James Madison Dukes vs Liberty Flames Prediction, 9/20/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs Liberty Flames

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Location: Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA

TV: ESPNU

Odds/Point Spread: Flames (+10.0)

Total/Over-Under: 49

The Liberty Flames (1-2) will compete against the James Madison Dukes (1-1) at Williams Stadium on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Liberty opens this contest as 10.0-point dogs. The total has been set at 49.

The James Madison Dukes come into this game with a record of 1-1 for this season. In their last game, the Dukes took on the Louisville Cardinals and walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 28-14. In the running game, the Dukes gave up 113 yds on 30 tries, which averages out to 3.8 yards per run allowed. James Madison allowed 13 completions on 23 tries for a total of 151 yards, and a completion rate of 56.5%. In all, they had 78 plays which totaled 263 yards. The James Madison Dukes ended up rushing 47 different times and totaled 126 yds, which earned them an average of 2.7 yards per carry.

Concerning scoring points, the James Madison Dukes have an average of 29.5 PPG. As a team they maintain an average of 219.5 yards on the ground which is 25th in the country. The Dukes have earned 721 total yards for the season. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, James Madison has amassed 3 passing touchdowns and 5 touchdowns via the ground. James Madison has a total of 42 first downs offensively, and they have been flagged for 18 penalties for 170 yards. They have surrendered the ball 4 times.

The Dukes rank 57th in D-1 concerning their opponents scoring, conceding 19.0 points per game. They are giving up an average of 2.9 yards per rushing attempt and 88.5 rushing yards per game so far this season. For the year, they have allowed 177 rushing yards through 2 games. Concerning yards via the pass, the Dukes are allowing 235 yards which puts them in 5th in the country. They have allowed 117.5 yards per contest via the pass in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 46.9%. Overall, they have yielded 206.0 yards/outing which puts them 7th in college football. They have given up 2 touchdowns via the pass as well as 1 touchdown via the ground game.

Get all of our Free College Football Picks

The Flames come into this matchup with a record of 1-2 for this season. In their last game, the Flames walked away with a loss by a score of 23-13 when they faced the Bowling Green Falcons. Liberty ran the football for 3.9 yds per attempt, finishing the game with 152 yds on 39 attempts. The Flames finished the contest with 346 yds while running 64 plays (5.4 yds per play). The Flames secondary gave up a completion rate of 50.0%, relinquishing 146 yds on 16 for 32 passing. Liberty relinquished 36 attempts on the ground for 158 yards (4.4 yds per rush).

The Liberty Flames are averaging 423.7 yards per contest, which has them sitting 53rd in Division 1. The Liberty offense has compiled 118 yards of penalties on 14 infractions, ranking them 98th in the country in terms of making mistakes. They are averaging 181.7 yards per game via the rush and have toted the ball for 545 yards for the year. They have thrown 3 picks while allowing opponents to recover 3 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 59 first downs. In terms of their scoring prowess, the Flames currently rank 100th in Division 1 holding an average of 21.7 PPG. For the year to this point, the Flames have compiled 726 passing yards along with holding an average of 242.0 passing yards per contest, ranking them 58th in Division 1.

The Flames are relinquishing 21.3 PPG, which has them sitting 67th in the country. Liberty has surrendered a total of 680 yards on the ground (226.7 yards per game) as well as 6 touchdowns by way of the ground game on the campaign. They have yielded 1 touchdown from the passing game in addition to 110.0 yards per outing, ranking them 9th in Division 1. The Flames defense has participated in 193 plays, which is good for 69th in Division 1. They have totaled 1 fumble and 1 interception for the year. This year, they have allowed 64 pts.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Dukes -10.0

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here