College Football Picks: Louisville vs. James Madison
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It was an exciting first full week of the 2025 college football season. We had a ton of marquee games, and many of the games were everything as advertised. If the football continues to be this entertaining all season long, we're in for a real treat.
In Week 2, we do not have a Thursday night game, as the National Football League kicks off its season, and for TV ratings purposes, college football won't go up against that behemoth. So, we get a smattering of Friday games, and mostly all Saturday contests. One Friday night game which stands out is James Madison (1-0) paying a visit to Louisville (1-0).
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, and the game can be viewed or streamed on ESPN2.
James Madison vs. Louisville Betting Odds for Week 2
Spread: James Madison +14 (-105 at DraftKings Sportsbook); Louisville -13.5 (+100 at ESPN Bet Sportsbook)
Total: Over 57.5 (-110 FanDuel Sportsbook); Under 58.5 (-112 DraftKings)
Moneyline: James Madison +430 (FanDuel Sportsbook); Louisville -575 (Fanatics)
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James Madison vs. Louisville Betting Picks for Week 2
The Dukes opened with a 45-10 victory over Weber State of the FCS, covering as a 26.5-point favorite as the Over (54.5) cashed. JMU outgained Weber State at a 458-to-148 margin in total yards, while posting 23 first downs. It was all about the run game, too, as the Dukes rolled up 313 rushing yards, with 7.1 yards per attempt and four rushing scores. The Dukes did turn it over twice, with one lost fumble and one interception, but they still ended up with a plus-1 turnover margin.
James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III completed 14-of-22 passes for 130 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions, while former UNLV QB Matthew Sluka completed 3-of-4 passes for 15 yards, one touchdown and one interception. RB George Pettaway racked up 99 yards on 10 carries, with RB Wayne Knight going for 89 yards and a touchdown on just seven attempts. Barnett and Sluka also found the end zone once apiece with their feet.
For the Dukes, the receiver numbers were rather bland, as most of the damage was done on the ground, but WRs Isaiah Alston and Landon Ellis were able to find the end zone once each.
The Cardinals rolled up a 51-17 victory over Eastern Kentucky of the FCS, while Louisville failed to cover as a 38-point favorite as the Over (56.5) easily connected.
Louisville QB Miller Moss, formerly of USC, was an efficient 17-of-25 for 223 yards, one touchdown and two picks, while QB Brady Allen came on to complete 6-of-9 passes for 69 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
RB Isaac Brown was the offensive star, running six times for 126 yards and two touchdowns. RB Keyjuan Brown ran for 25 yards and a score, and Moss also had a scoring scamper. Like JMU, the Cardinals didn't have terribly impressive receiving numbers, although WR Kris Hughes and RB Duke Watson each had receiving scores.
The Cardinals had 28 first downs, to just 10 for the Colonels. Louisville rolled up 542 total yards of offense, while EKU had just 150 total yards. It was a more balanced attack for the ACC team, posting 313 passing yards and 229 rushing yards. Louisville had 7.6 yards per rushing attempt.
The one thing Louisville needs to clean up is penalties, as it committed 12 infractions for a total of 106 yards, and it lost the turnover battle. The Cardinals had three interceptions thrown, while forcing zero miscues, good for a minus-3 turnover ratio.
After both teams faced cupcakes in the opener, we'll get a much better picture of each side in this one. The Cardinals are playing at home, and Moss is a tremendous signal caller and a wonderful addition. However, the dual-threat Barnett is experienced, and he knows the system well for James Madison. The Dukes are unlikely to hit the road and pull off the upset, but take JMU with two touchdowns is certainly warranted.
James Madison vs. Louisville Expert Pick: James Madison +14 (-105 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
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James Madison vs. Louisville Predictions for Week 2
Both of these teams faced very little resistance, rolling up huge yardage totals with several touchdowns. We should see the defenses featured a little more prominently this week on both sides.
Louisville needs to cut down on its mistakes, as minus-3 simply isn't going to get the job done against James Madison. On the flip side, the Dukes hit the road for the first time, and we'll see if their offense is nearly as effective, not only playing in hostile territory, but also facing a much more superior Power 4 team.
In this day and age, though, a total of 57.5 is still rather low. We have Barnett and Sluka on the James Madison side capable of slinging it, and Moss is a college football veteran capable of doing big things, too.
The lean here is to go with the Over, but confidence isn't nearly as high on the total as it is with the side. Go a little more aggressively on JMU catching the 14 points.
