JMU has dealt with change and uncertainty all offseason.
The Dukes, who have been one of the top Group of Five programs since moving up to the FBS a couple years ago, lost their head coach, Curt Cignetti, and a good portion of their coaching staff to Indiana. Then several of their star players joined the Hoosiers as well through the transfer portal.
But Bob Chesney is now leading the program after enjoying some success at Holy Cross. JMU also added one of the top transfer classes in the Sun Belt.
Charlotte, JMU’s Week 1 opponent, is also dealing with some uncertainty, though. Head coach Biff Poggi said earlier this week he expects eight or nine starters to miss the season opener against the Dukes.
So considering these situations, it’s tough to gauge exactly how this matchup will play out.
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JMU vs. Charlotte Betting Odds
JMU is a -9.5 college football betting odds favorite against Charlotte, with the Over/Under being 48.
The moneyline for JMU is -350, while it’s +275 for Charlotte.
JMU vs. Charlotte On TV
The matchup between JMU and Charlotte will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31. The contest is taking place at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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JMU vs. Charlotte Prediction
I predict JMU will win but Charlotte will cover the spread at +9.5. I also project the game will go Under 48 total points.
For all the reasons mentioned earlier, it’s tough to say exactly what these teams will look like until we see them line up on the field. But I lean with JMU because I believe Chesney will prove to be a great coach, even at the FBS level. And even if the Dukes aren’t as great as they have been the past two years, I still think they are going to be a top 10 G5 team.
Charlotte could see improvement after going 3-9 a year ago. But I don’t know if the 49ers will be capable of overcoming all of their injuries in this clash.
I don’t foresee a high-scoring game unfolding, as both teams will be working through some things, but I expect JMU to win by a touchdown.
