JMU football (4-1, 0-1 SBC) returns Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. to host Coastal Carolina (4-1, 1-0 SBC) on ESPN2. A win for Coastal Carolina would be a big game for the Sun Belt East standings, as the Chanticleers would have a two-game lead over JMU heading into a head-to-head tiebreaker. If JMU wins, the Dukes will be back in the division championship range.
The Dukes are the betting favorites, as they have been in every Group of 5 game this season. They are 3-2 against the spread this season and 2-1 ATS against the Group of Five. JMU lost to ULM last week as a double-digit championship favorite.
betting odds
Spread: JMU -9.5
Total: 60.5 points
Moneyline: JMU -345, Coastal Carolina +270
Not only are the Dukes favorites for touchdowns, but they have performed very well against the Chanticleers the past two seasons. In 2022, the Dukes defeated Coastal Carolina 47-7 in the final game of the season, earning them the nickname “King of the East.” JMU crushed Coastal again in 2024, winning 56-14 on the road.
This season should be more competitive. The Chanticleers have an explosive offense and their only loss is to a 4-1 UVA team. Coastal Carolina relies heavily on quarterback Ethan Basco, who can throw and pass and does a good job of avoiding taking sacks and throwing interceptions.
Coastal Carolina’s rushing defense is an issue. Last week, the Chanticleers allowed nearly 400 rushing yards to UVA, and ODU topped 200 rushing yards with a 37-point performance. If Coastal Carolina beats JMU, it will likely be a shootout.
Selection and prediction
It’s just over 60 points for this game, but I’d be leaning towards the over. JMU averages a Sun Belt-best 39 points per game while Coastal Carolina averages 38.4 points per game. These two teams are the highest scoring offenses in the SBC.
These offenses also perform best when they make explosive plays. Coastal Carolina ranks fourth nationally this season with eight pass plays of 40 yards or more, while JMU ranks 19th with six passes of 40 yards or more. Each of these teams can move the ball quickly and score quickly. I’m not that bullish on betting on this game, but I’m going to win it, especially with the perfect weather in Harrisonburg on Thursday.
JMU has looked inconsistent all season, so I’m staying away from the spread. If the Dukes are at their best, they can easily cover the 9.5 number, but if they perform below their best, they will incur losses. It’s hard to know what kind of game these teams will play on Thursday, but I think each team will find a way to pad the scoreboard in this short preparation week.
Pick: 60.5 or higher
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
