The James Madison Dukes travel to Lynchburg, VA to take on the Liberty Flames in Week 4 of the 2025 regular season. This afternoon game will be played at Williams Stadium and is set to kick off at 3:30 PM. Fans can catch the action live on ESNU.
James Madison holds a 1-1 record so far this season, having secured a decisive 45-10 victory at home against Weber State, but falling short on the road 28-14 to Louisville. The Dukes are looking to improve their road performance as they enter this matchup without a conference game played yet.
Liberty enters the game with a 1-2 record, having notched their only victory at home against Maine with a 28-7 score. The Flames have struggled on the road with back-to-back losses against Jacksonville State and Bowling Green. They hope to leverage their home-field advantage once again to even their record.
Liberty vs James Madison At a Glance
- Game Location: Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA
- Kickoff Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Broadcast: ESNU
- James Madison Record: 1-1 this season
- Liberty Record: 1-2 this season
- Game Odds: James Madison -9.5 spread
Liberty Flames Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Liberty Flames’ Offensive Overview
The Liberty Flames’ offensive unit is currently ranked 60th in points for, accumulating 65 points this season. Their passing game is slightly more effective, with 706 passing yards placing them 56th overall. The rushing attack has amassed 532 yards, ranking them 52nd, and their ability to move the chains is evident with 58 first downs, ranking 29th.
Last season, the Flames showcased a formidable ground game with 3,027 rushing yards, ranking 9th. Despite their strong rushing performance, their passing game lagged behind, with just 2,014 yards ranking 116th. Overall, they scored 345 points, securing the 57th spot.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Flames have allowed 64 points this season, ranking 49th. They have been aggressive in pressuring the quarterback, recording 4 sacks, placing them 11th. Their secondary has been opportunistic with 1 interception, ranking 2nd, and they have recovered 1 fumble, ranking 5th.
In the previous season, the Flames allowed 282 points, ranking 76th in points against. They also recorded 20 sacks, ranking 30th, and their ball-hawking secondary secured 8 interceptions, ranking 9th. Their ability to force turnovers was further evidenced by 8 fumbles recovered, ranking 8th.
Key Player Performances
Quarterback Ethan Vasko has been pivotal, with 706 passing yards, leading the team. He has thrown 6 touchdown passes but also committed 3 interceptions. Running back Evan Dickens has contributed significantly on the ground with 230 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Wide receiver Donte Lee Jr. has been a standout performer with 187 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. On the defensive side, the Flames’ ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers remains a strength, as seen with their sack and interception numbers.
Recent Games Recap
In their recent outing, the Flames faced a tough loss against Bowling Green Falcons, with a score of 23-13. They managed to gain 194 passing yards but were outpaced on the ground, allowing 164 rushing yards. Turnovers proved costly, with 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions.
Against Jacksonville State Gamecocks, the Flames lost 34-24, despite a strong passing game with 315 yards. They struggled to contain the Gamecocks’ rushing attack, which totaled 343 yards. However, they displayed resilience with 20 first downs and a relatively low turnover count.
Liberty Flames Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 25-5 (83.3%)
- SU – After Win: 22-4 (84.6%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 22-4 (84.6%)
- SU – All Games: 20-5 (80.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: 20-5 (80.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U – After Win: 11-3-1 (73.3%)
- SU – Away Games: 16-10 (61.5%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 10-6-1 (58.8%)
- O/U – All Games: 11-7-1 (57.9%)
James Madison Dukes: A Tactical Analysis for Their Upcoming Battle
Offensive Dynamics
The James Madison Dukes have shown a robust offensive lineup, particularly in their rushing game. In the 2025 regular season, they have accumulated 441 rushing yards, placing them 71st overall. This ground game strategy has been a critical element in their offensive playbook.
Despite a stronger rushing offense, the Dukes’ passing game ranks lower, with just 282 passing yards. This could be an area of improvement as they seek to balance their offensive strategies for upcoming games.
Defensive Strategies
On defense, James Madison has been effective, particularly in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They have recorded three sacks, ranking 12th, while also demonstrating prowess in forcing turnovers with three interceptions.
Their defense remains formidable with a total of 38 points allowed this season, placing them 24th overall. This strong defensive presence will be crucial as they prepare for their next game.
Recent Performance
In their most recent outing against Louisville, the Dukes were defeated 28-14. Despite the loss, they managed to secure more first downs than their opponents, highlighting their ability to control possession.
Their win against Weber State showcased their offensive potential, with a commanding 45-10 victory. The game highlighted their capability to exploit weaknesses in the opposing defense.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III remains a significant figure for the Dukes, having thrown for 232 yards across two games. His ability to manage the game and limit interceptions will be vital.
On the rushing front, Wayne Knight has been a standout, with 101 rushing yards and a touchdown. His performance will be crucial in maintaining the Dukes’ offensive momentum.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – After Loss: 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: 9-3 (75.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: 21-3 (87.5%)
- SU – Home Games: 13-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: 3-0 (100.0%)
Liberty vs James Madison Prediction: Liberty +9.5
Liberty is positioned as a 9.5-point underdog against James Madison. Despite their current 1-2 record, Liberty has been strong at home, maintaining a perfect record at Williams Stadium so far this season. This historical home performance, along with a favorable ATS trend as underdogs, suggests they can cover the spread.
James Madison’s record on the road this season is less impressive at 0-1, which might indicate challenges in away games. Liberty’s recent performance against Bowling Green, although a loss, was a competitive game, which could provide momentum for a better showing against James Madison. Taking Liberty and the points appears to be a sensible choice, especially given their strong home performances over the years.
James Madison’s defensive stats are solid, but Liberty’s offensive capabilities rank respectably this season, particularly in passing yards. Liberty’s historical ATS success at home and as underdogs further supports the pick, as they have consistently performed well in such situations.
Thus, taking Liberty +9.5 is the recommended pick, as they have the potential to perform well and possibly upset James Madison at home. The projected final score reflects a close contest, slightly in favor of James Madison but within the spread.
- Liberty vs James Madison Prediction: Liberty +9.5
- Liberty vs James Madison Score: James Madison 28 – Liberty 24
