James Madison vs. Louisville Prediction: Dukes Face Cardinals on Friday Night

James Madison-Louisville Keys to Victory

1. JMU’s QB Room
The Dukes didn’t announce a starter ahead of their Week 1 game against Weber State, but sure enough Barnett was back under center to take the first snap. It wasn’t long before transfer Matthew Sluka — who played for coach Bob Chesney at Holy Cross — entered the game. They each passed for and ran for a touchdown in the opener, and it sounds as if James Madison could employ that two-quarterback system again to show the Cardinals some different looks. That trickery could very well work, though Louisville’s defense shut down EKU on the ground and through the air last week. With two capable quarterbacks on the roster, it makes sense for Chesney to utilize every weapon available to him, especially with his squad operating at a talent disadvantage this week.

2. Turnover Battle
No team in the country had a better turnover margin than JMU in 2024. The Dukes forced 29 takeaways (17 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries) and gave the ball back just nine times (five lost fumbles, four picks). They picked up where they left off against Weber State with three interceptions, though James Madison had two turnovers of its own on a Sluka interception and Michael Scott fumble. Louisville had a positive turnover margin (17 takeaways, 11 turnovers) last season but wasn’t nearly as opportunistic or as careful as the Dukes. The Cardinals lost the turnover battle in Week 1 as Moss threw two picks and backup Brady Allen threw another interception while the defense didn’t force any takeaways. JMU’s secondary might make a few plays on Saturday considering Moss has thrown 11 interceptions in his last 10 games.

3. Room to Run
James Madison’s George Pettaway and Louisville’s Isaac Brown are the best running backs in their respective conferences, and they’re sure to be heard from on Friday. It took Pettaway just 10 carries to gain 99 yards in Week 1, and the UNC transfer ran for 87 yards in an upset over his former school last season. Pettaway is the clear lead back, but his rushing production is supplemented by backup Wayne Knight and the quarterbacks, Barnett and Sluka. It will take all of them to find any holes in the Cardinals’ defensive front. Louisville prefers to air the ball out with Moss under center and a loaded receiver room, led by Chris Bell, but Brown cannot be forgotten. He ran for over 1,000 yards as a true freshman and gained 126 on just six carries in Week 1. Brown is likely to break a few big runs against JMU.

Final Score Prediction: Louisville 34, James Madison 20

The Cardinals have too much talent and speed at the skill positions for the Dukes to keep pace. JMU can keep this game tight if it wins the turnover battle and its two-quarterback system has its intended effect. Still, Louisville’s offense won’t be denied, and the Cardinals' defense matches up well with the Dukes.

ATS: James Madison +14.5
O/U: Under 54.5