Great optimism surrounded JMU. That was, until last week.
The Dukes had defeated North Carolina and were 4-0 going into Sun Belt play. They appeared to be in a good position to make the College Football Playoff as a Group of Five team.
But that changed when they lost to ULM 21-19. JMU’s season is far from over, but the Dukes don’t have much margin for error moving forward if they still want to win the Sun Belt.
They’ll next have to take on Coastal Carolina, which has proven to be a solid G5 team as well.
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Coastal Carolina vs. JMU Betting Odds
Coastal Carolina is a +9.5 college football betting odds underdog against JMU, with the Over/Under being 61.5.
The moneyline for Coastal Carolina is +275, while it’s -350 for JMU.
Coastal Carolina vs. JMU On TV
The matchup between Coastal Carolina and JMU will be televised on ESPN2.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 10. The contest is taking place at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Coastal Carolina vs. JMU Prediction
I predict JMU will win but Coastal Carolina will cover the spread at +9.5. I also project the game will go Under 61.5 total points.
JMU is the better team, in my mind, which is why I think the Dukes will win. But they’ve also been in unnecessarily close games, so I don’t think Coastal Carolina is looking at a blowout loss, either.
Coastal Carolina is 4-1, with its only loss being against Virginia, for a reason. The Chanticleers have scored 40 or more points in three of their five games, and their defense has often done enough to set them up for wins.
But JMU’s defense, I expect, will have an answer for CCU. Aside from North Carolina, JMU hasn’t allowed anyone to score more than 21 points and has given up just over 10 points per game to their four other opponents. The Dukes should be disciplined and stout on that side of the ball once again.
The key for JMU, as has been the case all season, will be quarterback Alonza Barnett III. He hasn’t been consistent, but I think he’ll shine in this matchup and lead the Dukes to a win.
