games in October.
- Troy has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Troy’s last seven games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of James Madison’s last four games in Virginia have gone OVER the total points line.
James Madison Dukes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, DJ Kelly ranks T3rd amongst FBS players for interceptions (4) this season.
Troy Trojans Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Donnie Smith is one of only seven players to record at least one sack in five consecutive appearances this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- James Madison ranks 1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (84.6).
- James Madison ranks 3rd among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (+9.1).
- Troy ranks 136th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (7.1).
- Troy ranks T131st among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (-4.1).
James Madison vs Troy Prediction
Troy has had no success on the road and is 2-5 ATS this season. Troy does nothing that’s going to bother James Madison, and while the Dukes struggle against the pass, the Trojans are 124th in pass offense. The one weakness of James Madison can’t be exposed in this matchup.
James Madison is 6-2 ATS on the season and has been one of the most consistent regular-season teams dating back to last season. Also, this is a bounce-back spot, as I’m sure James Madison is pissed after losing to App State as two-touchdown favorites. Thick line, but I like James Madison in a beatdown. I’ll lay the points with the Dukes at home.