James Madison vs. Liberty Picks and Prediction, Saturday, September 20, 2025
Get ready for a non-conference clash at Williams Stadium when Liberty (1-2) plays host to James Madison (1-1). The Dukes are coming off their first loss of the season and the Flames have lost two in a row since winning their opener. Keep reading to get all of the full score info and other free NCAA picks for this James Madison vs. Liberty prediction.
James Madison is a pretty big 9-point favorite in this road game with the total sitting at 49 points.
James Madison Can’t Close Out Big Boys
In their last game, James Madison was on the road in a game facing Louisville from the ACC, where they had the lead at the half where they lost two second-half fumbles, including one in their end zone. They only had one less yard (264 yards to 263 yards) and dominated the time of possession, but the fumbles killed them and they were also penalized 12 times for 95 yards. The Dukes used a unique two-QB rotation and Alonza Barnett III passed for 102 yards with a TD but had a fumble and Matthew Sluka passed for 35 yards and rushed for 83 with a TD. JMU covered as a 15-point favorite; they are 2-0 ATS on the young season.
- James Madison will be rested for this game, as they did not play last Saturday.
- Barnett III (232 yards 2 TD 0 INT) was sacked four times in the last game and Sluka (50 yards 1 TD 2 TD 83 rushing yards) has a pick in each of the first two games.
- George Pettaway (120 yards 0 TD) leads the team in rushing and only had 21 yards after rushing for 99 in the season opener.
- JMU has played good defense in their first two games giving up 264 yards in the last one and 148 in the first one in a 45-10 win over Weber State.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Liberty Looking for a First
Liberty is looking for their first win over an FBS team, as it won their opener against FCS Maine but has lost its last two games. in their last game, they were on the road in a 23-13 loss to Bowling Green, where they had more yards (333-310), but turnovers killed them, as they committed four and did not force any. Ethan Vasko passed for 197 yards with a TD and two INT, Evan Dickens rushed for 82 yards and a score, and Donte Lee Jr. and Reese Smith combined for 137 receiving yards. The Flames failed to cover as a 6-point favorite and they are 0-3 ATS on the season.
- Vasko (726 yards 6 TD 3 INT) has three TD and three INT in the last two games where he has been sacked four times in each.
- Dickens (230 yards 2 TD) has totaled 196 rushing yards in the last two games.
- Three players have at least 106 receiving yards, led by Lee Jr. (187 yards 3 TD).
- Liberty won their lone home game in a 28-7 win over FCS Maine in their season opener.
James Madison vs. Liberty Pick
Spread Pick for JMU vs. Liberty
- James Madison -9
James Madison had their chances in their last game facing a team from a major conference in Louisville, but they had two second-half fumbles and had 12 penalties. However, they did cover the spread and have done so in both of their games. On the other side of the coin, Liberty had four turnovers, which killed them in their last game, where they were the favorites and are 0-3 ATS. The Flames’ have given up eight sacks in their last two games and the Dukes’ pass rush will be solid in this game. Regarding the James Madison vs. Liberty prediction JMU will have the better defensive game and get it done on offense, as they will win and cover even on the road, giving nine points.
Over/Under Pick for James Madison vs. Liberty
The total went under for both games for these teams in their last one and that is the pick I am leaning towards in this game. James Madison has played good defense last season and even in their last game facing a team from a major conference, they only gave up 24 points. They will have a good defensive game this time around, facing a Liberty offense that only scored 13 points in their last game. The Dukes will not light up the scoreboard and because of that, and the fact that their defense will be solid, the Under is the pick for this non-conference affair.
- Under 49
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
