The upcoming clash between the James Madison Dukes and the Texas State Bobcats is set for Tuesday at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and broadcasted on ESPN2. This matchup is particularly interesting as the Dukes (6-1, 4-0 Sun Belt) look to extend their winning streak against the struggling Bobcats (3-4, 0-3), who are seeking their first conference victory of the season.
In their first encounter last season, James Madison decisively defeated Texas State 40-13, easily covering as a 21.5-point favorite. That game was not just a win but also saw the Over (50.5) come through comfortably, setting a precedent for what may be expected in this rematch.
James Madison is coming off a commanding victory against the Old Dominion Monarchs, where they won 63-27 as a 3-point favorite, successfully ending a two-game streak of not covering the spread. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III starred in that game, passing for 295 yards and two touchdowns while adding a remarkable 153 rushing yards and four touchdowns. This performance has certainly raised expectations around the Dukes as they continue their push for the top of the Sun Belt standings.
Conversely, Texas State is looking to break a troubling string of three consecutive losses, each by a narrow margin, including a heartbreaking 40-37 double-overtime defeat against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Quarterback Brad Jackson gave a strong performance in that game with 444 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown. Despite their recent misfortunes, Texas State has proven to be competitive, losing their last three games by a mere total of 11 points, showcasing their resilience.
BetMGM Sportsbook has released their betting odds for this matchup, placing James Madison as a 7-point favorite. The Dukes come in with a moneyline of -275, indicating they are expected to win, whereas Texas State’s odds of +220 reflect the underdog status. The Over/Under line is set at 55.5 points.
Experts suggest leaning towards Texas State covering the spread at home, with predictions estimating a close game that might result in a narrow win for the Dukes, projected at 30-27. The Bobcats exhibit the potential to turn their season around, especially with remaining home field advantage and a strong comeback attitude despite their recent losses.
Overall, this game presents a great opportunity for both teams: James Madison aims to solidify its place at the top of the standings, while Texas State seeks to turn around its misfortunes and claim its first Sun Belt win, making for an exciting night of college football.