- Game: James Madison Dukes vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles
- Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Location: M. M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, MS
- Broadcast: ESPN2
- Betting Odds: Golden Eagles (+14.5)
- Over/Under Total: 57.5
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The James Madison Dukes (7-2) travel to M. M. Roberts Stadium on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to face the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (3-5). The Golden Eagles are currently 14.5-point underdogs according to Vegas odds. The total betting line stands at 57.5.
Entering this game, the Dukes hold a record of 7-2 this season. In their latest outing, they faced the Troy Trojans and suffered a narrow defeat, finishing 24-21. In that contest, James Madison rushed 42 times for a combined total of 161 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Overall, they executed 77 plays, accumulating 408 yards. Defensively, the Dukes allowed 15 completed passes out of 30 attempts, yielding 179 yards and achieving a completion rate of 50.0%. Against the run, they permitted 170 yards on 45 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per rush.
This season, the Dukes have amassed a total of 4,058 yards. In terms of scoring, they have successfully passed for 23 touchdowns and rushed for 19. However, they have also turned the ball over 11 times. The Dukes have achieved 191 first downs but have also faced 70 penalties, costing them 676 yards. Offensively, they average 202.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 23rd in college football, with an impressive scoring average of 39.1 points per game.
Defensively, James Madison has allowed 2,119 passing yards, placing them 125th nationally. They permit an average of 235.4 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 57.1%. Overall, they give up 352.2 yards per game, ranking 63rd in the nation. The Dukes have allowed 11 passing touchdowns and 7 on the ground, with opponents averaging 3.3 yards per rush and totaling 116.8 rushing yards per game. Over nine games this season, they have conceded a total of 1,051 rushing yards, ranking them 29th for opponent scoring with 18.9 points allowed per game.
The Golden Eagles come into this matchup with a 3-5 record this season. In their last match, they secured a victory over the UL Monroe Warhawks with a score of 35-21. Southern Miss recorded an impressive 5.9 yards per attempt, rushing a total of 249 yards on 42 carries. They ended the game with 379 total yards over 72 plays (5.3 yards per play). Their pass defense allowed a completion rate of 55.9%, conceding 202 yards on 19 completions from 34 attempts, while their run defense faced 44 carries for 157 yards (3.6 yards per carry).
When it comes to scoring, Southern Miss ranks 79th in Division 1, averaging 26.9 points per game. They also average 399.5 total yards per contest, placing them 55th nationally. However, they have accumulated 492 penalty yards from 54 infractions, ranking 65th in D-1 for penalties. The Golden Eagles have thrown 9 interceptions while allowing 2 fumbles, achieving 167 first downs. So far this season, they have recorded 1,859 passing yards, averaging 232.4 yards per game, which ranks 64th in the nation. Their ground game averages 167.1 yards per game, totaling 1,337 rushing yards for the season.
On the defensive end, Southern Miss has allowed 1,787 rushing yards (223.4 yards per game) and 16 rushing touchdowns this season. They also surrendered 12 touchdowns through the air and average 209.0 yards surrendered per game, ranking them 66th overall. Overall, they have conceded 248 total points this year. The Golden Eagles’ defense has forced 4 fumbles and made 6 interceptions. They have participated in 606 plays, ranking 132nd in Division 1. Southern Miss allows an average of 31.0 points per game, placing them 118th in college football.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s clash between the Dukes and Golden Eagles against the spread?
Prediction: Take the Dukes -14.5
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