Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison Prediction and Best Bets – NCAAF Tips for Week 7

A big part of life is about timing, and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers just had bad timing this week. The James Madison Dukes’ playoff hopes may have been dashed by a 21-19 loss at Louisiana-Monroe last week, even though they were three-possession favorites. Now the Dukes will be eliminated with a vengeance.

My predictions for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison will be trusting the realigned Dukes, especially early on. These college football picks don’t so much doubt the Chanticleers as they recognize the realities of timing; James Madison is particularly lively this short week, kicking off on Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction and best bet for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison

My best choice
James Madison first half -5.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at the time of writing may not reflect live odds.

My analysis
There’s little reason not to trust the James Madison Dukes to cover the -9.5 spread for the entire game. The Dukes are the better team and had one of the best offenses in the country until last week’s disappointment.

However, this handicap is based on James Madison recovering from last week’s loss, and that should be apparent to most early on. So if we apply this logic to the first half specifically, we can’t worry about backdoor coverage by the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

A week ago, the Dukes were at about +700 to make the College Football Playoff and looked completely dominant in three of their four wins, with the exception of a nap against Gardner-Webb at the FCS level.

James Madison’s offense seemed primed to continue posting big numbers and permeating the public consciousness. A 13-0 season would at least rival Boise State’s 12-1 performance en route to becoming the fifth conference champion with an automatic berth in the playoffs.

And then the Dukes didn’t show up in Monroe. The penalties cost James Madison 11 for 63 yards, but more importantly, the passing game was hampered. That came as a bit of a surprise considering the Dukes have had success so far with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 54.3 points per game against FBS competition.

That offense should return this week, especially with Coastal Carolina’s defense poised to be exploited on the ground. It’s one of the worst rush defenses in the country, and it’s particularly evident on late downs. Until last week, James Madison was excellent on third and fourth downs.

The Dukes’ playoff hopes will likely be dashed, but if they averaged 50 points the rest of the game and finished 12-1, there would at least be a conversation. That was undoubtedly the topic of conversation in the James Madison locker room this week. If you start with this concentration at kick-off, this bet should be confirmed at half-time.

Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison, Match Game (SGP)

James Madison first half -5.5

James Madison team total in the first half: over 16.5

Alonza Barnett any touchdown

The concept is the same. James Madison’s success begins with its offense. Frankly, the Dukes’ successful offense is making their defense more aggressive.

So James Madison’s early performance should be notable and will always be led by quarterback Alonza Barnett. He scored four touchdowns rushing in the last three games.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison odds

Live odds for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison

Opening odds for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison

• Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison spread: James Madison -9.5
• Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison Moneyline: Carolina Coast +290, James Madison -375
• Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison Over/Under: 59.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison spread and over/under analysis

• The earliest lines on Sunday pegged that number at James Madison -10, before fluctuating between -9.5 and -10 throughout the week.
• The total hit the market at 55.5 and immediately rose to 59.5, then climbed to 62.5 on Monday before returning to 60.5 or 61.5 on Tuesday, depending on your sportsbook.
• This increased total makes the case that Coastal Carolina has exceeded its total in four of five games, and that belief in James Madison’s offensive lull this past weekend is an exception, not a new norm.

Things to know about the Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison betting trend

James Madison has defeated Coastal Carolina each of the last two seasons, 56-14 last year as an 8.5-point favorite and 47-7 two years ago as a 15-point favorite. Find more college football betting trends for Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison.

Information about the Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison game

Coastal Carolina vs. James Madison, recent injuries

Weather on the Carolina Coast vs. James Madison

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