North Carolina vs James Madison Prediction 9-21-24 College Football Picks

The James Madison Dukes and the North Carolina Tar Heels meet in week 4 college football action from Kenan Stadium on Saturday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a North Carolina vs James Madison Prediction.

James Madison Recap

The James Madison Dukes come into this one looking to build on their 2-0 start to the year after a 13-6 win over Gardner-Webb last time out. After this game, JMU will head back home to take on Ball State.

Dukes Showing Chops Defensively Early On This Year

Alonza Barnett III has thrown for 354 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception on 60% passing while also rushing for 104 yards. George Pettaway has a team-high 114 rushing yards and a touchdown while Omarion Dollison leads JMU’s receiving group with 80 receiving yards this season. On defense, Jacob Dobbs has a team-high 15 total tackles while Chris Shearin has a team-high 7 solo tackles. As a unit, James Madison has put together 4 sacks and 4 interceptions as well on the year.

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won each of its last nine games in September.
• North Carolina has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games.
• The underdog has covered the spread in four of North Carolina’s last five games at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

North Carolina Recap

The North Carolina Tar Heels come into this one looking to remain unbeaten after climbing to 3-0 with a 45-10 win over NC Central last time out. After this game, UNC will head on the road for their rivalry matchup against Duke next week.

Tar Heels Trying To Navigate Injuries

Conner Harrell has thrown for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception on 57.1% passing while Jacolby Criswell has 163 yards and a touchdown on 62.5% passing. Omarion Hampton has a team-high 416 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns while Davion Gause has 144 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Bryson Nesbit has a team-high 8 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown to lead UNC’s receiving group. On defense, Amare Campbell has a team-high 17 total tackles along with a pair of sacks while Jahvaree Ritzie has a team-high 5 sacks as well on the year. As a team, North Carolina has combined for 10 sacks and an interception as well on the year.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won each of its last six games in September.
• The favorite has covered the spread in nine of James Madison’s last 12 games.

North Carolina vs James Madison Prediction

I’m on JMU and the points here. I think there’s a lot to like about the Dukes’ chances here and JMU has reloaded with all of the loss of talent with Curt Cignetti’s departure to Indiana. North Carolina hasn’t really been tested if we’re being honest, and the Dukes I think will be up for the challenge. UNC historically has had issues taking down Sun Belt opposition and I think JMU will put up a fight here. Give me the Dukes and the points.