James Madison Dukes (2-0) vs. Troy Trojans (1-1)
James Madison Dukes vs. Troy Trojans 9/16/23 – This upcoming NCAAF Week 3 bout pits the undefeated James Madison Dukes against the 1-1 Troy Trojans. As the Dukes aim to maintain their winning streak, the Trojans are fervently seeking a bounce-back victory, promising an exciting contest on the gridiron.
Kaelon Black, the Dukes’ nimble running back, has rushed for an impressive 150 yards from 24 attempts, maintaining an average of 6.3 yards per rush. His agility and burst have been pivotal for the Dukes, providing them with steady ground game support. Coupled with Reggie Brown’s prowess as a wide receiver, having amassed 137 yards from just six receptions, the Dukes’ offensive lineup is undeniably formidable.
On the other hand, the Trojans have found consistency with Kimani Vidal, their star running back. With a staggering 331 rushing yards from 42 attempts, he averages a whopping 7.9 yards per carry. Vidal’s performance has been complemented well by Jabre Barber, the Trojans’ wide receiver, who has registered 67 receiving yards and a touchdown from five receptions. If you’re looking for the free reliable NCAAF picks, consider their matchups carefully.
James Madison Dukes vs. Troy Trojans Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jordan McCloud QB vs. Gunnar Watson QB
Jordan McCloud, leading the James Madison Dukes, has been in commendable form this season. Completing 27 of his 42 passing attempts, he’s thrown for 368 yards with a precise 64.3% completion rate. This not only showcases his passing accuracy but also his ability to connect under pressure. His impressive 8.8 yards per attempt, combined with a passer rating of 161.5, hints at McCloud’s potential to tilt the game in the Dukes’ favor. Moreover, avoiding interceptions and showing resilience in the pocket have been his prime strengths.
For the Trojans, Gunnar Watson remains a linchpin. His stats for the season reveal 365 passing yards from 31 completions in 54 attempts. While his 57.4% completion rate might seem slightly subdued compared to McCloud, Watson’s 6.8 yards per attempt and his ability to score, evident from his 5 passing touchdowns, make him a credible threat. Handling pressure situations, however, especially evading sacks, remains a crucial area for improvement, given the 18 sack yards he’s lost.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Troy Trojans -143, Total Odds: 46.5
The betting odds favor the Troy Trojans slightly with a moneyline of -143, while the Dukes stand at +123. The point spread suggests a close game, with the Trojans favored by just 2.5 points. The total is set at 46.5, indicating an expected moderate-scoring contest.
James Madison Dukes Betting Trends
In recent games, the Dukes have faced some challenges covering the spread, being 2-6 ATS in their last 8 matchups. A recurring theme in their games is the scoreboard ticking, with totals going over in 8 of their last 12 games. Their overall straight-up record is strong, having won their last 5 games, and they’ve also been inclined towards high-scoring games on the road and against Sun Belt conference teams.
Troy Trojans Betting Trends
The Trojans have a promising trend against the spread, boasting a 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 outings. They’ve maintained a high-scoring pattern in 5 of their previous 6 games, with totals going over. Moreover, their straight-up record resonates strength, especially at home where they’ve won their last 8 games. The Trojans have also performed commendably ATS against Sun Belt conference opponents.
James Madison Dukes vs. Troy Trojans 9/16/23 Betting Picks
Given the competitive nature of this matchup, both the James Madison Dukes and the Troy Trojans offer intriguing betting opportunities. The Dukes have shown their offensive capability, especially through key players like Kaelon Black and Reggie Brown. However, they’ve struggled in covering the spread in recent games, which could be a point of concern for those considering backing them. On the flip side, Troy’s consistent performance at home and their ability to cover the spread make them a favorable pick, especially when playing at Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. For more insights and potential betting opportunities, you can also explore some reliable sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Troy 27, James Madison 24.