South Alabama vs James Madison Betting Odds: Dukes Given Slight Edge at Home

The James Madison Dukes will look to remain undefeated when they open Sun Belt Conference play Saturday (noon ET) against the South Alabama Jaguars.

According to college football betting lines, James Madison has moved from 5-point favorite to -3.5 (-105). South Alabama is +3.5 (-115). The projected total, however, has remained relatively steady at 51.5 (-110 Over, -110 Under).

Who has the edge? Read on as we break down the South Alabama vs James Madison odds in our game preview.

Betting Trends

The South Alabama Jaguars have lost six of their last seven games against the spread. The total has gone Over in six of their last nine games. Meanwhile, the James Madison Dukes are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games. The total has gone Over in four of their last six contests. That’s important to remember when assessing the South Alabama vs James Madison odds.

Offense Fueling Dukes’ Start

After scoring the game’s first 24 points, the James Madison Dukes held on to beat Utah State 45-38 Saturday to improve to 4-0 overall (2-2 ATS). Jordan McCloud’s 74-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Brown with 5:52 remaining capped the scoring and ultimately helped the Dukes cover the spread as 5.5-point favorites. McCloud finished with 364 yards passing and accounted for six touchdowns, including two rushing.

James Madison came into the season with big expectations, and it has mostly lived up to them. But the Dukes, who already have allowed 30-plus points twice, will need to shore up some deficiencies to truly make a big leap. The Dukes’ projected regular-season win total of 8.5 — with the Over juiced to +138 — was the highest in the Sun Belt Conference. Keep in mind, the Dukes are only a few years removed from competing at the FCS level.

They’ve won seven straight games dating to last season and are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home, a factor that should benefit them on the college football schedule this weekend. They were 5-1 altogether at home in 2022, with the lone loss coming to Marshall, 26-12.

James Madison’s offense has been explosive this season, averaging 33.7 points through four games. McCloud, playing for his third different school (South Florida, Arizona) in four seasons, has had a big hand in that success. He’s completed a career-high 66.3% of his passes for 919 yards, eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Jaguars Fall Flat

On the heels of an upset against Oklahoma State, the South Alabama Jaguars took a step back last Saturday by losing to Central Michigan, 34-30. The Jaguars, a whopping 16.5-point favorite, dropped to 2-2 overall and 1-3 ATS heading into their Sun Belt opener.

Carter Bradley passed for 254 yards and connected with Caullin Lacy twice for touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a major letdown. Jase Bauer’s 4-yard touchdown run put Central Michigan ahead for good with 13 seconds remaining, capping an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

With James Madison on deck, South Alabama needs to respond in a hurry. The Jaguars have allowed an average of 23.7 points through four games, though they did hold Oklahoma State to just seven. The good news? South Alabama has won five of its last six games on the road and is 10-4 over its last 14 games overall.

Because of that, big expectations followed South Alabama into 2023. The Jaguars were projected for 7.5 wins, with the Over boosted to -170. They also had +250 odds to win the Sun Belt, the best in the conference. Despite that, there’s a real chance the Jaguars start 2-3. That certainly won’t help them climb the NCAAF rankings.

Handicapping the Game

South Alabama needs a bounceback performance. Losing to Central Michigan at home as a 16.5-point favorite was inexcusable. But the Jaguars are in a bit of trouble here. James Madison is skilled offensively and should have a decided edge at home, where it’s done quite well.

Given what occurred last week, it’s hard to put a whole lot of trust in South Alabama. Look for the Dukes to pull out a close one on their home turf.

In this case, the Over of 51.5 (-110) may be the best pick in the South Alabama vs James Madison odds.

For NCAAF betting news, odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Pac 12 Showdown: (10) Utah Utes vs (19) Oregon State Beavers Odds Preview
• Cincinnati vs Brigham Young Odds: Cougars Slight Friday Favorites
• Louisville vs North Carolina State Odds: Louisville’s Bright Offense
• California vs Washington Odds: California’s Defense Is Underhyped!
• Ohio State vs Notre Dame Odds: Spread Shrinking Ahead of Top-10 Showdown