In this article, we will formulate a Liberty vs James Madison Prediction for this College Football Week 1 matchup on Saturday, September 5th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Football matchup.
James Madison Preview
James Madison finished last season with a 12-2 overall record, an 8-0 conference record, and placed 1st in the Sun Belt Conference (East Division). They had a 6-1 home record and a 6-1 road record. Offensively, the Dukes scored 37.1 points per game (ranking 9th in the nation). Defensively, James Madison allowed 18.4 points per game (ranking 13th in the nation). They averaged 452.6 total yards per game (241.5 rushing, 211.1 passing) and gave up 266.6 total yards per game (85.1 rushing, 181.6 passing).
Alonza Barnett III led the Dukes with 216/370 completed passes and 2,806 total passing yards, throwing 23 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Wayne Knight led the team in rushing yards with 1,373, adding a team-high 9 rushing touchdowns, while Nick DeGennaro had a team-high 28 caught passes for 500 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Trent Hendrick led the team with 106 total tackles (39 solo), while Sahir West led James Madison in sacks with 7.0.
Liberty Preview
Liberty finished last season with a 4-8 overall record, a 3-5 conference record, and placed 8th in CUSA. They had a 3-3 home record and a 1-5 road record. Offensively, the Flames scored 25.6 points per game (ranking 84th in the nation). Defensively, Liberty allowed 26.5 points per game (ranking 76th in the nation). They averaged 389.5 total yards per game (194.0 rushing, 195.5 passing) and gave up 375.8 total yards per game (179.1 rushing, 196.8 passing).
Ethan Vasko led the Flames with 151/266 completed passes and 1,961 total passing yards, throwing 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Evan Dickens led the team in rushing yards with 1,339, adding a team-high 16 rushing touchdowns, while Donte Lee Jr. had a team-high 32 caught passes for 589 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Derrell Farrar led the team with 71 total tackles (38 solo), while Eli Hall led Liberty in sacks with 4.0.
Liberty Flames @ James Madison Dukes Betting Trends: Week 1
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
- James Madison has won each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Liberty has lost each of its last four games.
- James Madison has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games in September.
- Liberty has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games.
- James Madison has won the first quarter in 11 of its last 13 games in September.
- The favorite has won the first half in seven of James Madison’s last eight games.
Why the Liberty Flames will win
- Liberty has won each of its last six season openers.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of James Madison’s last four games.
- Liberty has won the first half in six of its last seven games.
- Liberty has won the first quarter in three of its last four games in Virginia.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Liberty’s last 10 games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of James Madison’s last six games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
James Madison Dukes Player Prop Facts
- Morgan Suarez ranked 8th in the Sun Belt Conference for made field goals (14) last season.
Liberty Flames Player Prop Facts
- Ethan Vasko was one of only 57 players in the FBS to record 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- James Madison ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game last season (2.4).
- James Madison ranked 1st among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (+8.6).
- Liberty have had suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team last season (4).
- Liberty ranked 123rd among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game last season (8.9).
Liberty vs James Madison Prediction
In this Liberty vs James Madison Prediction, James Madison is coming as -6.5 home favorites. James Madison was the superior team last season, with 8 more overall wins and they were undefeated in the Sun Belt and lost only once at home. They were also a strong 9-5 against the spread and was a top-15 team both offensively and defensively with a +18.7 point differential. Take the better team to cover a short number at home, so lay the -6.5 with James Madison in this one.