VMI has been one of the best stories in football this year. The Keydets had their best start in program history, 5-0, before falling to East Tennessee State in early April. This is the Keydets first FCS Playoffs appearance in program history. Unfortunately, they will be running into an angry and frustrated James Madison team. The Dukes have been near the top of the polls all year, yet they were only able to get the three seed for the FCS Playoffs. JMU dealt with COVID issues all year, and didn’t even earn the CAA’s automatic playoff bid, which went to Delaware. Hell hath no fury like James Madison!
Let’s take a look at this FCS Playoffs matchup of VMI vs James Madison, review the betting odds and give our official FCS football prediction.
VMI vs James Madison | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Saturday April 24th, 2021 | Time: 2:00 PM ET
Coverage: ESPN3
Location: Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, VA
VMI vs James Madison Betting Odds
Spread: VMI +14 (-110) | JMU -14 (-110)
Moneyline: VMI (+380) | JMU (-560)
Total: 45.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
VMI is having the best season in recent program history. They opened their season versus a top-10 FCS team in Furman. VMI’s last win versus a top-10 opponent? 2002. It’s safe to say this is uncharted territory for the Keydets, and they will go into Saturday ready to fight. Quarterback Seth Morgan has been incredible this year, throwing for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, all while completing over 75% of his passes. He’s a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. Walter Payton Award finalist Jakob Herres is one of the best receivers in ALL of football. In seven games, Herres has caught 62 passes for over 800 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, Stone Snyder is the guy to watch. The Buck Buchanan Award finalist has racked up 76 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He has a great chance to play at the next level.
With all those good things said about VMI, it’s time to get back to reality. James Madison is very, very good. The Dukes have been near the top of the FCS polls all year, even when they were dealing with COVID issues. Head Coach Curt Cignetti is looking to win his first championship with the Dukes. On offense, Walter Payton Award finalist Percy Agyei-Obese has carried the unit. He has nearly 400 yards rushing in his four games played this year. At quarterback, Cole Johnson has been adequate. He’s throwing at a 67% clip with over 900 yards passing. The Duke’s defensive unit is lethal. They are holding opponents to under 10 points per game. On top of that James Madison is holding opponents to under 50 rushing yards per game, and only 130 passing yards per game.
The Dukes are angry and, unfortunately, they will take their anger out on the Keydets in this FCS Playoffs matchup.
FCS Football Prediction: (3) James Madison 34, VMI 17 (JMU -14, Over 45.5).
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