2022 James Madison Dukes Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

Joe Hedrick Sports Betting Expert

2 minute read

2022 JAMES MADISON DUKES BETTING ODDS, PREDICTIONS, PREVIEW

James Madison will play its first season in the Sun Belt Conference after departing from the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dukes went 12-2 SU overall and 7-1 SU in conference play last season. Their offense was ranked number one in the CAA but have plenty of roles to fill including the quarterback position. James Madison lost three of their four top receivers, only Kris Thorton (83 catches, 1097 yards, 13 TD’s) will return. They did manage to pick up QB Todd Centeio (Colorado State) and WR Kobay White (Boston College) from the transfer portal to help with the turnover.

The Duke’s defense held opponents to 275 yards and 15.0 points per game last season but also lost a few key players. Pass rusher Bryce Carter is gone, but Isaac Ukwu should make for a nice replacement after making 16.5 tackles for a loss last season. Leading tackler Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey (116 Tackles, 4 INT) has transferred to Texas which means the younger guys will need to step up. The secondary will bring back Sam Kidd (S) and Chris Chukwuneke (S) which is huge. They are also bringing in Jarius Reimonenq (DB, Arkansas State) and Deon Jones (S, Maryland/Boston College) from the transfer portal.

Good news for James Madison is head coach Curt Cignetti will be returning. Cignetti has led the Dukes to a 33-5 SU record over the last three seasons as well as an appearance in the 2019 FCS Championship Game. For as good as this team has been, they should be competitive right off the bat. However, there will without a doubt be a transition period coming from the FCS. Whether that is just one year or five years who knows, but I expect them to go under their win total of 6.5 (+120) in their first FBS season.

Best Bet: Under 6.5 Wins (+120)

Updated on 11/19/2024