Ball State Cardinals vs James Madison Dukes Prediction, 9/28/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Ball State Cardinals vs James Madison Dukes

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, VA

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Dukes (-20.5)

Total/Over-Under: 57.5

Bridgeforth Stadium is the site where the James Madison Dukes (3-0) will take on the Ball State Cardinals (1-2) on Saturday, September 28, 2024. James Madison opens this matchup as 20.5-point favorites. The betting total is set at 57.5.

The Ball State Cardinals step onto the field holding a record of 1-2 for this season. In their last game, the Cardinals faced the Central Michigan Chippewas and ended up losing by a score of 37-34. The Ball State Cardinals ended up running the ball 37 times and compiled 146 yards, which came out to an average of 3.9 yards per attempt. For the game, they had 77 plays which gave them 431 yards. Ball State relinquished 15 pass completions on 21 tries for 192 yds, and a completion percentage of 71.4%. Against the rush, the Cardinals conceded 335 yds on 33 attempts, which averages out to 10.2 yds per run surrendered.

When it comes to putting points on the board, the Ball State Cardinals hold an average of 25.3 points per game. As a unit they're maintaining an average of 108.3 yards on the ground which is 110th in the nation. The Cardinals have earned 981 total yards this season. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, Ball State has earned 7 touchdowns via the pass and 3 rushing touchdowns. Ball State has accrued 61 1st downs as a team, and they have been hurt by 15 infractions for 122 yds. They have turned the football over 2 times.

In terms of passing yards, the Cardinals are conceding 957 yds which puts them in 103rd in college football. They have conceded 319.0 yards per contest via the pass and giving up a completion percentage of 68.7%. For the year, they are surrendering 532.3 yards per outing which puts them 133rd in the nation. They have relinquished 10 touchdowns through the air as well as 7 touchdowns running the ball. Opposing teams are running for an average of 7.4 yards per running attempt and 213.3 yards on the ground per game on the campaign. For the year, they have allowed 640 yards via the ground game in 3 games. The Cardinals sit in 132nd in Division 1 when it comes to team defense, conceding 44.3 points per contest.

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The Dukes step onto the field holding a record of 3-0 this year. In their last game, the Dukes got the victory with a final of 70-50 when they played the North Carolina Tar Heels. James Madison allowed 31 running attempts for 141 yds (4.5 yards per rush). The Dukes pass defense allowed a completion rate of 58.3%, relinquishing 475 yds on 28 out of 48 passing. The Dukes finished the game with 611 yds and they ran 73 plays (8.4 yards per play). James Madison ran the ball for 5.7 yds per carry, finishing the contest with 223 yards on 39 attempts.

The James Madison Dukes hold an average of 436.3 yards/game, which ranks them 41st in D-1. The James Madison offense has accrued 181 yds of penalties on 21 infractions, which is 82nd in D-1 in terms of helping out the opposition. They average 189.0 rushing yards per game and have rushed for 567 yards for the year. They have given away 1 pick while allowing opponents to recover 2 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 55 first downs. In relation to putting points on the board, the Dukes are ranking 25th in the nation averaging 37.7 points per outing. For the year thus far, the Dukes have a total of 742 passing yards along with holding an average of 247.3 passing yards per outing, giving them a rank of 53rd in D-1.

James Madison has given up a total of 381 yards via the ground game (127.0 yards per game) and 3 touchdowns via the rush so far this year. They have allowed the opposition 4 touchdowns through the air as well as 276.0 yards/outing, which has them ranked 118th in the nation. They have 4 fumbles recovered and 6 picks on the year. The Dukes defense has participated in 220 plays, which ranks them 41st in the country. The Dukes are allowing 21.0 PPG, ranking them 59th in Division 1. Over the course of the season, they have surrendered 63 total points.

Who will win tonight's Cardinals/Dukes college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Cardinals +20.5

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