Georgia State Panthers vs James Madison Dukes Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Georgia State Panthers vs James Madison Dukes

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, VA

TV: ESPNU

Odds/Point Spread: Dukes (-13.5)

Total/Over-Under: 57.5

The James Madison Dukes (6-0) will try to beat the Georgia State Panthers (4-1) at Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. James Madison opens this contest as 13.5-point favorites. The over/under comes in at 57.5.

The Georgia State Panthers step onto the field holding a record of 4-1 for this year. In their last contest, the Panthers stepped onto the field against the Old Dominion Monarchs and notched a win by a score of 42-10. The Georgia State Panthers ran the football 44 different times and accumulated 187 yds, earning them an average of 4.3 yards per tote. At the end of the game, they had 68 plays which gave them 470 yds. Georgia State conceded 13 pass completions on 28 attempts for a total of 79 yards, and a completion percentage of 46.4%. When it came to stopping the run, the Panthers conceded 63 yards on 34 tries, which calculates to 1.9 yds per run allowed.

The Panthers have earned 2,343 total yards for the season. When it comes to scoring touchdowns, Georgia State has earned 13 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the football 8 times. Georgia State has recorded 116 first downs as a team, and they have been called for 33 penalties for 303 yds. As a team they're averaging 209.6 yards rushing which ranks them 30th in the nation. When talking about scoring points, the Georgia State Panthers have an average of 39.4 points per contest.

When it comes to yards through the air, the Panthers have given up 870 yards which has them ranked 20th in D-1. They have conceded 174.0 yards per game through the air and conceding a completion percentage of 55.9%. Overall, they are allowing 301.0 yards per contest which has them sitting 28th in D-1. They have yielded 4 touchdowns via the pass as well as 6 touchdowns pounding the rock. They are giving up 4.1 yards per rushing attempt and 127.0 rushing yards per contest for the year. For the season, they have conceded 635 running yards through 5 games. The Panthers sit in 35th in college football concerning team defense, allowing 19.0 points per game.

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The Dukes come into this matchup with a record of 6-0 for this year. When they last stepped on the field, the Dukes got the victory with a final of 27-24 when they faced the Georgia Southern Eagles. James Madison ran for 4.4 yds per carry, finishing with 209 yds on 48 carries. The Dukes finished the contest with 438 yards while they ran 77 plays (5.7 yards per play). The Dukes passing defense gave up a completion rate of 65.0%, relinquishing 343 yards on 26 out of 40 through the air. James Madison surrendered 25 rush attempts for 122 yards (4.9 yds per rush).

The James Madison Dukes average 452.0 yards per contest, ranking them 33rd in college football. The James Madison offense has compiled 428 penalty yds on 42 violations, which ranks 31st in D-1 in terms of helping out the opposition. They are averaging 219.3 run yards per game and have run for 1,316 yards for the season. They have given away 1 interception while allowing opponents to recover 3 fumbles and they have recorded 131 1st downs. Concerning their scoring prowess, the Dukes currently sit 10th in college football averaging 41.8 points per contest. During the season to this point, the Dukes have earned 1,396 yards through the air not to mention holding an average of 232.7 throwing yards per game, which ranks 66th in the country.

The Dukes are allowing 15.0 points per game, ranking them 16th in Division 1. James Madison has given up a total of 612 yards rushing (102.0 yards per contest) and 3 touchdowns via the rush this season. They have conceded 7 touchdowns via the pass and 245.0 yards/game, which has them in 115th in Division 1. The Dukes defense has taken part in 423 plays, which ranks 128th in Division 1. Their defense has tallied 4 fumbles and 6 picks for the season. In total, they have relinquished 90 total points.

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

Guy's Pick: Take the Dukes -13.5

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