James Madison Dukes vs San Diego State Aztecs Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: James Madison Dukes vs San Diego State Aztecs

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Aztecs (-2.5)

Total/Over-Under: 46

The San Diego State Aztecs (1-1) will take on the James Madison Dukes (2-0) at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026. San Diego State opens this game as 2.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The over/under comes in at 46.

The James Madison Dukes come into this matchup with a record of 2-0 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Dukes played the Wagner Seahawks and walked away with a win by a score of 87-3. Once the final whistle blew, they had 62 plays which totaled 588 yds. The James Madison Dukes rushed the ball a total of 35 different times and compiled 290 yards, which is an average of 8.3 yards per carry. In the running game, the Dukes gave up 86 yds on 40 attempts, which is an average of 2.2 yards per rush surrendered. James Madison allowed 14 completions on 27 tries for a total of 118 yards, and a completion rate of 51.9%.

When it comes to putting points on the board, the James Madison Dukes have an average of 53.5 PPG. As a unit they're averaging 231.5 yards via the ground game which is 25th in the country. The Dukes have earned 879 total yards for the year. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, James Madison has compiled 4 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns. James Madison has recorded 42 first downs, and they have been hurt by 14 penalties for 162 yards. They have surrendered the ball 1 time.

The Dukes rank 12th in the country regarding the opposition scoring, conceding 8.0 points per contest. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 2.3 yards per rush and 88.5 rushing yards per contest on the season. During this campaign, they have given up 177 running yards through 2 games. Regarding yards through the air, the Dukes have given up 348 yds which has them sitting in 47th in college football. They are allowing 174.0 yards per contest via the pass as well as conceding a completion percentage of 57.4%. Overall, they are granting 262.5 yards per outing ranking them 37th in the nation. They have yielded 1 touchdown by air in addition to no TD's on the ground.

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The Aztecs head into this game 1-1 this year. For their last game, the Aztecs took a defeat with a final score of 28-10 against the UCLA Bruins. The Aztecs finished with a total of 189 yds while running 56 plays (3.4 yds per play). San Diego State rushed for 3.8 yds per carry, finishing with 144 yards on 38 attempts. San Diego State conceded 43 rushing attempts for 214 yards (5.0 yards per carry). The Aztecs passing defense gave up a completion percentage of 60.9%, surrendering 151 yds on 14 for 23 through the air.

The San Diego State Aztecs have an average of 291.5 yards per outing, ranking them 124th in Division 1. The San Diego State offense has accrued 92 yds of penalties on 10 infractions, which is good for 104th in the country in terms of helping out the other team. They average 190.5 rushing yards per game and have toted the ball for 381 yards for this season. They have given away 2 picks while losing 2 fumbles and they have earned 36 first downs. When discussing the points being put on the board, the Aztecs are sitting 68th in the country with 31.5 PPG. During this campaign so far, the Aztecs currently sit at 202 yards through the air as well as holding an average of 101.0 throwing yards per contest, which has them sitting 133rd in D-1.

San Diego State has allowed a total of 309 yards on the ground (154.5 yards/game) in addition to 5 touchdowns by way of the ground game for the campaign. They have surrendered 1 touchdown through the air and 215.5 yards per game, which has them ranked 84th in Division 1. Their defense has tallied 1 fumble recovery and 3 picks for the year. The Aztecs defense has been on the field for 148 plays, which is good for 117th in the country. The Aztecs are allowing 24.0 PPG, which has them sitting 87th in Division 1.

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

Guy's Pick: Take the Dukes +2.5

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