The Washington State Cougars take on the JMU Dukes in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST on ESPN+.
JMU is favored by 13.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -575. The total is set at 42.5 points.
Here’s my Washington State vs. JMU prediction and college football picks for Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Washington State vs JMU Prediction
- Washington State vs. JMU Pick: James Madison -13.5 or Better
My JMU vs. Washington State best bet is on the Dukes to cover. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Washington State vs JMU Odds
| Washington St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13.5 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
| JMU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13.5 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | -575 |
- Washington State vs JMU point spread: JMU -13.5 (-110), Washington State +13.5 (-110)
- Washington State vs JMU over/under: 42.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Washington State vs JMU moneyline: Washington State +425, JMU -575
Washington State vs JMU Preview
This late in the season, the market is usually pretty efficient in its power ratings.
As a result, I spend most of my time looking for small edges in terms of matchups, injuries, and spots.
From a pure numbers perspective, I do project this spread at a touch over two touchdowns, so I am fine with laying 13.5 on the surface.
However, other factors are at play that might make James Madison a bit more valuable in this spot, including the not-so-easy coast-to-coast travel from Pullman to Harrisonburg for the Cougars.
After South Florida's loss last week, JMU finds itself squarely in the discussion for a potential College Football Playoff berth. As a result, the Dukes know they must impress the committee as much as possible, especially considering their very underwhelming conference schedule.
We saw that last week against App State when JMU continued to run no-huddle throughout the fourth quarter, even with a 44-3 lead in a game it eventually won 58-10.
Keep in mind that even when JMU pulls starting quarterback Alonza Barnett, it still has a quality option in former UNLV starter Matthew Sluka. If JMU does pull its starters, it will probably be in good shape to win by at least two touchdowns.
Additionally, I do believe Washington State has a bit of an over-inflated power rating after benefiting from several dream scheduling spots throughout the season. For example, Toledo and Louisiana Tech (with a third-string quarterback) never even got off the bus for brutal travel spots in the middle of conference play. And Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin openly admitted he didn't even prepare for the Cougars in a very sleepy scheduling spot.
Lastly, this sets up as a pretty favorable matchup for James Madison on paper.
The Washington State offense is limited, especially against defenses that can exploit its very vulnerable offensive line. On the season, the Cougars rank in the bottom-20 nationally in pressure rate allowed.
Meanwhile, JMU's defense sits in the top-10 in that department.
I'm just not sure how Washington State will sustain any drives. The Cougars may hit a few explosives (which JMU will allow), but it's hard to envision them moving the chains consistently or finishing drives with touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, Washington State does have a feisty defense that excels at limiting explosive plays. However, the Cougars really struggle to contain opposing ground games on a down-to-down basis, which could spell doom against the Dukes, who should have a much easier time sustaining drives from start to finish.
Plus, Barnett has really found his groove of late, as I believe he wasn't fully healthy in the first half of the season.
- First five games: 68-for-116 (58.6%), 667 yards (5.75 ypa), 31 rushes for 85 yards (2.7 ypc)
- Past five games: 91-for-142 (64.1%), 1,422 yards (10.0 ypa), 55 rushes for 311 yards (5.6 ypc)
Admittedly, I usually don't love laying double digits with such a low total between two slow-paced squads, especially when the underdog has played a much more difficult schedule.
However, given the spot, the matchup, and JMU's incentive to maximize the margin, I believe the Dukes are worth a bet.
Pick: James Madison -13.5 or Better
