Louisville hosts James Madison on Friday night at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kickoff is 7:00 PM ET. Both teams are 1-0 to start the season.
The books list Louisville as a -14.5 favorite with a total of 55.5. The moneyline is Louisville -600 and James Madison +425. This is a good non-conference test for both sides.
Louisville Preview – Aiming to Start 2-0
Louisville is 1-0 at home and looks to back it up with another win. The Cardinals have hit the full game Over in 9 of their last 13 games. They have also hit the first-half Over in 5 of their last 6 at home.
Early starts have been strong. Louisville has covered the first-quarter spread in three straight games and has won the first-quarter moneyline in three straight. That speaks to fast scripts and early leads.
Discipline and health look fine. Louisville had 8 penalties for 51 yards last game, which is near average. The only injury note listed is TE N. Kurisky (hand), who is questionable as of Aug 30.
James Madison Preview – Run Game Leads the Way
James Madison opened with a 45-10 win. The Dukes ran for 313 yards on 44 rushes, good for 7.1 yards per carry. That run focus set the tone and took pressure off the pass game.
At quarterback, A. Barnett III went 14-of-22 for 130 yards with 1 TD and 0 INT in the opener. JMU’s recent passing average sits at 178.2 yards per game with 6.7 yards per attempt and a 9-to-3 TD/INT line in recent logs.
Trends are mixed. JMU has hit the game total Under in 8 of their last 13. They have done well in early spots, hitting the first-quarter moneyline in three straight, but they have only one road moneyline win in their last four away games.
Betting Prediction
The spread sits at Louisville -14.5 and the total at 55.5. Louisville’s early-game trends point to a quick start. JMU’s run strength meets an ACC roster on the road. The Dukes’ ground game is real, but the step up is notable, and their away results have been shaky on the moneyline.
Louisville has been an Over team of late, but JMU’s full game Under trend and run-first style can slow snaps and bleed clock. The safer edge rests with the side. Pick Louisville to control field position, score in each half, and keep JMU at arm’s length. Predicted score: Louisville 35, James Madison 17.
Pick: Louisville -14.5
