JMU Football 2024 Record Prediction with Play-by-Play Tips

With JMU's football game against Charlotte in North Carolina on August 31st, the Bob Chesney era is about to begin, and on paper, the Dukes' schedule promises a great year.

Bennett Conlin and Jack Fitzpatrick team up to look at JMU's 2024 schedule and predict the Dukes' record. Last season, JMU finished 11-1 in the regular season, but neither Jack nor Bennett were as optimistic about the Dukes. The two combined to predict a 9-3 record for 2023.

Will you correctly guess the Dukes’ record this year?

In Charlotte, August 31

Bennett’s choice: JMU 31, Charlotte 14

I love the Dukes here. The optimism coming out of fall camp is absurd, as the Dukes appear to have All-Sun Belt-caliber talent at every position. I think Charlotte will struggle to handle JMU's offense, and Charlotte quarterback Max Brown will make a few costly mistakes in his first start with the 49ers.

Jack's choice: JMU 27, Charlotte 17

If JMU's offense comes out on top and destroys what is essentially a good Charlotte defense, I'm all for it. However, I can see the offense struggling at times against the 49ers. Since this is a road game, we as fans may want to pull our hair out at times. However, the Dukes' defense should be on point and slow down what could be a subpar Charlotte offense.

Gardner-Webb, September 7

Bennett’s choice: JMU 42, Gardner-Webb 13

The Dukes should win this game handily, relying on their running game to overwhelm an FCS opponent. Expect a fair number of JMU players to play as Chesney looks to develop meaningful depth. Running back Jobi Malary finds the end zone twice, making fans curious about his potential.

Jack's choice: JMU 69, Gardner Webb 10

This is an FCS game against a decent FCS program. JMU should and must outscore the Runnin' Bulldogs in this game to improve its College Football Playoff record.

At UNC, September 21

Bennett’s choice: UNC 31, JMU 28

I fully expect JMU to be able to compete in this game, but I like UNC's offensive power. Omarion Hampton is an NFL running back and even good run defenses will have a hard time slowing him down. JMU's best chance to win this game comes from Chesney's aggressiveness. I expect him to pull out all the stops, including aggressive decisions on fourth down, to give JMU a chance.

Jack's choice: JMU 35, UNC 28

A late touchdown on the road gives JMU the win. From what I've read about UNC, fans aren't very excited about the team, the starting QB is still a question mark, and the only thing the Tar Heels can build on is Omarion Hampton. If JMU can slow down Hampton, which according to data from the last 24 months, it should, the Dukes will win.

Ball State, September 28

Bennett’s choice: JMU 34, Ball State 14

Ball State is likely to finish lower in the MAC rankings, but I wouldn't be surprised if JMU starts off slow after a heartbreaking loss to UNC. Later in the game, the Dukes pull away and win by a wide margin.

Jack's choice: JMU 42, Ball State 17

This is a similar reasoning to the Gardner-Webb game. I think JMU should be able to beat a MAC team that finished in the bottom division last year. Especially if JMU loses to UNC, Ball State could get an old-fashioned beating.

At ULM, October 5

Bennett’s choice: JMU 38, ULM 17

This game may have a sleepy feel, but I'm not overly concerned about JMU losing. The Dukes' roster is much better than ULM's and I think the defensive line will overwhelm ULM's front.

Jack's choice: JMU 35, ULM 20

The game is never really as close as the final score suggests. As Bennett said, there could be a sleepy atmosphere here that could lead to some uncharacteristic mistakes and a slow start. ULM just doesn't have the firepower at this point in the offseason to realistically believe they can keep up with the Dukes. General Booty is reporting a big loss to the Dukes.

Carolina Coast, October 10

Bennett’s choice: JMU 31, Coastal Carolina 24

I think this game has a chance to be fantastic. While Coastal Carolina has struggled to keep up with JMU the past two seasons, I like the Chanticleers' 2024 roster and think they will contend better this fall. Still, JMU's home crowd should be excited on Thursday night.

Jack's choice: JMU 45, Coasts 21

JMU has used Coastal Carolina as a punching bag for the past two years. Honestly, I'm not sure why Bennett thinks that will change this time around. The Chanticleers could be good, but they could also be a QB-less team. Ethan Vasko and Noah Kim are in the midst of a competition and Coastal doesn't seem overly excited about either option.

At Georgia Southern, October 19

Bennett’s choice: JMU 27, Georgia Southern 24

Noe Ruelas hits the goalposts with a 41-yard pass for the game-winning goal. JMU picks up a key road win in divisional play and keeps its College Football Playoff dreams alive.

