UConn ATS Pick vs Favored James Madison
James Madison may not get a chance to play in a bowl game, but it has been one of the best college football teams this season. The 21st-ranked Dukes try to remain unbeaten when they host struggling Connecticut on Saturday.
Coach Curt Cignetti’s team is in its second year of a transition from FCS to FBS, making James Madison ineligible for a bowl game unless there are not enough 6-6 teams to fill the spots. The Dukes just keep winning with 12 straight – the fourth-longest streak in FBS.
James Madison beat Virginia 36-35 early in the season and is coming off a 42-14 triumph against Georgia State. The Dukes suffered a big loss in that game, though, as defensive lineman Jalen Green sustained a season-ending knee injury. Green leads the nation with 15½ sacks.
UConn came on strong at the end of coach Jim Mora Jr.’s first season in 2022 to qualify for a bowl game, but have not been able to match that success in 2023.
The Huskies have given North Carolina State (24-14) and Boston College (21-14) trouble and dropped a 34-33 decision to Utah State. If it can handle the road atmosphere, UConn may not be a bad bet ATS at the sportsbook.
UConn Quite Competitive ATS Of Late
UConn has taken some steps back this season, but its loyal bettors have not been left out in the cold – especially in the last five games.
The Huskies are 4-5 ATS on the season, including 3-2 in the past five contests They were a 14½-point underdog at Boston College and were in with a chance to win late. UConn was a 10-point underdog in its lone win (38-31) at Rice on Oct. 7.
That could make UConn one of the college football hot picks for today, but the Huskies will have to get big performances from quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson (eight touchdown passes, five interceptions) and find a way to grind out rushing yards against a tough JMU front.
Tight end Justin Joly produced a strong performance in the 59-3 loss at Tennessee last week, hauling in eight passes for 89 yards. The sophomore leads the team with 408 receiving yards.
The under is 5-4, according to college football lines, in UConn games this season – 2-4 in the past six.
JMU Moneyline Bettors Should Cash
The loss of Green in the middle of the defense will definitely hurt, but the Dukes have a lot of talent on that side of the ball.
James Madison leads the nation is rushing defense (59.7 yards), sacks per game (4.56) and tackles for loss per contest (10.20), but they also have 11 interceptions
LATEST: James Madison defensive end Jalen Green, who leads all of #CollegeFootball in sacks, is out for the season after suffering an injury against Georgia State. @CamMellor with more:https://t.co/4PP1JFBuCF pic.twitter.com/XuYGjjbYAY
— College Football Network (@CFN365) November 6, 2023
Expect the Dukes to still be tough on defense and lean just a little more on the offense, led by quarterback Jordan McCloud. The senior, playing for his third team, had three TD passes and one rushing score in a 48-22 win over UConn while with South Florida in 2019.
Leading rusher Kaelon Black (493 yards) is questionable with an undisclosed injury, but Ty Son Lawton (441) could step up. Reggie Brown (36 catches, 701 yards, six TDs) and Elijah Sarratt (47, 681, four) are McCloud’s top targets
UConn vs James Madison Head-to-Head
This is the sixth meeting, but the first since 1999.
James Madison won the last four matchups and is 3-0 at home versus the Huskies. UConn won the first meeting in 1993.
UConn vs James Madison Betting Lines
UConn vs James Madison Game Weather Conditions
The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the 50s for game time.
UConn vs James Madison Best Bets
It will be hard to make much money on this contest. Expect James Madison to find a way to win this game, even if the Dukes don’t have their best. The question is, will they make this a party atmosphere while posting win No. 10? We think UConn will step up and play hard in the national spotlight and stay relatively close. If the Huskies don’t turn the ball over more than once, they can beat the NCAA football spread. Take the points.
UConn vs James Madison Game Information
- Game: Connecticut (1-8) vs James Madison (9-0)
- Location: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA.
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. ET
- UConn vs James Madison Live Stream: ESPN
Questions of the Day
Which UConn player could have a breakout performance in this game?
Sophomore running back Camryn Edwards had a big game in the 24-21 loss against South Florida, but he now has the opportunity to do it on the big stage against a stifling defense.
Is James Madison a good bet to beat the spread against UConn?
Not really. The Dukes could just ride their momentum with a big home crowd to a huge win, but UConn has been able to compete in most games this season.
