James Madison Dukes vs Appalachian State Mountaineers Prediction, 10/22/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs Appalachian State Mountaineers

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC

TV: ESPNU

Odds/Point Spread: Mountaineers (+10.5)

Total/Over-Under: 56.5

The Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-2) host the James Madison Dukes (7-0) at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Thursday, October 22, 2026. James Madison opens this game as 10.5-point favorites from oddsmakers. The total comes in at 56.5.

The James Madison Dukes come into this matchup with a record of 7-0 this season. In their last contest, the Dukes stepped onto the field against the Georgia State Panthers and walked away with a win by a score of 49-22. In all, they tallied 68 plays which gave them a total of 515 yds. The James Madison Dukes rushed the ball a total of 41 times and accumulated 250 yards, which came out to an average of 6.1 yds per carry. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Dukes conceded 188 yds on 37 attempts, which averages out to 5.1 yards per run surrendered. James Madison surrendered 16 completions on 29 tries for a total of 185 yds, and a completion rate of 55.2%.

When talking about getting in the endzone, the James Madison Dukes hold an average of 42.9 points per game. As a team they're averaging 223.7 yards on the ground which ranks them 14th in college football. The Dukes have tallied 3,227 total yards this season. When it comes to notching touchdowns, James Madison has compiled 19 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns. James Madison has 155 1st downs offensively, and they have committed 50 penalties for 513 yds. They have surrendered the football 5 different times.

The Dukes rank 19th in the country in terms of their opponents scoring, giving up 16.0 PPG. The opposition is running for an average of 3.3 yards per attempt on the ground and 114.3 yards on the ground per game on the season. Overall, they have allowed 800 rushing yards through 7 games. In terms of yards through the air, the Dukes have given up 1,655 yards which puts them in 117th in Division 1. They have allowed 236.4 yards per contest via the pass and giving up a completion percentage of 56.7%. Over the course of this year, they have given up 350.7 yards per contest which puts them 65th in the nation. They have relinquished 8 touchdowns via the pass as well as 5 touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Mountaineers come into this matchup with a record of 4-2 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Mountaineers walked away with a victory by a final of 35-32 when they faced the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Appalachian State ran for 4.9 yards per tote, finishing the contest with 253 yards on 52 attempts. The Mountaineers finished with 516 yds on 78 plays (6.6 yds per play). The Mountaineers passing defense gave up a completion percentage of 51.6%, relinquishing 298 yds on 16 for 31 passing. Appalachian State conceded 30 running attempts for 139 yds (4.6 yds per carry).

When looking at the points being put on the board, the Mountaineers are sitting 69th in Division 1 holding an average of 29.5 PPG. The Appalachian State Mountaineers hold an average of 421.7 yards per game, which ranks them 48th in Division 1. The Appalachian State offense has racked up 335 penalty yards on 40 violations, which ranks them 78th in the country in terms of helping out the other team. They have thrown 3 interceptions while losing 4 fumbles and they have earned 132 first downs. During the season to this point, the Mountaineers have thrown for a total of 1,606 yards through the air in addition to an average of 267.7 passing yards per game, which is ranked 33rd in college football. They average 154.0 rushing yards per game and have run for 924 yards for this year.

The Mountaineers are relinquishing 21.8 points per game, which has them sitting 54th in Division 1. Appalachian State has yielded a total of 827 yards rushing (137.8 yards/game) as well as 8 touchdowns via the rush for the season. They have yielded 7 touchdowns through the air and 214.5 yards per outing, which has them ranked 76th in D-1. The Mountaineers defense has taken part in 413 plays, which is good for 52nd in college football. They have compiled 2 fumbles recovered and 9 picks on the year. This season, they have given up 131 total points.

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

Guy's Pick: Take the Dukes -10.5

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