South Alabama Jaguars vs James Madison Dukes Prediction, 9/30/2023 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: South Alabama Jaguars vs James Madison Dukes

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field in Harrisonburg, VA

TV: ESPNU

Odds/Point Spread: Dukes (-1)

Total/Over-Under: 51.5

The South Alabama Jaguars (2-2) are on their way to Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field on Saturday, September 30, 2023 where they will attempt to beat the James Madison Dukes (4-0). James Madison opens as 1-point favorites. The over/under comes in at 51.5.

The South Alabama Jaguars step onto the field holding a record of 2-2 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Jaguars took on the Central Michigan Chippewas and took a loss by a final of 34-30. Carter Bradley finished 17/27 with 254 yds through the air and 2 touchdowns. He had a quarterback rating of 166.4 and finished the game with no interceptions. La'Damian Webb led the offense in rushing for the Jaguars with 18 attempts for 68 yards (3.8 yds per carry). The South Alabama Jaguars ran the football 33 times and totaled 151 yards, which had them averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. In all, they had 60 plays which gave them 405 yds. South Alabama surrendered 20 completions on 31 tries for a total of 230 yds, and a completion percentage of 64.5%. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Jaguars conceded 125 yds on 38 tries, which averages out to 3.3 yards per run surrendered.

The Jaguars have earned 1,574 total yards for the year. In terms of scoring, South Alabama has compiled 6 passing touchdowns and 9 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the ball 6 times. South Alabama has amassed 78 1st downs as a unit, and they have committed 26 infractions for 229 yds. As a unit they have an average of 179.3 yards on the ground ranking this team at 42nd in D-1. When it comes to scoring, the South Alabama Jaguars are averaging 28.8 PPG.

The Jaguars rank 70th in the nation when it comes to team defense, conceding 23.8 PPG. Opposing teams are running for an average of 3.2 yards per run and 105.8 rushing yards per game for the campaign. In total, they have given up 423 rushing yards through 4 outings. When talking about yards through the air, the Jaguars are allowing 988 yds which has them ranked 95th in Division 1. They are allowing 247.0 yards per outing through the air in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 64.2%. Over the course of this year, they have relinquished 352.8 yards/outing putting them at 64th in D-1. They have yielded 6 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 6 touchdowns via the ground game.

The Dukes come into this matchup with a record of 4-0 this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Dukes went home victorious with a score of 45-38 when they faced the Utah State Aggies. Jordan McCloud (4 touchdowns) ended the game with 364 yds on 23/34 passing while his QB rate was 184.6. He threw 2 picks and his average yards per attempt was 10.7. Kaelon Black ran the football 17 times for 76 yds, walking away from the contest with 4.5 yards per carry for James Madison. The Dukes finished with a total of 512 yards and they ran 73 plays (7.0 yards per play). James Madison ended up running for 3.8 yds per carry, finishing the contest with 148 yds on 39 carries. James Madison gave up 31 run attempts for 98 yds (3.2 yards per rush). The Dukes pass defense allowed a completion rate of 55.1%, relinquishing 402 yards on 27 out of 49 through the air.

When discussing the points being put on the board, the Dukes are sitting 45th in D-1 by scoring 33.8 points per outing. The James Madison Dukes are averaging 408.3 yards/outing, which is good for 58th in Division 1. The James Madison offense has compiled 156 penalty yards on 23 infractions, which ranks them 72nd in the nation in terms of hurting your team. They have thrown 3 picks while losing 3 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 76 1st downs. Over the course of the season thus far, the Dukes currently have a total of 967 yards through the air in addition to an average of 241.8 passing yards per game, which has them sitting 63rd in the country. They have an average of 166.5 yards per game via the ground game and have toted the ball for 666 yards for the year.

The Dukes are giving up 22.5 PPG, which has them sitting 60th in D-1. James Madison has given up a total of 166 yards on the ground (41.5 yards per outing) as well as 4 touchdowns rushing for the year. Overall, they have relinquished 90 total points. They have conceded 8 touchdowns through the air as well as 314.5 yards per game, which has them sitting 128th in D-1. The Dukes defense has participated in 263 plays, which ranks 65th in college football. They have tallied 1 fumble and 5 picks this year.

Who will win tonight's Jaguars/Dukes college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Dukes -1

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