- Matchup: Marshall Thundering Herd vs James Madison Dukes
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA
- Broadcast: ESPNU
- Betting Odds: Dukes favored by 18.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 54.5
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The James Madison Dukes (4-0) aim to secure a victory against the Marshall Thundering Herd (3-1) at Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Thundering Herd enter the game as 18.5-point underdogs, with the total set at 54.5 points.
The Marshall Thundering Herd arrive at this game with a 3-1 overall record this season. In their latest outing, they triumphed over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs with a close score of 36-35. During that contest, they executed 75 plays, accumulating a total of 569 yards. On the ground, they attempted 35 runs, gaining 156 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Defensively, the Thundering Herd allowed 160 rushing yards on 27 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per rush. Through the air, they permitted 22 completions out of 33 attempts for 298 yards, resulting in a 66.7% completion rate.
In terms of scoring, the Marshall Thundering Herd average 23.5 points per game. They rank 90th in the nation with an average of 149.0 rushing yards. For the season, they have totaled 1,490 yards and secured 5 touchdowns through the air alongside 6 rushing touchdowns. They’ve recorded 82 first downs and incurred 25 penalties amounting to 245 yards, with a total of 6 turnovers.
On defense, the Thundering Herd have conceded 1,185 passing yards, placing them 137th in Division 1. They permit an average of 296.3 passing yards per game and hold a completion percentage against of 64.1%. Overall, they allow 450.8 yards per game, ranking 134th in Division 1. Opponents have scored 12 passing TDs and 3 rushing TDs against them, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 154.5 rushing yards per game, totaling 618 rushing yards surrendered over 4 contests. The Thundering Herd’s defense allows an average of 32.5 points per game, placing them 125th in D-1.
The Dukes are coming in strong with a perfect record of 4-0 this season. In their most recent game, they crushed the Old Dominion Monarchs with a score of 46-20. They finished that game with 405 offensive yards on 79 plays, averaging 5.1 yards per play. James Madison’s rushing attack averaged 4.4 yards per carry, achieving 162 yards from 37 attempts, while their defense held opponents to -14 rushing yards on 28 attempts. The Dukes’ secondary gave up a completion rate of 50.0%, allowing 261 yards on 20 completions out of 40 attempts.
The James Madison Dukes boast an impressive average of 425.3 yards per game, ranking 53rd nationally. Their offense has committed 300 yards in penalties over 28 infractions, landing them 52nd in the nation in assisting opposing teams. They average 199.3 rushing yards per game, totaling 797 yards for the season. The Dukes have thrown 1 interception and allowed 2 fumbles to be recovered by opponents, while also achieving 83 first downs. Offensively, they are 7th in college football in points scored, averaging 44.8 points per game. They currently have 904 passing yards, averaging 226.0 yards per game, placing them 75th nationally.
Defensively, James Madison has allowed a total of 355 rushing yards (88.8 yards/game) and 2 rushing touchdowns. They have also given up 3 passing touchdowns and 204.5 yards per game, ranking 68th nationally. In total, they’ve conceded 49 points this season, while securing 3 fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Dukes’ defense has been on the field for 277 plays, ranking 106th in Division 1, allowing only 12.3 points per game, putting them 11th nationally.
Who will emerge victorious in this thrilling Thundering Herd vs. Dukes college football matchup?
Prediction: Back the Thundering Herd +18.5
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
