The Georgia Southern Eagles take on the James Madison Dukes in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
James Madison is favored by 17.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -850. The total is set at 57.5 points.
Here’s my Georgia Southern vs. James Madison prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Georgia Southern vs James Madison Prediction
- Georgia Southern vs. James Madison Pick: Over 57.5 (Play to 59.5)
My James Madison vs. Georgia Southern best bet is on the Over. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Georgia Southern vs James Madison Odds
| GA Southern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17.5 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | +575 |
| JMU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17.5 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | -850 |
- GA Southern vs JMU point spread: James Madison -17.5 (-110), Georgia Southern +17.5 (-110)
- GA Southern vs JMU over/under: 57.5 (-110o / -110u)
- GA Southern vs JMU moneyline: Georgia Southern +575, James Madison -850
Georgia Southern vs James Madison Preview
Georgia Southern Eagles Betting Preview
Georgia Southern enters Week 5 off back-to-back victories over Jacksonville State and Maine.
The Eagles posted their highest single-game offensive output of the season last week, amassing 516 total yards at 6.7 yards per play en route to 45 points against the Black Bears.
Running back OJ Arnold has been excellent, popping off for 213 yards at 7.3 yards per carry during this two-game winning streak.
Quarterback JC French has played well, but James Madison will be the most formidable opponent to date.
James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The Dukes enter Week 5 off a convincing 31-13 road victory over Liberty last week.
While James Madison didn’t pull away until late, the Dukes outgained the Flames 440 to 233 total yards. The Dukes locked down defensively in the second half, as Liberty managed only two first downs across its final four possessions, completing seven passes while converting three of 14 third downs.
James Madison got its rushing attack going, amassing 227 yards and three scores.
Georgia Southern vs James Madison Pick, Betting Analysis
We should see fireworks in this game, and I’m playing the Over.
Georgia Southern has played in shootouts all season long because it can’t stop the run. Against FBS competition, the Eagles are allowing 291 rushing yards per game at 6.7 yards per carry. They rank dead last nationally in EPA per Rush allowed and Rush Success Rate allowed.
Georgia Southern’s weak rush defense will likely be a considerable problem against James Madison’s ground attack.
The Dukes have three capable backs in Wayne Knight, George Pettaway and Ayo Adeyi, as all three are averaging over five yards per touch. James Madison often lines up in heavy personnel, deploying unique offensive looks to push the numbers in its favor.
While the Dukes don’t operate at a fast pace, they’ll move the ball quickly with explosive rushing plays.
James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett has been efficient through the air, completing 64% of his throws. If Georgia Southern is forced to bring an extra defender into the box, Barnett should burn the Eagles over the top.
While the Dukes’ passing attack hasn’t been overly explosive, I expect their receivers to create separation downfield on vertical passing attempts off play-action.
Meanwhile, Georgia Southern ranks 35th nationally in tempo, and the Eagles should go pass-heavy in this game, especially if they’re trailing in the second half.
While James Madison’s defensive metrics look good overall, it has recently played two inept passing offenses (Weber State, Liberty). And despite the schedule, the Dukes still rank 110th nationally in Pass Explosiveness allowed.
Georgia Southern torched James Madison’s defense last season in a 28-14 victory. The Eagles amassed 400 total yards and controlled the game despite losing the turnover battle 4-0. Thus, this is a good revenge spot for the Dukes, who turned it over on downs three times inside the Georgia Southern 40-yard line.
In this year’s edition, I expect the Dukes to execute against a Georgia Southern defense that ranks 129th nationally in Defensive Finishing Drives — the Eagles’ defense has allowed scores on 17 of 19 red-zone possessions.
I suspect James Madison’s offense to score early and often, while Georgia Southern runs an up-tempo pass-happy attack in a trailing game script.
Pick: Over 57.5 (Play to 59.5)
