James Madison vs Appalachian State Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 22, 2026
Thursday's Sun Belt matchup brings unbeaten James Madison to Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, where the Dukes will face Appalachian State. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm ET on ESPNU. James Madison hasn't lost in seven games and sits atop the Sun Belt East with a 4-0 conference record. App State is third in the division at 1-1 and has a 4-2 overall record. The Dukes kept their winning streak going Saturday with a 49-22 victory over Georgia State. The Mountaineers are also coming off a win, beating Coastal Carolina 35-32 after dropping two straight. Find your next winner with our free NCAAF picks.
James Madison Dukes Have Yet to Lose
There hasn't been much that James Madison hasn't been able to handle this season. The Dukes had a close call against Georgia Southern, escaping with a 27-24 win, but followed that with 49 points against Georgia State. They also put up 45 against Marshall and 46 against Old Dominion. James Madison has reached 45 points in three of its last four outings, with the ground game doing plenty of the work. The Dukes have rushed for 1,316 yards this season and are picking up 5.6 yards per carry.
George Pettaway has been a big part of that running game. He's gained 648 yards on 95 carries, finding the end zone six times while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. James Madison has also gotten solid play from quarterback Camden Coleman, who has 1,150 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Corey Scott leads the receivers with 289 yards and four touchdowns, while Cole Keller has also caught four touchdown passes. Nakian Jackson has 43 tackles to lead the defense, JT Hooten has 2.5 sacks, and DJ Kelly has intercepted three passes.
Injuries: Z. Collins is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Look to Build on Latest Win
App State needed a win after a couple of rough weeks and got one Friday at Coastal Carolina. The Mountaineers came away with a 35-32 victory following losses to Old Dominion, 10-3, and NC State, 41-31. Their defense has allowed at least 32 points in two of the last three games. App State will have to tighten things up against a James Madison team that has been scoring plenty. Playing at home could help, but the Mountaineers can't afford another slow start.
Malachi Singleton has thrown for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns with two interceptions, but he's out with an ankle injury. That leaves App State facing a change at quarterback. Jaquari Lewis has rushed for 346 yards and eight touchdowns, while Henry Hasselbeck has added 230 rushing yards. Sam Pickett III leads the receiving group with 411 yards and four scores. Defensively, Colton Phares has 38 tackles, Caleb Sandstrom has five sacks, and Devin Henderson has two interceptions. The Mountaineers have playmakers, but the quarterback situation makes this matchup harder.
Injuries: Malachi Singleton is out with an ankle injury. D. Galloway is questionable.
Key To The Game
James Madison has rushed for 1,316 yards, and Coleman has thrown only one interception. Without Singleton, App State may need more from Lewis and its other runners. The Dukes can put pressure on the Mountaineers by controlling the ball and forcing App State to chase the game.
James Madison vs Appalachian State Pick
- James Madison -10.5
James Madison is 7-0 and has scored at least 45 points in three of its past four games. Pettaway has rushed for 648 yards, while Coleman has thrown 11 touchdowns against one interception. App State bounced back against Coastal Carolina, but the Mountaineers have been inconsistent and will be without Singleton. That's a difficult spot against a team playing this well. The Dukes should cover the 10.5-point spread on Thursday.
James Madison vs Appalachian State Over/Under Pick
- Over 57.5
James Madison has scored 45 points or more in three of its past four games, and App State gave up 32 to Coastal Carolina. The Mountaineers scored 35 in that win and 31 against NC State. Still, Singleton being out makes their offense less predictable. James Madison may have to carry much of the scoring, but the Dukes have shown they can do it. Over 57.5 is the pick here.