Old Dominion Monarchs (ODU) vs James Madison Dukes (JMU) Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 18, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Saturday, the Old Dominion Monarchs (4-2. 1-1 Sun Belt) visit Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Bridgeforth Stadium for a Sun Belt conference Showdown with the James Madison Dukes (5-1, 3-0 Sun Belt). Old Dominion lost to Marshall 48-24 last time out, snapping a four-game winning streak. Old Dominion is tied for third in the East Division of the Sun Belt, 2.5 games behind first place. James Madison defeated Louisiana 24-14 last time out and has won four straight. The Dukes are undefeated in the Sun Belt, leading the East Division by one game. Old Dominion will play without LB Jason Henderson, while nine others are questionable. James Madison has five players who are questionable, including RBs Ayo Adeyi and Jobi Malary. Make sure to read this in-depth Old Dominion Monarchs vs James Madison Dukes prediction. Kickoff confidence! Unlock expert insights with our NCAAF picks for the Old Dominion Monarchs at the James Madison Dukes prediction.
Old Dominion is tough to stop on offense, while its defense is equally strong
The Old Dominion Monarchs score an average of 34.2 (44th) points per game and allow an average of 20.2 (41st) points per game. ODU gains 238.0 yards rushing and 250.5 yards passing for an average of 488.5 (12th) yards of total offense per game. The Old Dominion defense allows 174.8 yards rushing and 161.2 yards passing for an average of 336.0 (47th) yards per game.
The Monarchs come into this game having won four of their last five games, but were crushed at Marshall in their last game by 24 points. Their four-game winning streak did include an impressive 45-26 win over Virginia Tech on Sept. 13. ODU quarterback Colton Joseph has 1,481 yards passing with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Joseph has been sacked 7 times. Joseph is the leading rusher for the Monarchs with 483 yards, while Trequan Jones is second with 477 yards. Ja’Cory Thomas leads Old Dominion in receiving with 397 yards and 3 touchdown receptions. Kicker Riley Callaghan is 26-for-26 on extra points and 7-for-10 on field goals. Safety Jerome Carter leads ODU in tackles with 44. The Monarchs’ defense has made 14 quarterback sacks and intercepted 5 passes
James Madison is below average in scoring, but one of the best in points allowed
The James Madison Dukes score an average of 27.2 points (80th) per game and allow an average of just 13.7 points (10th) per game. James Madison's offense averages 232.5 yards rushing at 167.8 yards passing for 400.3 yards of total offense per game. The James Madison defense holds opponents to 74.0 yards rushing and 155.0 yards passing for 229.0 yards per game, which is 5th best in the country.
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JMU has won four straight and has not allowed more than 14 points in all four games. The last time they allowed more than 14 came against Louisville on Sept. 5 (28-14 loss).
JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III has 957 yards passing with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Barnett III has been sacked six times. Wayne Knight leads the ground game for James Madison with 537 yards rushing, averaging 6.6 yards per carry with four touchdowns. The aerial attack is led by Landon Ellis, who has 19 receptions for 303 yards, averaging 15.9 yards per reception with five touchdowns. Kicker Morgan Suarez is 22-for-22 in extra points and 3-for-6 in field goals. Linebacker Trent Hendrick leads in tackles with 43 and in quarterback sacks with 3.0. James Madison has made 17 sacks and intercepted four passes.
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. James Madison Dukes Pick
Spread Pick for ODU vs. JMU
- James Madison Dukes -1 ( units)
JMU will face a tough Old Dominion offense, but the Dukes have one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing 229 yards per game, which is fifth. James Madison is third in the country against the run, allowing only 74 points per game, and will slow down the ODU running attack that is the Monarchs’ bread and butter, averaging 238 yards per game on the ground, which is 12th. James Madison will use its 15th-best running game, which averages 232.5 yards per game, against an Old Dominion defense against the run, which is 108th, allowing 174.8 yards rushing per game. James Madison has covered the spread in five of his last seven games and in four of the last six games when tagged as the favorite.
Over/Under Pick for ODU vs. JMU
- Under 47.5 (4 units)
This matchup is offense versus defense, as Old Dominion scores an average of 34.2 points per game but faces a James Madison defense, which is the 10th-best in the country, allowing just 13.7 points per game. James Madison has had the total finish under in each of its last five games and in nine of the last 11 games that the Dukes have played against teams from the Sun Belt Conference.
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