James Madison Dukes vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, 9/21/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs North Carolina Tar Heels

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Location: Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Tar Heels (-10.5)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

Kenan Stadium is where the North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) will attempt to defeat the James Madison Dukes (2-0) on Saturday, September 21, 2024. James Madison opens this contest as 10.5-point underdogs from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is set at 47.5.

The James Madison Dukes come into this matchup with a record of 2-0 this year. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Dukes played the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs and took home the win by a score of 13-6. Against the rush, the Dukes conceded 109 yds on 35 attempts, which averages out to 3.1 yds per run allowed. James Madison surrendered 17 completions on 30 attempts for a total of 160 yards, and a completion rate of 56.7%. At the end of the game, they tallied 59 plays which gave them 285 yards. The James Madison Dukes ran the football 37 different times and totaled 150 yds, which had them averaging 4.1 yds per attempt.

The Dukes currently have 698 yards in total over the course of this year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, James Madison has compiled 2 touchdowns via the pass and 3 touchdowns on the ground. They have surrendered the ball 2 times. James Madison has a total of 30 first downs offensively, and they have committed 9 infractions for 76 yards. As a unit they have an average of 172.0 yards in the run game which has them sitting 55th in the country. Regarding putting points on the board, the James Madison Dukes are sitting at 21.5 points per outing.

When talking about yards through the air, the Dukes are allowing 353 yards which ranks them 17th in college football. They are allowing 176.5 yards per contest through the air as well as giving up a completion percentage of 52.0%. Over the course of this year, they are allowing 296.5 yards/game putting them 44th in D-1. They have surrendered 1 touchdown via the pass and no touchdowns on the ground. The opposition is running for 3.6 yards per tote and 120.0 rushing yards per game on the campaign. In total, they have conceded 240 rushing yards through 2 games. The Dukes are ranked 7th in the nation regarding their opponents scoring, conceding 6.5 points per game.

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The Tar Heels head into this matchup 3-0 this year. The last time they took the field, the Tar Heels walked away with a victory by a final of 45-10 when they faced the North Carolina Central Eagles. North Carolina gave up 39 rushing attempts for 76 yards (1.9 yards per carry). The Tar Heels pass defense gave up a completion rate of 42.9%, relinquishing 91 yards on 9 for 21 passing. The Tar Heels finished the game with a total of 513 yards while running 70 plays (7.3 yds per play). North Carolina ran for 8.0 yds per carry, finishing the game with 330 yards on 41 carries.

When it comes to the points being put on the board, the Tar Heels rank 46th in Division 1 averaging 34.0 points per contest. The North Carolina Tar Heels maintain an average of 418.3 yards per contest, which ranks them 55th in the country. The North Carolina offense has racked up 214 yards of penalties on 27 violations, which ranks 13th in Division 1 in terms of hurting your team. They have thrown 2 picks while surrendering 1 fumbles and they have been able to earn 72 first downs. For the season to this point, the Tar Heels have compiled 509 yards via the pass not to mention an average of 169.7 throwing yards per game, which ranks 111th in the country. They have an average of 248.7 yards per game via the rush and have run for 746 yards for this year.

North Carolina has allowed a total of 204 yards rushing (68.0 yards/game) in addition to 3 touchdowns via the rush this year. They have allowed the opposition 2 touchdowns through the air and 188.3 yards per contest, which has them sitting 60th in Division 1. They have tallied 2 fumbles and 1 interception so far this year. The Tar Heels defense has been on the field for 171 plays, which is 33rd in D-1. The Tar Heels are allowing 15.7 points per game, which has them sitting 41st in the nation. This year, they have surrendered 47 pts.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Dukes +10.5

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