Much of life is about timing, and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers simply have bad timing this week. The James Madison Dukes may have seen their Playoff hopes dashed last week in a 21-19 loss at Louisiana-Monroe, despite being three-possession favorites. Now, the Dukes will be out with a vengeance.
My Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison predictions will put faith in the refocused Dukes, particularly early. These college football picks do not so much doubt the Chanticleers as they recognize the realities of timing; James Madison is particularly feisty on this short week, with kickoff coming at 7:30 ET on Thursday, October 10.
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison prediction and best bet
My best bet
James Madison first half -5.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
There's little reason not to trust the James Madison Dukes to cover the full-game spread of -9.5. The Dukes are the better team, and up until last week’s letdown, they had enjoyed one of the best offenses in the country.
However, this handicap is based on James Madison rebounding from last week’s loss, and that should most show up early, so applying that logic specifically to the first half allows us to avoid any worries about a Coastal Carolina Chanticleers backdoor cover.
A week ago, the Dukes were about +700 to make the College Football Playoff, looking outright dominant in three of their four wins, the exception being a snoozer against FCS-level Gardner-Webb.
James Madison’s offense looked primed to continue hanging massive numbers and permeate public consciousness. A 13-0 season would at least rival a 12-1 showing from Boise State in the chase to be the fifth conference champion with an automatic berth to the Playoff.
And then the Dukes no-showed at Monroe. Penalties cost James Madison, 11 for 63 yards, but mostly, the passing game was stymied. That came as a bit of a surprise given the Dukes had hummed with a balanced offensive attack thus far, averaging 54.3 points per game against FBS competition.
That offense should return this week, especially since Coastal Carolina’s defense is ripe to be exploited on the ground. It is one of the country’s worst rush defenses, which shows up in particular on late downs. Up until last week, James Madison had excelled on third and fourth downs.
The Dukes’ Playoff hopes are likely dashed, but if they were to average 50 points the rest of the way and finish 12-1, there would at least be a conversation. That has undoubtedly been the talking point in the James Madison locker room this week. Coming out with that kind of focus at kickoff should get this bet home at halftime.
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison same-game parlay (SGP)
James Madison first half -5.5
James Madison first half team total Over 16.5
Alonza Barnett anytime touchdown
The concept is the same. James Madison’s success starts with its offense. Frankly, the Dukes’ offense succeeding sets up its defense to be more aggressive.
So, James Madison’s early output should be notable and it will always be led by quarterback Alonza Barnett. In the last three games, he's rushed for four touchdowns.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Coastal Carolina vs James Madison odds
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison live odds
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison opening odds
- Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison spread: James Madison -9.5
- Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison moneyline: Coastal Carolina +290, James Madison -375
- Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison Over/Under: 59.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison spread and Over/Under analysis
- Sunday’s earliest lines set this number at James Madison -10 before it waffled between -9.5 and -10 all week.
- The total hit the market at 55.5 and immediately spiked to 59.5, then climbing as high as 62.5 on Monday before returning to 60.5 or 61.5, depending on your sportsbook, on Tuesday.
- That elevated total speaks to Coastal Carolina going Over its total in four of five games, as well as faith in James Madison’s offensive lull last weekend being an exception, not a new norm.
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison betting trend to know
James Madison has blown out Coastal Carolina each of the last two seasons, 56-14 last year as an 8.5-point favorite and 47-7 two years ago as a 15-point favorite. Find more college football betting trends for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison.
Coastal Carolina vs James Madison game info
| Location: | Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-10, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
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