Conference play is the theme of Week 7 of the 2022 NCAA college football season. The Sun Belt has some intriguing matchups slated for Saturday, including a showdown between the No. 25 James Madison Dukes and Georgia Southern Eagles.
James Madison has been rolling along this season, entering Week 7 with a perfect 5-0 record. Meanwhile, Georgia Southern has last three of its last four outings, desperately needing something to help turn the season around. So which Sun Belt school will come out on top?
James Madison vs Georgia Southern Odds
According to FanDuel Sportsbook's'college football odds, James Madison is a clear -500 favorite on the moneyline (13.5-point spread) in a game with a 67.5-point over/under.
What should college football fans expect in this matchup, and where can bettors find value?
James Madison vs Georgia Southern Prediction and Best Bet
James Madison's offense has been clicking like few others have this season. The Dukes are averaging 39.5 points per game (14th-best in the nation), which could be bad news for a Georgia Southern squad that's given up at least 34 points in four of its last five matchups.
I expect that James Madison will be in control of the majority of the game due to a relentless ground attack that averages 210 rushing yards per game (T-No. 18). In fact, the Dukes' backfield just combined for 204 rushing yards and a pair of TDs on 43 carries in their last outing.
Meanwhile, Georgia Southern can't stop t he run whatsoever. The Eagles give up 5.7 rushing yards per carry (No. 125) and 237.6 yards on the ground per game (No. 126). Once James Madison gets the run game going, it won't take long for this game to get out of reach.
Throw in the fact that Georgia Southern is 0-2 against the Sun Belt this season and it's easy to back the Dukes winning on the road. I'll take James Madison at -13.5 on the spread as the best bet here.