UConn Huskies (1-8) vs James Madison Dukes (9-0)
UConn Huskies vs James Madison Dukes 11/11/23 – In the fascinating world of college football, where every game writes its own unique narrative, the upcoming NCAAF Week 11 presents us with an intriguing David vs. Goliath scenario. The underdog UConn Huskies, with a 1-8 record, face off against the undefeated James Madison Dukes on their home turf. For fans and bettors looking for NCAAF expert picks, this game will test the prediction models as the Dukes seek to defend their perfect record while the Huskies aim for an upset.
The Huskies come into this game as considerable underdogs, not just on paper, but on the field, as reflected in their struggling season performance. The bright spots for UConn include running back Victor Rosa, who has consistently pushed the envelope, averaging 4.8 yards per rush attempt, amassing 401 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. His agility and vision will be vital if the Huskies are to find any cracks in the Dukes’ defense. Wide receiver Justin Joly is another key player for UConn, with his 34 receptions for 408 receiving yards. His ability to stretch the field and make crucial catches could offer the Huskies some hope in an otherwise daunting outing.
On the other side, the James Madison Dukes come in riding high on confidence. They boast a flawless 9-0 record and an offensive juggernaut led by running back Kaelon Black. His 493 rushing yards this season have been a cornerstone of the Dukes’ ground game. Wide receiver Reggie Brown is a significant threat too, having racked up 701 receiving yards at an impressive 19.5 yards per reception, finding the end zone six times. His explosive playmaking ability and knack for big plays have been instrumental in James Madison’s dominant run this season.
UConn Huskies vs James Madison Dukes 11/11/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ta’Quan Roberson QB vs. Jordan McCloud QB
Ta’Quan Roberson, the quarterback for the Huskies, has had a turbulent season. With 139 completions on 239 passing attempts, 1493 passing yards, and a 58.2 completion percentage, Roberson’s performance has been a mixed bag. Despite his respectable yards per attempt and a 117.5 passer rating, his 8 touchdowns to 5 interceptions ratio underscores the struggles UConn has faced. Roberson’s resilience under pressure and ability to escape the rush, mitigating the impact of the 47 sack yards lost, will be critical against the formidable Dukes’ defense.
In contrast, Jordan McCloud of the Dukes has been nothing short of sensational, boasting a 67.2 completion percentage and a stellar 164.7 passer rating. With 2343 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a more favorable touchdown-to-interception ratio, McCloud’s command of the offense and his efficiency have been pivotal. McCloud’s pocket presence and decision-making will be crucial as he faces a Huskies defense that will be desperate to make a statement.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: James Madison Dukes -4000, Total Odds: 48.5
The betting odds are heavily skewed in favor of the James Madison Dukes, and for good reason. The -4000 moneyline on the Dukes reflects their dominant season, while the +1400 on the Huskies suggests that oddsmakers see their chances as slim, considering their performance. The 48.5 point total is a benchmark that will have bettors contemplating the Dukes’ offensive potency against the Huskies’ defensive vulnerabilities.
UConn Huskies Betting Trends
The betting trends for the Huskies reflect their struggles throughout the season. Their record of going OVER in 4 of their last 6 games indicates a defense that can be exploited, coupled with an offense that’s managing to put some points on the board. Their 1-10 SU in their last 11 games tells a tale of recurring shortcomings in turning performances into wins. On the road, they’ve been especially hard-hit, with a 2-15 SU record in their last 17 games away from home.
James Madison Dukes Betting Trends
The Dukes’ betting trends underscore their strength this season, with a 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games, suggesting they often outperform betting expectations. Their ability to maintain a perfect record both SU in their last 10 games, and particularly at home with a 6-0 SU, demonstrates their prowess on familiar turf. November seems to be a strong month for them historically, with a 6-1 SU in their last 7 games played during this time.
UConn Huskies vs. James Madison Dukes 11/11/23 Betting Picks
As we dissect the statistics, trends, and key players, the data leans heavily in favor of the James Madison Dukes maintaining their winning ways. While the Huskies have shown sparks of potential, particularly in their rushing offense, it may not be enough to overcome the Dukes’ well-rounded and explosive team.
The better pick here seems to be with the Dukes, despite the large spread. Bettors may also look at the over/under with interest, given both teams’ trends to hit the OVER in recent games. The winning picks premium, however, would be to back the Dukes to cover the spread, given their ATS trends and the Huskies’ poor record on the road.
Free Pick and Prediction: James Madison Dukes 38, UConn Huskies 10