James Madison Dukes vs Marshall Thundering Herd Prediction, 11/8/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs Marshall Thundering Herd

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, WV

TV: ESPN2

Odds/Point Spread: Thundering Herd (+13.5)

Total/Over-Under: 56

The Marshall Thundering Herd (4-4) are hosting the James Madison Dukes (7-1) at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Marshall opens as 13.5-point underdogs from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is 56.

The James Madison Dukes head into this game 7-1 for this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Dukes faced the Texas State Bobcats and walked away with a win by a score of 52-20. Once the final whistle blew, they tallied 60 plays which gave them a total of 511 yards. The James Madison Dukes ran the ball 41 times and had 247 yds, earning them an average of 6.0 yards per tote. Against the run, the Dukes gave up 122 yards on 40 attempts, which averages out to 3.1 yards per run allowed. James Madison conceded 18 completions on 35 tries for 230 yds, and a completion percentage of 51.4%.

The Dukes have earned 3,537 yards in total this year. With reference to distribution of touchdowns, James Madison has earned 15 touchdowns via the pass and 22 rushing touchdowns. They have given the ball to the opposition 10 times. James Madison has 184 1st downs as an offense, and they have been flagged for 64 infractions for 592 yards. As a unit they hold an average of 244.1 yards via the ground game which has them sitting 7th in the nation. When talking about putting points on the board, the James Madison Dukes have an average of 34.8 PPG.

The Dukes rank 11th in the nation in terms of team defense, allowing 16.1 PPG. They are giving up 2.6 yards per rushing attempt and 80.3 yards on the ground per contest so far this year. For the year, they have allowed 642 yards via the ground game in 8 games. Concerning passing yards, the Dukes have allowed 1,369 yds which has them sitting in 15th in D-1. They have conceded 171.1 yards per outing via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 52.7%. In total, they are allowing 251.4 yards per outing which puts them 8th in college football. They have conceded 10 touchdowns by air as well as 3 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Thundering Herd come into this game with a record of 4-4 for this season. In their last game, the Thundering Herd took a loss by a final score of 44-27 against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Marshall rushed for 6.2 yards per attempt, finishing with 279 yards on 45 carries. The Thundering Herd ended up finishing with 432 yds while running 81 plays (5.3 yards per play). The Thundering Herd passing defense gave up a completion rate of 38.1%, surrendering 196 yards on 8 for 21 passing. Marshall conceded 45 run attempts for 214 yds (4.8 yds per carry).

The Marshall Thundering Herd are averaging 394.0 yards/game, which has them ranked 63rd in the country. The Marshall offense has accrued 521 yds of penalties on 60 violations, which has them ranked 36th in college football in terms of hurting your team. They average 206.5 yards per game via the ground game and have run for 1,652 yards for the year. They have thrown 4 picks while conceding 7 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 165 first downs. Regarding their scoring prowess, the Thundering Herd are ranked 33rd in college football holding an average of 34.1 points per outing. During the season thus far, the Thundering Herd have thrown for a total of 1,500 yards via the pass not to mention an average of 187.5 passing yards per game, putting them at 106th in college football.

Marshall has yielded a total of 1,175 yards on the ground (146.9 yards/game) and 16 touchdowns via the rush so far this year. They have surrendered 16 touchdowns through the air and 266.3 yards/game, which has them sitting 126th in the nation. Over the course of the season, they have allowed 260 total points. Their defense has compiled 6 fumbles recovered and 10 interceptions for the season. The Thundering Herd defense has been on the field for 535 plays, which is 45th in college football. The Thundering Herd are surrendering 32.5 points per game, which has them 120th in D-1.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Thundering Herd +13.5

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