The James Madison Dukes are set to meet the Louisville Cardinals in Week 2 of the 2025 Regular Season. This night game takes place at the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, KY, and will be broadcasted on ESPN2. Both teams enter this game with a 1-0 record, showcasing their strong start to the season.
The Dukes come into this contest after a decisive 45-10 victory against Weber State Wildcats, marked by an impressive ground game with 313 rushing yards. As members of the Sun Belt Conference, they look to translate their home success into a strong road performance. With no road games under their belt yet this season, this game will test their adaptability on an outdoor field.
Meanwhile, the Louisville Cardinals, who belong to the Atlantic Coast Conference, secured a commanding 51-17 win over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their opener. Playing at home, where they thrive, the Cardinals demonstrated a balanced attack with 313 passing yards and 232 rushing yards. They aim to continue their momentum with another victory on their home turf.
Louisville vs James Madison At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Venue: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, KY
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- James Madison Record: 1-0 this season
- Louisville Record: 1-0 this season
- Game Odds: Louisville favored with a -13.5 spread
The Louisville Cardinals: A Force to Reckon With This Season
Offensive Performance
The Louisville Cardinals have started their 2025 season with a strong offensive showing, scoring 51 points in their opener. Ranked 14th in points scored, their offensive capabilities are evident. With 313 passing yards and 232 rushing yards, they rank 26th and 32nd respectively in these categories.
Their ability to consistently gain first downs, with 27 in their first game, highlights their balanced offensive approach. This figure places them 14th in the nation, demonstrating their efficiency in moving the chains.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Cardinals have shown impressive form, allowing only 17 points in their first game. This ranks them 13th in points allowed, reflecting their defensive solidity.
Moreover, their pass rush has been formidable, achieving 4 sacks, placing them 4th in this category. However, the absence of interceptions and fumbles recovered in the opener may be areas they look to improve.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Miller Moss has been pivotal, leading with 223 passing yards. His 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions provide areas for refinement in the upcoming games.
On the ground, Isaac Brown stood out with 126 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, making him a key player in the Cardinals’ offensive setup. His performance ranks him 22nd nationally for rushing yards.
Upcoming Challenges
Louisville’s schedule will soon see them taking on James Madison Dukes at home, offering another opportunity to showcase their skills. The Cardinals will look to maintain their momentum and continue their strong start.
Further into the season, they will encounter the Miami Hurricanes away, a game that will test their abilities on the road. These games will be crucial for solidifying their standing this season.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
James Madison Dukes Set to Challenge the Louisville Cardinals: A Comprehensive Preview
Offensive Performance
The James Madison Dukes have shown an impressive offensive start in the 2025 season, scoring 45 points in their opener. They rank 18th in points per game and have a strong ground game, with 313 rushing yards ranking them 10th nationally. Their passing game, however, has room for improvement, as they sit 98th in passing yards.
Alonza Barnett III leads the charge at quarterback, contributing significantly with his passing and rushing capabilities. The rushing attack is a key strength for the Dukes, with Wayne Knight and George Pettaway both providing solid performances in the backfield.
Defensive Strength
On the defensive side, the Dukes have been formidable, allowing only 10 points in their first game, ranking them 6th in the nation. Their ability to create turnovers has been crucial, with 3 interceptions and no fumbles recovered yet, placing them 4th in the national rankings for interceptions.
The defensive line’s performance has been noteworthy, despite not recording a sack yet this season. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the opposition’s passing game remains a focal point for their upcoming encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Alonza Barnett III’s dual-threat capability makes him a player to watch against Louisville. His mobility and passing accuracy will be vital against a potentially challenging defense. Running backs Wayne Knight and George Pettaway are expected to continue their strong performances, given their impact in the first game.
On defense, look for standout performances from the secondary, especially in intercepting passes. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes and turn them into scoring opportunities could be pivotal in this game.
James Madison Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 50: 0-1 (0.0%)
Louisville vs James Madison Prediction: Louisville -13.5
Louisville comes into this game with a strong offensive performance in their last outing, scoring 51 points and ranking 14th in points for this season. Their passing game has been particularly effective, ranking 26th in passing yards. Given their recent form and home advantage, the Cardinals look poised to cover the -13.5 spread against James Madison.
James Madison’s defense has been solid, allowing only 10 points in their previous game, but they’ll face a different caliber of offense in Louisville. The Dukes’ offense relies heavily on the run game, which could be challenging against a Cardinals defense ranked 4th in sacks. The mismatch in defensive strength and offensive firepower tilts the game in favor of Louisville covering the spread.
In their head-to-head history, Louisville has demonstrated superiority, winning their last encounter convincingly. The betting trends further support Louisville’s ability to cover, as they have performed well as favorites and at home. This historical context, combined with current season stats, makes a compelling case for Louisville to cover the -13.5 spread.
With all factors considered, a projected score for this game sees Louisville securing a win with a scoreline of 38-17. Louisville’s offense is expected to be the driving force, outmatching James Madison’s defensive efforts and securing a comfortable victory.
- Louisville vs James Madison Prediction: Louisville -13.5
- Louisville vs James Madison Score: Louisville 38 – James Madison 17
