Billy Napier takes unbeaten James Madison to a sold-out Kidd Brewer Stadium, where App State has finally revived their running game and has all the necessary ballyhoo for college football’s Thursday night primetime game. Dowell Loggains’ Mountaineers erased a ten-point halftime deficit at Coastal Carolina last week and won. Tonight’s Family Weekend meeting gives both coaches a chance to expand their efficient quarterback rotations, although Malachi Singleton’s ankle complicates App State’s upset plans. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers and the James Madison Dukes.
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Appalachian State vs. JMU prediction, preview
Henry Hasselbeck looks every bit in control in Conway, and was the tip of the spear for App State’s quarterback rotation with Singleton injured. He ran for 125 yards on 21 carries, completed nine of 12 throws for 112 yards and steered second-half touchdown drives of 74 and 69 yards. Jaquari Lewis scored four rushing touchdowns behind blockers who finally opened substantial holes. Singleton had already completed 12 of 14 passes for 151 yards before he left the game; across six appearances, he’s averaged a healthy 8.5 yards per attempt. His passing and Hasselbeck’s running, when they sub him in, give App State distinct ways to sustain possessions, and we’ve seen that play out this season plenty of times already.
JMU should make those longer runs harder. The Dukes’ defense has conceded just 3.3 yards per carry through seven games. Georgia State rushed for 188 yards against the Dukes last week, too; App State has grounds to challenge that front. Lewis’s four touchdowns for App State last week came against a Coastal which defense offered little resistance. Hasselbeck also found receiver Sam Pickett III for a 31-yard touchdown, though, so the explosive play through the air is altogether live. App State converted eight of 14 third downs, markedly improving on their 35% season rate. Singleton’s involvement would strengthen the passing game when JMU’s front squeezes Lewis.
Dukes star George Pettaway can punish the Mountaineers’ depleted defensive line. Aiden Benton and Jordan Harris are out, and Pettaway has ripped off four consecutive 100-yard games, averaging 7.0 yards across his 109 season carries. Napier can work through him, then send Camden Coleman after a secondary that just conceded three touchdown passes to Coastal’s Deuce Bailey. App State never sacked Bailey. JMU right tackle Deacon Rawls remains questionable, however, with reserve lineman Frankie Tinilau doubtful; another absence would make the Dukes’ blocking fairly untenable on this short turnaround travel week.
JMU vs. Appalachian State pick, best bet
Napier can still attack downfield with either of his quarterbacks, seemingly at will. JC Evans connected with tight end Cole Keller for a 41-yard gain against Georgia State and rushed for two touchdowns. JMU completed touchdown drives of 75, 61 and 69 yards before halftime. Their 49 points also benefited from Michael Scott’s 76-yard kickoff return and a recovered onside kick. App State has allowed 3.7 yards per carry this season and held Coastal scoreless for most of the second half. I doubt we see as much obdurate stoutness from this unit this week, since it feels like a bit of a letdown spot. But, should they carry the momentum, JMU might sputter on some drives.
The Mountaineers also have an extra preparation day after playing Friday; JMU played Saturday. Their best route to a close fourth quarter runs through Singleton’s throws and Hasselbeck’s added rushing threat, extending possessions and reducing Pettaway’s opportunities. I expect JMU to win, but App State can reach the end zone often enough to cover eleven and a half. I’m more comfortable with the number if Singleton plays.
Best bet: App State +11.5 (-115) – somewhat contingent on Singleton’s availability
Projected score: James Madison 34, App State 27.
Best Bet: App State +11.5 (-115) vs. JMU
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