- Game Preview: Troy Trojans vs James Madison Dukes
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA
- Broadcast: ESPN2
- Betting Odds: Dukes favored by 21.5 points
- Total Points Line: 50.5
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The James Madison Dukes (7-1) face off against the Troy Trojans (3-4) at Bridgeforth Stadium on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Dukes enter this matchup as 21.5-point favorites according to the latest betting lines, with the total set at 50.5 points.
The Troy Trojans come into this game with a season record of 3-4. In their previous outing, they battled the UL Monroe Warhawks but were defeated 21-14. The Trojans rushed the ball 47 times, accumulating 153 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Throughout the game, they executed 65 plays for a total of 200 yards. Defensively, Troy allowed 17 completions on 31 pass attempts, yielding 149 passing yards at a completion percentage of 54.8%. Against the run, they gave up 94 yards over 30 carries, averaging 3.1 yards per rush.
This season, the Trojans have gained a total of 2,616 yards. When it comes to scoring, Troy has found the end zone 10 times through the air and 10 times on the ground. However, they’ve turned the ball over 9 times. The team has achieved 138 first downs and has been penalized 48 times for a total of 502 yards. The Trojans average 197.3 rushing yards per game, ranking them 28th nationally, and they score an average of 22.9 points per game.
Defensively, Troy ranks 76th in the nation for points allowed, conceding an average of 24.9 points per game. They permit opponents to rush for an average of 4.0 yards per carry, accumulating 129.4 rushing yards per game this season, totaling 906 rushing yards over 7 games. In terms of pass defense, the Trojans have surrendered 1,438 yards, yielding a ranking of 47th in Division 1. They allow an average of 205.4 passing yards per game at a completion rate of 60.5%. Overall, their defense allows an average of 334.9 yards per contest, ranking 50th in the country, with 13 passing touchdowns and 8 rushing touchdowns allowed.
The Dukes enter this contest with a strong record of 7-1. In their last game, they suffered a narrow defeat, falling 34-31 to the Appalachian State Mountaineers. James Madison allowed 31 rushing attempts totaling 81 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. In pass defense, they conceded a completion rate of 65.9%, yielding 285 yards on 29 completions from 44 attempts. On offense, the Dukes gained a total of 423 yards over 76 plays, averaging 5.6 yards per play, and rushed for 92 yards on 30 carries, averaging 3.1 yards per carry.
James Madison’s offense averages a remarkable 456.3 yards per game, ranking 18th in the nation. Their offense has incurred 605 penalty yards through 60 infractions, placing them 20th for penalties given. They average 207.3 rushing yards per game, having rushed for a total of 1,658 yards. Overall, they have thrown 2 interceptions and lost 4 fumbles, while achieving 174 first downs. The Dukes rank 5th in Division 1 in scoring, averaging 41.4 points per game. They have accumulated 1,992 passing yards with a per-game average of 249.0, ranking them 44th in Division 1.
Defensively, James Madison has allowed 881 rushing yards this season (110.1 yards per game) and has given up 5 rushing touchdowns. They’ve let in 11 passing touchdowns while allowing 242.5 yards per game through the air, ranking 112th in Division 1. For this season, they’ve given up a total of 146 points, capturing 5 fumbles and 7 interceptions. The Dukes have participated in 564 defensive plays, which ranks them 133rd nationally, and allow an average of 18.3 points per game, placing them 25th in the country.
Who will triumph in this thrilling Trojans vs. Dukes college football showdown against the spread?
Expert Prediction: Bet on the Dukes -21.5
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