James Madison vs Troy Preview: Form and Line Movement

The James Madison Dukes return home seeking recovery from a 34-31 loss to the Appalachian State Mountaineers, backed by strong underlying offensive form across their last four games. The Troy Trojans arrive on short rest after consecutive setbacks against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns and UL Monroe Warhawks, managing just 20 total points across those two contests. With James Madison holding a seven-to-five advantage in rest days, current individual and team form heavily favors the home side.

Individual Production and Offensive Trends

James Madison’s recent attack has featured high production both on the ground and through the air. Over the team's last four games, running back George Pettaway has paced the offense with 533 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 64 carries, alongside four receptions for 26 yards. Under center, Camden Coleman delivered 851 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception on 72-of-117 passing over those four outings, while adding 68 rushing yards and a score. In three games of action, JC Evans added efficiency with 237 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and two rushing scores on 18 carries. Wide receiver Michael Scott pulled in 15 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown, Cole Keller contributed 11 receptions for 222 yards and two scores, and Corey Scott caught eight passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns across three games.

Troy’s four-game player form sample reflects a run-heavy distribution amid passing friction. Quarterback Will Crowder completed 58 of 100 passes for 566 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions over his last four starts, while rushing 31 times for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Rusher Jordan Lovett led the backfield with 301 yards and a touchdown on 47 carries, while Gavin Griffin added 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 44 carries to go with six receptions for 46 yards and a receiving score. Jaheim Merriweather provided 109 rushing yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. Pass catchers Noreel White (nine catches, 141 yards) and Jace Petty (11 catches, 126 yards) led the receiving corps in yardage, though neither recorded a touchdown in this four-game window.

Market Shift and Head-to-Head History

Market movements reveal significant adjustments leading up to kickoff. The opening spread shifted from James Madison -14.5 out to -19.5 at most sportsbooks, though select books sit at -18.5. Concurrently, the total saw a dramatic move from an opening line of 35.5 up to 49.5.

Team Profile	James Madison Dukes	Troy Trojans
Rest Days	7	5
Last 4 Game Pass Yards	1,088	566
Last 4 Game Rush Leader	George Pettaway (533 Yds)	Jordan Lovett (301 Yds)

The direct head-to-head sample consists of just two games across recent seasons. James Madison secured a 31-14 victory over Troy on Dec. 5, 2025, following a 16-14 road win on Sept. 16, 2023.

Schedule and Recent Results Context

Across their last ten completed games—a window reaching back to December 2025—the Dukes hold an 8-2 mark, with their only setbacks coming against the Oregon Ducks in December 2025 and Appalachian State last week. Troy stands at 4-6 over its ten-game sample, having dropped four of its last five contests overall.