The James Madison Dukes (5-1) square off against a conference opponent when they visit the Georgia Southern Eagles (4-2) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in a Sun Belt battle.

The Eagles are expected to lose by at least a touchdown (currently +9.5) against the Dukes (with an over/under of 58.5 points).

Keep reading to check out our betting primer for this this contest between the Dukes and the Eagles, and find all of our expert predictions here, too!

James Madison vs. Georgia Southern betting lines

• Spread favorite: Dukes (-9.5)
• Moneyline: Dukes (-353), Eagles (+273)
• Total: 58.5 points

James Madison vs. Georgia Southern betting info and stats

James Madison, in six games with a spread this season, is 4-2-0 against the spread. James Madison has covered the spread in one game when the favorite by at least 9.5 points (a 1-2 ATS record). James Madison is 4-1 in the five games this season it has been the moneyline favorite. Georgia Southern has won four games against the spread so far this season (4-2-0). When Georgia Southern is the underdog by 9.5 points or more, it has covered the spread one time (1-1 ATS). Georgia Southern has a 2-2 record this year in games it hs played as the moneyline underdog.

James Madison vs. Georgia Southern recent stats and trends

James Madison Dukes

• James Madison is 2-1 against the spread in its past three games, and has a 2-1 straight-up record in those contests.
• In one of those three games, the final combined score exceeded the set total.
• The past three James Madison games averaged 3.5 fewer points (55) than this matchup’s point total.

Georgia Southern Eagles

• Georgia Southern is 1-2 against the spread over its last three games, and has a 2-1 straight-up record in those matchups.
• Georgia Southern and its opponents have combined to hit the over in one of those games.
• The last three Georgia Southern games averaged 61.3 total points, 2.8 more points than this matchup’s over/under.

James Madison vs. Georgia Southern key players

James Madison Dukes

• Alonza Barnett III leads James Madison with 1,472 yards (245.3 ypg) on 102-of-177 passing with 15 touchdowns and one interception this season. He also has 325 rushing yards on 61 carries while scoring five touchdowns on the ground.
• George Pettaway has 382 rushing yards on 64 carries with two touchdowns. He’s also added 10 catches for 109 yards (18.2 per game) and two touchdowns via the passing game.
• Omarion Dollison’s 334 yards as a receiver lead the team. He’s been targeted 30 times and has registered 15 receptions and three touchdowns.
• Taylor Thompson has hauled in 19 receptions totaling 290 yards, finding the end zone three times as a receiver so far this campaign.
• Cameron Ross has a total of 275 receiving yards so far this year, hauling in 18 passes and scoring two touchdowns.
• Eric O’Neill has collected four sacks to pace the team, while also picking up four TFL, 12 tackles, and one interception.
• James Madison’s leading tackler, Jacob Dobbs, has 26 tackles, one TFL, and one sack this year.
• Terrence Spence leads the team with four interceptions, while also recording 14 tackles and four passes defended.

Georgia Southern Eagles

• JC French has 1,316 passing yards, or 219.3 per game, so far this season. He has completed 63.1% of his passes and has collected seven touchdowns with two interceptions. He’s also helped out on the ground with 17.8 rushing yards per game while scoring as a runner one time.
• Jalen White is his team’s leading rusher with 67 carries for 253 yards, or 42.2 per game. He’s found the end zone seven times on the ground, as well.
• OJ Arnold has totaled 217 yards on 36 carries with three touchdowns.
• Derwin Burgess Jr. has hauled in 329 receiving yards on 26 catches to pace his squad so far this season while scoring two touchdowns as a receiver.
• Dalen Cobb has 26 receptions (on 36 targets) for a total of 312 yards (52 yards per game) and two touchdowns this year.
• Josh Dallas’ 17 receptions (on 30 targets) have netted him 201 yards (33.5 ypg) and one touchdown.
• Kristian Varner has racked up one sack to lead the team, while also recording one TFL.
• Marques Watson-Trent is the team’s leading tackler this year. He’s collected 27 tackles and one TFL.
• Marc Stampley II has a team-high two interceptions to go along with 12 tackles, one TFL, one sack, and two passes defended.