Louisville vs James Madison Prediction: Will the Dukes Beat Another ACC Team?

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 1:28 AM ET

James Madison gave up 50 to North Carolina in Week 3 of last season. The Dukes put up 70. In Week 2 of the 2023 season at Virginia, they pulled off a 36-35 win.

It only seems like the program has been around the FBS world for a gajillion years, but it’s only been three seasons, and it won the last two years against the power programs on the schedule.

But over those three years, it’s 2-1 against ACC. The only loss to a power program came 34-10 against Louisville in 2022.

The Cardinals did what they were supposed to do in a 51-17 win over Eastern Kentucky, with most of the Colonel points coming in the fourth quarter. There’s this, and then Eddie George’s Bowling Green team, and then the ACC season starts against Pitt.

James Madison powered through Weber State without a problem in a 45-10 Week 1 win.

Louisville vs James Madison Preview: The Cardinals Can’t Take This Lightly

Louisville vs James Madison How To Watch

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, KY
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Why James Madison Will Win

Beating up Weber State isn’t any big deal, but James Madison was brilliant from jump on the ground. The line blasted away, the gashing runs were there, and quarterback Alonza Barnett took advantage with the midrange throws.

But it’s James Madison. The defense sets the tone.

It didn’t bring a whole lot of pressure against the Wildcats, but the parts are there to do it. As good as Louisville is this season, and as strong as it looked against Eastern Kentucky, the offensive front is going to need a little time with so many new parts in the mix. But …

Why Louisville Will Win

The Cardinal O line will be just fine.

Last year’s Cardinal front was fantastic in pass protection. USC transfer quarterback Miller Moss wasn’t breathed on in the opener, he was terrific, and the offense should be able to move however it wants to as the game goes on.

The James Madison offensive line isn’t all that deep. The front five is good, but Louisville will dial up the defensive attack a bit more in this. However …

Louisville Will Get By, But It Won’t Be Smooth

James Madison will play a great 40 minutes. It’ll look and play like it has something to prove, the stage and moment won’t be too big, and Louisville will be in a dog fight.

And then the Cardinal pass rush will settle in, the ground game will start to control the clock just a wee bit, and the ACC team will survive the challenge.

Louisville vs James Madison Prediction, Betting Lines

Louisville 38, James Madison 23
Line: Louisville -14.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3

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.

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

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