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The Old Dominion Monarchs (4-3, 3-1 Sun Belt) and James Madison Dukes (7-0, 4-0) tangle Saturday. Kickoff at Bridgeforth Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Old Dominion vs. James Madison odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Old Dominion was an upset winner (+5.5) in a 28-21 home triumph over Appalachian State last Saturday. The run-1st Monarchs clocked 5.7 yards per carry against the Mountaineers. ODU is 3-1 over its last 4 games.
The Dukes are back at home after covering as 5.5-point favorites with a 20-9 victory at Marshall on Oct. 19. Dating back to last season, JMU has won 5 straight on its home turf.
James Madison is No. 25 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
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Old Dominion at James Madison odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Old Dominion +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | James Madison -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Old Dominion +20.5 (-105) | James Madison -20.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Old Dominion at James Madison picks and predictions
Prediction
James Madison 31, Old Dominion 10
Moneyline
A big gulf here. AVOID both coasts.
Against the spread
James Madison is proficient in the passing game, staying on schedule and averaging 8.6 yards per attempt (28th in FBS). That aerial assault will be directed on the weakest part of the Old Dominion defense and on what figures as a good-weather evening.
The number here is a big one. The Dukes play at a slow enough pace (plays per game below the national average), and there is just enough recency subtext swinging in ODU’s favor to make this one a PASS.
Over/Under
The total has gone Under in 4 of Old Dominion’s last 5 games. In James Madison’s last 3 at home, the Under has won twice (both by comfortable double-digit margins).
The pace in this one, JMU’s struggling late-down offense vs. ODU’s proficient late-down defense, and a couple minor trends play into an Under lean here.
From an analytics standpoint, 2 of the Monarchs’ best defensive games have come over their last 3 contests. The opposite holds true for the Dukes’ offense.
BET THE UNDER 48.5 (-110).
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