College football kicks into full gear this week.
After a nice Week 0 appetizer, we finally have a full Week 1 slate from Thursday through Monday to give us everything we've been waiting for.
Action Network senior writer Collin Wilson is ready to get started, and he came through with a pick for the "Battle of the Blue Ridge" between Liberty and James Madison on Saturday.
Let's dive into Wilson's college football picks and NCAAF predictions for Liberty vs. James Madison State in Week 1 below.
Liberty vs James Madison Odds
| Liberty Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -104 | 52.5 -115o / -105u | +220 |
| James Madison Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -118 | 52.5 -115o / -105u | -275 |
Nine and a half months ago, James Madison walked into Lynchburg as an 8.5-point favorite, trailing Liberty, 13-10, midway through the third quarter before scoring 21 unanswered.
The Dukes ended up taking the inaugural Battle of the Blue Ridge, 31-13, while outgaining the Flames 440-233. Now, a rematch comes to Harrisonburg during Week 1.
James Madison has a two-man quarterback race between JC Evans and Camden Coleman, with Evans being described as generational. Neither signal-caller has experience, but the Dukes project to have one of the best offensive lines in the Sun Belt.
The balanced play-calling from offensive coordinator Cam Aiken will benefit both quarterbacks, but Liberty's defense has areas that can be attacked.
Liberty's quarterback situation has less clarity after head coach Jamey Chadwell moved the fifth-string signal-caller to tight end.
Deshawn Purdie, Jaylen Henderson, Ethan Vasko and Jachin Davis are all expected to see playing time despite Chadwell’s comments saying that he's looking for more consistency and execution.
The Liberty secondary remains without answers at cornerback, but two safeties from the transfer portal will start in Georgia State’s D-Icey Hopkins and Ball State’s Ashton Whitner.
The defense has many unresolved issues after a poor showing away from home last season. The Flames ended the year with a 1-5 record on the road, giving up 318 points in those six contests.
Pick: James Madison -7 or Better
