The James Madison Dukes and the San Diego State Aztecs meet in week 3 college football action from Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a James Madison Dukes vs. San Diego State Aztecs Prediction.
James Madison Dukes Recap
The James Madison Dukes come into this game looking to add on to their 87-3 rout of Wagner last time out to sit at 2-0 this season. After this game, JMU will head on the road for a game against Old Dominion.
Dukes Looking For Another Solid Win After Blowout
Camden Coleman has thrown for 227 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions on 61.5% passing while Nick Herman leads the Dukes in rushing with 136 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns so far this season. George Pettaway has 99 rushing yards and 4 TDs while Corey Scott leads James Madison in receiving with 73 receiving yards and 7 catches while Noah Grevious also has 7 grabs to lead James Madison along with 71 receiving yards and 0 touchdowns so far this season. On defense, Jayon Harvey and Ken Willis share a team-high with 14 total tackles each in addition to 1 sack from Willis while James Madison’s defense as a whole has combined for 2 sacks and 0 interceptions so far this season.
San Diego State Aztecs Recap
The San Diego State Aztecs come into this game looking to bounce back from a 28-10 loss at the hands of UCLA last time out to sit at 1-1 on the year. After this game, San Diego State will head on the road for a game against Toledo.
Aztecs Looking For Bounce Back Showing
Jayden Denegal has thrown for 182 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 52.9% passing while Lucky Sutton leads the Aztecs in rushing with 139 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season. One more Aztec has at least 100 rushing yards as well this season including Javion Kinnard who has 127 yards and 0 TDs while Justius Lowe leads San Diego State in receiving with 56 receiving yards and 2 catches while Nathan Acevedo leads the team with 5 catches along with 53 receiving yards and 1 touchdown so far this season. On defense, Sione Hala has a team-high 20 total tackles in addition to 0 sacks while San Diego State’s defense as a whole has combined for 3 sacks and 3 interceptions so far this season.
James Madison Dukes @ San Diego State Aztecs Betting Trends: Week 3
Why the San Diego State Aztecs will win
- The favorite has won each of James Madison’s last 17 games.
- San Diego State has covered the spread in six of its last seven games at Snapdragon Stadium.
- San Diego State has won the first half in each of its last seven games at Snapdragon Stadium.
- The home team has won the first quarter in each of James Madison’s last four games.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
- James Madison has won each of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- San Diego State has lost nine of its last 12 games in September.
- San Diego State has failed to cover the spread in 16 of its last 17 September games as a home favorite.
- James Madison has covered the spread in each of its last seven games in September.
- James Madison has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- James Madison has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of San Diego State’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of James Madison’s last four road games have gone OVER the total points line.
San Diego State Aztecs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Mike Lindsay ranks T5th amongst FBS players for interceptions (2) this season.
James Madison Dukes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Michael Scott ranks 4th amongst FBS players for kick return yards (145) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- San Diego State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- San Diego State ranks T136th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (14.0).
- James Madison has recorded the largest margin of victory of any FBS team this season (84-points vs Wagner on September 12, 2026).
- James Madison ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
James Madison Dukes vs. San Diego State Aztecs Prediction
I’m on the Dukes in this one. Billy Napier just looks in his element coaching Sun Belt football with JMU and the Dukes look legit out of the gate. On the flipside, San Diego State has been competitive and has faced the tougher competition, but the problem is that I just think James Madison is the better team here and as such, I’ll back the Dukes for the road win here.