James Madison vs Montana Picks, Predictions and Odds Dec 10

James Madison vs Montana Betting Preview

WagerTalk college football handicapper Tony Finn offers his James Madison vs Montana FCS Playoffs betting preview for Friday, December 10. At the time of posting, the JMU Dukes have risen to an 8-point home favorite over the visitors from Montana, with the total sitting at 46 points.

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James Madison vs Montana Predictions

• James Madison Dukes -8 vs Montana Grizzlies
• Total: 46 Points
• JMU head coach Curt Cignetti can earn his 100th career victory with a win over the Grizzlies on Friday.

This Friday Night Lights affair marks the rubber match of this all-time series. Both JMU and Montana have a win versus the other, and the third and potentially final time the pair of programs meet is in Friday night’s postseason quarterfinals in the 2021 FCS Championship bracket. JMU defeated Montana to win the 2004 FCS National Championship.

The Dukes lead the FCS in both turnovers forced (29) and fewest turnovers (8), giving the Friday night home team a TO margin of +21. James Madison earned a 59-20 victory over Southeastern Louisiana in the opening round, forcing five turnovers in the contest. JMU quarterback Cole Johnson tied the school’s postseason record by tossing five touchdown passes.

Montana coach Bobby Hauck is 108-28 in his two turns as the head coach at Montana, including back-to-back 10-win seasons in the Griz’s past two full seasons. Montana has outscored their last three opponents, including rival Montana State, by a combined 94-13.

“I’ve played in a lot of stadiums, and there’s not many that match UM,” Hauck told the media in a national press conference this past week. “To say it compares is a little skewed. It’s close. It’s up there in the atmospheres I’ve played in. Their fans are similar to ours. They love the game. When they play, it’s a full stadium. I do remember the fans were loud and brought it. That’s something they got going for them there.”

JMU Wideouts Antwane Wells Jr. and Kris Thornton arguably are the most dynamic 1-2 wideout punch in college football. The James Madison duo has combined 144 receptions, 2,085 receiving yards, and 27 total touchdowns. The Dukes’ offense is engineered to attack the opponent’s defensive soft spots. The Dukes’ top receivers will be busy in this Friday night matchup. Johnson will throw the football as much as he hands it to his running backs.

JMU has superior depth and offensive balance than does Montana. Just as robust as quality player personnel in a big game is the 12th man. James Madison has powerful allies in Bridgeforth and the fan faithful to fill the Harrisonburg venue.

James Madison may not be as physical in the trenches as the Grizzlies. Still, the Montana offense lacks the dynamics to trot into Bridgeforth and come away with a victory over an experienced and well-coached Dukes’ troupe. The quarterfinals pick from Bridgeforth Stadium under the Friday Night Lights is a play on James Madison minus the points.

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Bowl Season Betting Tips

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WagerTalk Bowl Guide

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