Jack's choice: JMU 24, Georgia Southern 21

Bennett and I both believe it will be UConn transfer kicker Noe Ruelas' leg. Weird things happen in Statesboro. We all remember the 2022 game, but also try to forget it. I believe in Clay Helton and think he will get Southern's offense going. It will be a battle for the defenses, but I can see the defenses figuring it out in the second quarter and it becoming a battle of rocks.

Southern Miss, October 26

Bennett’s choice: JMU 48, Southern Miss 24

JMU doubles up Southern Miss at Homecoming as offense fires up ahead of a well-deserved off week. JMU's QB1 throws five touchdown passes in win.

Jack's choice: JMU 42, Southern Miss 28

A few garbage time points make the game closer than it actually is. Southern Miss, like ULM, will be going with a transfer QB1. For Southern Miss, it's Tate Rodemaker, who should be good enough to win some games. I just don't think Southern Miss has the talent in all areas to keep up with the Dukes in this game. Oh yeah? And it's Homecoming? The crowd will be pumped up and ready to go, and Southern Miss could be beaten 21 times before the band finishes the fight song.

Georgia State, November 9

Bennett’s choice: JMU 33, Georgia State 17

Georgia State will become solid at some point during Dell McGee's tenure as coach. I truly believe so. However, it will take some time for the new head coach to recruit a better roster before Georgia State beats the Dukes.

Jack's choice: JMU 48, Georgia State 10

Georgia State could be in for a rough year under new head coach Dell McGee. The Panthers have lost all of their key contributors to the portal or graduation, and they've lost their head coach. Georgia State is in for a year of rebuilding, and it could be tough to watch at times. And if it's still with Bridgeforth? Could get ugly, fast.

At the ODU, November 16

Bennett’s choice: JMU 27, ODU 14

Ricky Rahne always seems to get the best out of his team, but I love this matchup for JMU. I think ODU's chances of a bowl game could be gone if these teams face off. Will the Monarchs be motivated? I don't even want to read Jack's outlandish opinion on this game. Someone talk some sense into my friend.

Jack's choice: ODU 35, JMU 24

Call me crazy! But I think ODU will be ready for this game. The Monarchs are coming off a break and JMU has to play on the road. Add to that the Monarchs were dominated on their home turf in 2022, almost got revenge on JMU last season and now have another chance. They've been hearing that all break! The Monarchs offense gave JMU a headache all night and I think Ricky Rahne's team will continue to make plans. I think this game is the start of a tough one.

At App State, November 23

Bennett’s choice: App State 35, JMU 24

The Mountaineers are well-positioned. Their offense looks dynamic with Joey Aguilar at quarterback and the defense should be strong. Playing in Boone in late November is tough, tough, tough.

Jack's choice: App State 28, JMU 21

App State wins this game with a late touchdown that JMU can't answer. Usually when these two teams meet, there's an instant classic, and that's exactly what this game will be like. The Mountaineers are led by preseason player of the year Joey Aguilar and have almost their entire team back. Of the top teams in the Sun Belt last year, App State has some of the best talent back, and that will make an impact. Plus, App State is on a break, and it will be JMU's second straight road game against a team that's on a break. That's a tough assignment.

Marshall, November 30

Bennett’s choice: JMU 21, Marshall 20

The Dukes win a thrilling game to earn their 10th win of the regular season. I think Marshall could surprise some teams in 2024, especially since the defense looks to be one of the best in the league.

Jack's choice: Marshall 27, JMU 24

Another close, heartbreaking loss to end the season. Marshall was down under Charles Huff last year after high expectations were raised early in the season. I believe the Thundering Herd will bounce back with a vengeance this season and will be playing for a lot with revenge in mind at Bridgeforth, where they dominated the Dukes in 2022.

Overall balance

Bennett's record: 10-2, 7-1 SBC

Road games against UNC and App State are a tough assignment, but I like the rest of the schedule. I think JMU is 10-2 and wins the Sun Belt East by a score of 7-1. App State is 6-2 in the league and falls just short, although it beat JMU in Boone.

Jack's record: 9-3, 5-3 SBC

Honestly, it's an emotional hedge. It's going to be an interesting season and I have really high hopes. However, November after Georgia State is pretty daunting. With talk of the College Football Playoff and a third straight title as Kings of the East, I could see the season faltering. And then factor in the fact that two of the last three games are on the road and against a team coming off the break? The schedule maker has done JMU no favors.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications