We are just a few days away from JMU football taking on Charlotte in North Carolina on August 31st, kicking off the Bob Chesney era, and on paper, the Dukes’ schedule looks set for a great year.
Bennett Conlin and Jack Fitzpatrick team up to take a closer look at JMU's 2024 schedule and predict how the Dukes will fare. Last season, JMU went 11-1 in the regular season, but neither Jack nor Bennett were all that bullish on the Dukes. The two teamed up to predict a 9-3 record in 2023.
Can we correctly predict how the Dukes will perform this year?
Charlotte, August 31
Bennett's prediction: JMU 31, Charlotte 14
I love the Dukes. The optimism coming out of fall camp is ridiculous. The Dukes seem to have All-Sun Belt caliber talent at every position group. I think Charlotte will have a hard time dealing with the JMU offense, and Charlotte quarterback Max Brown will make some costly mistakes in his first start for the 49ers.
Jack's prediction: JMU 27, Charlotte 17
I would totally bet on the JMU offense going out and burning up a good Charlotte defense, but I could see them struggling against the 49ers. This is an away game, so it might be a headache for fans, but the Dukes defense should be firing on all cylinders and slowing down a subpar Charlotte offense.
Gardner Webb, September 7
Bennett's prediction: JMU 42, Gardner-Webb 13
The Dukes should win this game with ease, relying on their running game to dominate FCS opponents. Expect a high number of JMU players to play as Chesney looks to build meaningful depth. Running back Jobi Mallary has found the end zone twice and is a potential addition that will intrigue fans.
Jack's prediction: JMU 69, Gardner-Webb 10
This is an FCS game, against a good FCS program, and JMU needs to, and quite frankly, should, crush the Runnin' Bulldogs in this game to improve their College Football Playoff record.
At UNC, Sept. 21
Bennett's prediction: UNC 31, JMU 28
I believe JMU will hang in there in this game, but I am excited to see UNC's offense. Omarion Hampton is an NFL running back and even a good running defense will have a hard time stopping him. JMU's best chance to win this game lies in Chesney's aggressiveness. I expect him to do everything he can to give JMU a chance, including aggressive decision-making on fourth down.
Jack's prediction: JMU 35, UNC 28
A late touchdown on the road gave JMU the win. From what I've read about UNC, fans aren't all that interested in the team, the starting QB is still a question mark, and Omarion Hampton is the only guy the Tar Heels can rely on. Data from the past 24 months suggests that if JMU can slow Hampton down, the Dukes should win.
Ball State, September 28
Bennett's prediction: JMU 34, Ball State 14
Ball State should finish near the bottom of the MAC, but after a heartbreaking loss to UNC, I wouldn't be surprised if JMU gets off to a slow start and Duke pulls away in the second half to win in a big way.
Jack's prediction: JMU 42, Ball State 17
This is a similar logic to the Gardner-Webb game: JMU should be able to beat a MAC team that finished last a year ago, and Ball State might get a good old-fashioned bad loss, especially if JMU loses to UNC.
At ULM, October 5th
Bennett's prediction: JMU 38, ULM 17
There may be a low mood in this game, but I'm not too worried about JMU losing. Dukes has a much better roster than ULM and I think their defensive line will overpower ULM's front line.
Jack's prediction: JMU 35, ULM 20
The game will never be as close as the final score indicates. As Bennett said, this game could have a sleepy atmosphere which could lead to uncharacteristic mistakes and slow starts. At this point in the offseason, ULM does not have the firepower to take on the Dukes. General Booty reports a tough loss to the Dukes.
Coastal Carolina, October 10
Bennett's prediction: JMU 31, Coastal Carolina 24
I think this has the potential to be a great game. Coastal Carolina has struggled to keep up with JMU the past two seasons, but I like the Chanticleers' 2024 roster and think they'll put up a better fight this fall. Still, the JMU home crowd should be loud on Thursday night.
Jack's prediction: JMU 45, Coastal 21
JMU has used Coastal Carolina as a punching bag the past two years, and honestly, I'm not sure why Bennett thinks that will be different this time. The Chanticleers could be a good team, but they could also be a QB-less team. Ethan Basco and Noah Kim are in the thick of the competition, and Coastal doesn't seem too keen on either option.
Georgia Southern University, October 19
Bennett's prediction: JMU 27, Georgia Southern 24
Noe Ruelas cracked the goalpost for a 41-yard game-winning run to give JMU a big road win in district play and keep its College Football Playoff dream alive.
Jack's prediction: JMU 24, Georgia Southern 21
Bennett and I believe this game will hinge on kicker Noe Ruelas, who transferred from Connecticut. Strange things happen in Statesboro. We are all trying to remember and forget the 2022 game at the same time. I believe in Clay Helton and I think he will get the Southern offense ready. This game will be a battle of the defenses, but I can see the defense figuring it out in the second quarter and it will be a tough battle.
Southern Miss, October 26
Bennett's prediction: JMU 48, Southern Miss 24
JMU beat Southern Miss twice on Homecoming and the offense was on a roll ahead of a well-deserved bye week. JMU's QB1 was instrumental in the win, catching five touchdown passes.
Jack's prediction: JMU 42, Southern Miss 28
Some garbage time points make this game seem closer than it actually is. Southern Miss will likely use a transfer student QB1, just like ULM. Tate Roadmaker will be good enough for Southern Miss and will be good enough to win the game. I don't think Southern Miss has the overall talent to keep up with the Dukes in this game. Oh? And it's homecoming? The crowd is pumped and ready and Southern Miss might get skunked 21 times before the band finishes singing the cheer.
Georgia, November 9
Bennett's prediction: JMU 33, Georgia State 17
Georgia State will eventually solidify under Del McGee's tenure as coach — I truly believe that — but it will take time for the new head coach to assemble a better roster for Georgia State to beat Duke.
Jack's prediction: JMU 48, Georgia State 10
Georgia State could have a tough year under new head coach Del McGehee. The Panthers lost all of their key players through the portal or graduation, and they also lost their head coach. Georgia State is in a rebuilding year that could be tough to watch at times. And with Bridgeforth, it could get ugly quickly.
At ODU, November 16th
Bennett's prediction: JMU 27, ODU 14
Ricky Rahne always seems to get the best out of his teams, but I'm excited for this JMU matchup. I think ODU's chances of a bowl game will be gone by the time these two teams meet. Will the Monarchs be fired up? I don't want to read Jack's outlandish opinions on this game. Someone please scare my friend into reason.
Jack's prediction: ODU 35, JMU 24
Call me crazy, but I think ODU is well prepared for this game. The Monarchs are coming off a bye week and JMU has to be on the road. Plus, the Monarchs got swept at home in 2022 and nearly got revenge on JMU last season, and now they have another chance. That's what they heard all through the bye week! The Monarchs offense will plague JMU all night and Ricky Rahne's team will continue to be game. I think this will be the start of a tough battle.
Appalachian State University, November 23
Bennett's prediction: Appalachian State 35, JMU 24
The Mountaineers have a deep roster, a dynamic offense with Joey Aguilar back at quarterback and a strong defense, but playing Boone in late November is going to be tough.
Jack's prediction: Appalachian State 28, JMU 21
Appalachian State won this game on a late touchdown that JMU couldn't respond to. When these two teams collide, it usually produces a classic matchup straight away, and that was certainly the case here. The Mountaineers are led by Preseason Player of the Year Joey Aguilar and return nearly their entire roster. Of the top teams in the Sun Belt from last year, Appalachian State returns some of their best talent and that should show in the game. Additionally, Appalachian State comes into this game coming off a bye week, and it will be JMU's second consecutive road game against a team coming off a bye week. It's a tough ask.
Marshall, November 30
Bennett's prediction: JMU 21, Marshall 20
The Dukes won a close game to earn their 10th win of the regular season, and I think Marshall has the potential to surprise some teams in 2024, especially since their defense looks to be one of the best in the league.
Jack's prediction: Marshall 27, JMU 24
Another sad, heartbreaking loss to end the season. Marshall lost last year under coach Charles Huff after having high expectations early in the season. I believe the Thundering Herd will come back with a vengeance this season and play at full force with a vengeance on their way to a Bridgeforth victory over the Dukes in 2022.
Overall Record
Bennett record: 10-2, 7-1 SBC
Away games against UNC and App State will be tough, but the rest of the schedule is exciting. I think JMU will win the Sun Belt East with a 10-2 record and a 7-1 record. App State is 6-2 in league play and just fell short despite a win over JMU in Boone.
Jack's Record: 9-3, 5-3 SBC
Honestly, this is an emotional excuse. This season is going to be interesting and I have really high hopes. But after the Georgia State game, November is looking pretty daunting. With talk of the College Football Playoff and a third straight title as “Kings of the East,” there's a chance they could stumble late in the season. Two of their final three games are on the road, against teams coming off a bye week. The schedule writers did JMU a disservice.
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletic Communications
