James Madison Dukes vs Old Dominion Monarchs Prediction, 9/26/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs Old Dominion Monarchs

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Monarchs (+5.5)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

The Old Dominion Monarchs (1-2) host the James Madison Dukes (3-0) at S.B. Ballard Stadium on Saturday, September 26, 2026. James Madison opens this game as 5.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is 47.5.

The James Madison Dukes head into this game 3-0 for this year. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Dukes played the San Diego State Aztecs and took home the win by a score of 26-13. When the final whistle blew, they tallied 74 plays which gave them a total of 417 yds. The James Madison Dukes ran the rock 47 times and compiled 171 yards, which earned them an average of 3.6 yards per carry. Against the rush, the Dukes conceded 192 yds on 44 tries, which averages out to 4.4 yds per run surrendered. James Madison gave up 18 completions on 33 attempts for 209 yards, and a completion rate of 54.5%.

The Dukes have tallied 1,296 total yards for the season. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, James Madison has amassed 6 passing touchdowns and 8 touchdowns via the ground. They have surrendered the ball 2 times. James Madison has accrued 62 1st downs offensively, and they have committed 21 penalties for 225 yds. As a unit they're holding an average of 211.7 yards rushing which is 35th in Division 1. When it comes to putting the ball in the endzone, the James Madison Dukes are averaging 44.3 PPG.

Concerning passing yardage, the Dukes have given up 557 yds which has them ranked 54th in D-1. They have conceded 185.7 yards per game through the air in addition to conceding a completion percentage of 56.2%. During this campaign, they are conceding 308.7 yards/game which puts them 54th in college football. They have granted 2 touchdowns by air as well as 1 touchdown running the ball. The opposition is running for 3.0 yards per run and 123.0 rushing yards per game on the season. During this campaign, they have given up 369 rushing yards through 3 games. The Dukes sit in 10th in the nation concerning team defense, giving up 9.7 points per contest.

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The Monarchs head into this game 1-2 for this year. The last time they took the field, the Monarchs walked away with a loss by a score of 20-17 against the East Carolina Pirates. The Monarchs finished the contest with a total of 274 yds and they ran 64 plays (4.3 yds per play). Old Dominion ended up running for 4.1 yards per attempt, finishing the contest with 180 yds on 44 attempts. Old Dominion gave up 47 attempts on the ground for 173 yards (3.7 yds per rush). The Monarchs pass defense gave up a completion percentage of 52.4%, relinquishing 103 yards on 11 for 21 passing.

Regarding this team's ability to score points, the Monarchs rank 110th in D-1 averaging 23.0 points per contest. The Old Dominion Monarchs hold an average of 301.0 yards per game, ranking them 126th in the country. The Old Dominion offense has compiled 205 yards of penalties on 21 infractions, which is 60th in college football in terms of helping out the opposition. They have thrown 2 interceptions while letting opponents recover 5 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 41 first downs. During the season thus far, the Monarchs have thrown for a total of 424 yards through the air as well as an average of 141.3 passing yards per contest, which is ranked 128th in D-1. They have an average of 159.7 yards via the ground game and have toted the ball for 479 yards for the year.

Old Dominion has given up a total of 388 yards rushing (129.3 yards per game) as well as 3 touchdowns via the rush this year. They have conceded 3 touchdowns via the pass as well as 174.7 yards/contest, ranking them 41st in the nation. Over the course of the season, they have given up 74 points in total. They have compiled 5 fumbles and 1 pick for the year. The Monarchs defense has participated in 214 plays, which is good for 115th in college football. The Monarchs are giving up 24.7 PPG, which has them sitting 89th in the nation.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Dukes -5.5

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