James Madison Dukes vs Georgia Southern Eagles: College Football Matchup Preview

The Georgia Southern Eagles are set to host the James Madison Dukes at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The Dukes, entering the game with a strong 5-1 record, are favored by 10 points according to oddsmakers. The over/under is set at 59.5 points. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

James Madison Dukes recently secured a significant victory over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers with a decisive score of 39-7. In this matchup, the Dukes executed 42 rushing attempts, accumulating 222 yards, which breaks down to an average of 5.3 yards per carry. Overall, they generated 421 yards from 70 plays. Their defense showed resilience, allowing only 102 passing yards from nine completions off 26 attempts, maintaining a completion rate of 34.6%. On the ground, they conceded 79 yards from 26 attempts, averaging 3.0 yards per carry.

For the season, the Dukes have amassed a total of 2,635 yards. Their offensive prowess is evident with 15 touchdowns from passing and 11 from rushing. Key statistics include their standing 38th nationally in rushing, with an average of 192.8 yards per game, and an average scoring rate of 39.0 points per game. Defensively, James Madison holds a strong position, positioned 16th in Division 1 for opponent scoring, allowing an average of 16.3 points per game. Their pass defense has surrendered 1,250 yards, averaging 208.3 yards per game.

The Georgia Southern Eagles, holding a 4-2 record, are coming off a nail-biting 24-23 victory against the Marshall Thundering Herd. During this game, they accumulated 422 total yards over 74 plays, averaging 5.7 yards per play. Their rushing game, however, was less effective, totaling 93 yards on 33 carries, at an average of 2.8 yards per carry. Georgia Southern’s defense allowed 200 rushing yards from 43 attempts, equivalent to 4.7 yards per rush.

Currently ranked 57th in point scoring, the Eagles average 30.3 points per game. Their total offense averages 368.7 yards per game, placing them 85th in Division 1. The Eagles’ passing game has so far accumulated 1,499 yards with an average of 249.8 yards per game, ranking them 47th nationally. Their ground game averages 118.8 yards per game.

Defensively, Georgia Southern has given up 1,158 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns for the season, averaging 193.0 yards allowed per game. Their passing defense ranks 127th, allowing 281.7 yards per game and conceding 10 passing touchdowns. Overall, the Eagles defense has given up 183 points this season, averaging 30.5 points per game, placing them 103rd in Division 1.

Despite being the underdogs, analysts have differing views on Georgia Southern’s prospects in this game. Tony Sink, a sports analyst, has picked the Eagles to cover the spread at +10.0.