The James Madison Dukes and Virginia Cavaliers meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Scott Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The James Madison Dukes look for another win after blasting Bucknell in their season opener. James Madison looks for a 2-0 start for a fourth straight season. Jordan McCloud is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 144 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Reggie Brown and Elijah Sarratt have combined for 106 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Maxwell Moss has 2 receptions. The James Madison Dukes ground game is averaging 261 yards per contest, and Kaelon Black leads the way with 125 yards on 12 carries. Defensively, James Madison is allowing 3 points and 208 yards per game. Taurus Jones leads the James Madison Dukes with 9 tackles, Mikhail Kamara has 1 sack and Devyn Coles has 1 pass deflection.
James Madison Dukes Team Facts
- James Madison has won each of its last four games.
- James Madison has covered the spread in five of its last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- James Madison has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- James Madison has won the first quarter in five of its last six road games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of James Madison’s last four road games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers look to rebound after getting blasted by Tennessee in their season opener. Virginia hasn’t started a season 0-2 since 2016 when it opened the year with losses to Richmond, Oregon and UCONN. Tony Muskett is completing 52.9 percent of his passes for 94 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Malachi Fields and Malik Washington have combined for 92 receiving yards on 8 catches, while Suderian Harrison has 1 reception. The Virginia Cavaliers ground game is averaging 95 yards per contest, and Kobe Pace leads the way with 39 yards on 7 carries. Defensively, Virginia is allowing 49 points and 499 yards per game. Stevie Bracey leads the Virginia Cavaliers with 10 tackles, Olasunkonmi Agunloye has 1 sack and Jonas Sanker has 2 pass deflections.
Virginia Cavaliers Team Facts
- Virginia has won each of its last six home openers.
- Virginia has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Virginia has won the first half in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Scott Stadium.
- Virginia has won the first quarter in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Scott Stadium.
- Each of Virginia’s last eight September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranked 9th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (4.3).
- Virginia ranked 16th among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (9.4).
- 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).
Randy’s Pick
You don’t want to overreact because the Virginia Cavaliers didn’t have the easiest opener with a game against Tennessee, but the Cavs didn’t look good. Also, Tony Muskett left the game with an injury, so Virginia could be forced to throw out freshman Anthony Colandrea. He completed 2 passes on 7 attempts for 12 yards in a backup role last week. James Madison did what it was supposed to do in its season opener, and this is a team that should be a factor in the Sun Belt this season. The James Madison Dukes are the better team and with Virginia’s quarterback situation, I have to lay the reasonable number with the Dukes on the road.