James Madison vs Texas State Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 11:15 AM ET

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

Back at the beginning of the season, this seemed like a possible Sun Belt Championship preview, but a funny thing happened along the way.

Texas State started losing.

It’s been an insane run of tight games and overtime losses, going 0-3 in the Sun Belt with all three decided by one score. It dropped a date to Arkansas State by one, lost to Troy in overtime, and lost last week to Marshall in double overtime.

But it’s still one of the best and most dangerous teams in the Sun Belt. At 3-4, though, it’s just trying to get to six wins and a bowl.

On the flip side, James Madison has found its groove, winning five straight, including all four Sun Belt dates. It’s rolling towards the Sun Belt East title, but it has to deal with three road games in the final five dates.

James Madison vs Texas State Preview: Can the Bobcats turn their season around?

How To Watch James Madison vs Texas State

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: UFCU Stadium, San Marcos, TX

Why James Madison Will Win

It might not be the James Madison of the Curt Cignetti era, but head coach Bob Chesney has his defense thumping, the offense moving, and both sides of the ball dominating on third downs.

The run defense has been a brick wall, not allowing more than 76 yards or any scores in any of the last four games - not even Louisville got to four yards per carry in the lone JMU loss this year.

There’s no need to take too many chances. Keep pounding away on a Texas State running game that’s about to get hit hard, assume there won’t be a lot of takeaways, and …

Why Texas State Will Win

Texas State might get James Madison into a shootout.

The problem for the Bobcats is a defense that simply can’t find ways to take the ball away or come up with key stops.

It has just two forced turnovers on the year, but the pass rush is terrific, and all it takes is just a little bit of an opening, and the offense will take care of the rest.

James Madison might know how to play some D, but it’s been thrown on over the last few games as teams stay away from the run and open it up more. But …

James Madison vs Texas State Prediction, Betting Lines

Texas State doesn’t win the mistake battle.

It’s having an impossible time with penalties lately, and turnovers were a killer in the loss to Marshall.

James Madison is hot-and-cold on turnover margin, but it’ll take away anything the Bobcats try to do on the ground, and the No. 2 team in America will control the time of possession throughout a fun game.

James Madison 34, Texas State 27
Line: James Madison -6.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3.5

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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