The James Madison Dukes (6-1) are on a roll and have the second-best defense in college football right now. They will be in action on Tuesday, as they take on the Texas State Bobcats (3-4), which has one of the best running games in the country. Which team will prevail, as the Dukes seek to get a shot at the College Football Playoffs.
James Madison vs. Texas State: Key Players to Watch
While James Madison is known more for their defense, quarterback Alonza Barnett III has also been solid with 1,252 passing yards on 181 attempts and 11 completions already. They also have a good rushing game, led by running back Wayne Knight, who already has five touch downs on 611 rushing yards with 93 carries. He averages 6.6 yards per carry this season.
However, their defense is usually what fans should look out for, as linebacker Trent Hendrick leads the team in tackles with 48, and also with sacks at three. For interceptions, Justin Eaglin has been very effective with two.
For the Texas State Bobcats, it is all about their running game, but that does not mean that their passing game is bad, especially as quarterback Brad Jackson already has 1,786 passing yards on 188 attempts, with 131 completions. Wide receiver Beau Sparks has also been good with 674 receiving yards on 47 receptions.
For their rushing game, Lincoln Pare and QB Brad Jackson have been very good this season, With Pare having nine touchdowns on 608 rushing yards, with 118 carries, while Jackson has 90 carries on 284 rushing yards, getting eight touchdowns.
Odds and Betting Lines for James Madison vs. Texas State
So far, the Dukes have only lost to one team, and that is No. 16-ranked Louisville, while the Bobcats, while having one of the best rushing offenses in college football, have been struggling to win.
With that, Fox Sports has James Madison as the -6.5 (-118) favorites with a moneyline of -265 (o-110) on a total of 55,5. Meanwhile, Texas State has a moneyline of +215 (u-110) for the total of 55.5 coming into Tuesday’s big game.
James Madison vs. Texas State Predictions
James Madison is simply the better team here, especially on the defensive end. This may not even be close, with the highly-favored Dukes being predicted to win big. However, Texas State still has a chance, with that No. 10 rushing game possibly being able to break through that No. 2 defense, but the odds are in the favor of James Madison.
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