James Madison Dukes vs. Louisville Cardinals 9/5/2025 Free Pick & CFB Betting Prediction

Free NCAA Pick: James Madison vs. Louisville Odds

Looking for James Madison Dukes vs. Louisville Cardinals free NCAA Week 2 picks & NCAA odds? NCAA betting sees the Dukes taking on the Cardinals on Monday, September 1 at L&N Fedaral Credit Union Stadium (KY). Cappers Picks provides complimentary NCAA handicapping picks all season long including all NCAA Week 2 games so stay tuned for more FREE NCAA predictions like this James Madison Louisville matchup.

2025 NCAAF Handicapping Analysis: Week 2

(1-0) James Madison Dukes vs. Louisville Cardinals (1-0)
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00PM
Venue: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky
Week 2 ATS Betting Lines: (BET NOW!) James Madison +13.5 | Louisvillle -13.5.
Week 2 CFB Moneyline Odds: James Madison +400| Louisville -525
College Football Betting Total: O/U 56.5

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James Madison Dukes vs. Louisville Cardinals Gameday

James Madison is wanting to be the best team in the Sun Belt this season, while Louisville is hoping to be sneaky good in the ACC.

For the Dukes, this is their only chance to prove themselves against an opponent at this level.

At Louisville, coach Jeff Brohm is trying to develop a reputation of being a quarterback whispered. So far it is hard to argue with.

It is hard to argue much with the lines here. They are daring Lousville backers to jump in, and the ACC has looked good early.

The Dukes are very well coached and that gives them a great chance to make some noise on Friday night, even if they can’t get a win.

James Madison Dukes

Last week was a good start for JMU. Taking on Weber State helped though. Still, you can’t knock them too badly because they dominate.

In addition to winning and covering, they rushed for over 300 yards. That is going to be very difficult against a more physical opponent.

Quarterback Alonza Barrett knows what he is doing and was sharp in the opener. He can run around a little too. Last year, he only threw four interceptions and protecting the ball will be important in this spot for sure.

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James Madison Dukes Stats

In their 2025 season opener, JMU rushed for 313 yards on 44 attempts, averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. This strong ground game was led by George Pettaway, who had 99 yards on 10 carries, and Wayne Knight, who gained 89 yards on seven attempts, including a touchdown.

Quarterbacks Alonza Barnett III and Matthew Sluka, yes, that guy also contributed significantly on the ground, each adding a rushing touchdown.

The leading receiver was Michael Scott with four receptions for 38 yards, while Isaiah Alston and Landon Ellis each hauled in a touchdown pass. The Dukes’ defense also made an impact in the passing game, notching three interceptions against their opponent’s one passing touchdown.

Louisville Cardinals

Louisville got an easy win last week against Eastern Kentucky, but new QB Miller Moss threw a couple of picks. That is not how they drew it up and it hurt them in terms of covering.

They had no trouble moving the ball on the ground against the Colonels, but Brohm teams are known for savvy passing attacks.

The outright win means that there is not too much concern, but the Cardinals have to show progress this week to hold on to their sleeper status.

Louisville Cardinals Stats

In their 2025 opener, the Louisville Cardinals’ offense was well-balanced with 229 coming on the ground and 313 through the air. The running game ripped off 7.6 yards per carry, led by Isaac Brown, who rushed for 126 yards on just six attempts and scored two touchdowns.

Quarterbacks Miller Moss and Brady Allen split time, combining for 313 passing yards and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Louisville allowed only 150 total yards of offense. They held their opponent to a mere 74 rushing yards and limited them to just 76 yards passing.

The Cardinals’ defense notched four sacks and held their opponent to just one offensive touchdown for the entire game.

James Madison Dukes vs. Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends

• James Madison is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
• Also, the total has gone UNDER in 7 of James Madison’s last 10 games.
• James Madison is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games.
• James Madison is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road.
• Louisville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisville’s last 5 games.
• Additionally, Louisville is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games.
• Louisville is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home.

4* Free 2025 Week 2 NCAA Betting Prediction: James Madison +13.5

This is not going to be the game that derails a sleeper season for the Cardinals, but it will be close.

Meanwhile, Fresno State is rebuilding under Matt Entz with QB EJ Warner leading a new-look unit, but Kansas’ defense is vulnerable enough to give them scoring chances.

Louisville needs more from its quarterbacks, while JMU is pretty set there, and when mid-majors take on the big boys, it always helps to have guys that can run around.

Both teams ran the ball a lot last week and will find it tougher against this week’s opponent for sure.

I wanted to take the over because both of these teams are more offense first, those units are going to taste some adversity in this one.

The first game of any week always draws increased action, but don’t get sucked in. It is hard to find great edges here.

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James Madison vs. Louisville NCAA Betting Tweet Of The Day

Can’t wait to do this again on Friday #GoCards pic.twitter.com/1SYCPwbJc8

— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) September 4, 2025

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About Matthew Wiesenfeld

For nearly a two decades the Wiesguy has been helping readers learn and win. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is a true expert. He is always a little sweet on the underdogs while covering all sports to give you the insight you need to build your bankroll.

Filed Under: College Football