There is frequent mention of Virginia colleges and universities that Virginians are prohibited from placing legal bets on.
However, despite being highly favored to win a national title in college football this season, James Madison University is seldom included in discussions about potential champions.
Unfortunately, the Dukes are at a disadvantage.
JMU is undeniably a dominant force in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Unsurprisingly, the Dukes are among the top contenders for this year’s championship title.
James Madison +400 to win FCS title at BetRivers
Over the course of the last twenty years, James Madison has clinched victory in two national FCS championships, while also achieving two second-place finishes.
Although the FCS is not equivalent to the Football Bowl Division (FBS), it is important to note that the FBS comprises renowned national teams like Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and LSU. With a total of 130 FBS schools spread across 10 conferences, including the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and Pac-12, these are the institutions that dominate the major sports channels every Saturday afternoon and evening during football season.
The FCS subdivision, in contrast, lacks programs that instantly capture attention. The stadiums and crowds are smaller, and the TV rights don’t fetch as high a price. Moreover, the top prospects typically choose to play at FBS programs instead.
Nevertheless, the FCS boasts a handful of perennial contenders. These contenders comprise:
- North Dakota State has amassed an impressive record of winning eight FCS championships within the last decade.
- Titles of James Madison in 2016 and 2004.
- Title for Sam Houston State in 2020: Victorious Year for Sam Houston State
- Eastern Washington: 2010 title
It may come as no surprise that a few of these schools are considered frontrunners for the 2021-2022 FCS Championship. BetRivers, one of the eight sportsbooks in Virginia, provides a unique betting opportunity with their FCS futures market.
If you reside in Virginia and engage in sports betting, you are undoubtedly aware of the prevailing issue.
No betting on JMU in Virginia
The James Madison football team has been performing exceptionally well in 2021. The university, located in Harrisonburg, has emerged victorious in their matches against Morehead State (68-10), Maine (55-7), and Weber State (37-24). Their next challenge awaits them on the road as they face the University of New Hampshire. Impressively, JMU now holds the second-best odds to claim the 2021-22 FCS title, according to BetRivers.
Included in the latest BetRivers odds are:
- South Dakota State: +380
- James Madison: +400
- North Dakota State: +400
- Montana: +700
- Sam Houston State: +700
- Southern Illinois: +800
- Montana State: +2000
- Eastern Washington: +2500
- Delaware: +2500
- Jacksonville State: +2500
If you’re interested in placing a bet on James Madison to win the championship, you believe their chances of securing the title are higher than the current odds of 4-1. To seize this opportunity, you would have to travel across state borders.
JMU cannot be wagered on in Virginia due to the state’s restriction on in-state bettors betting on games involving VA colleges and universities.
Similar to the Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, and Liberty Flames, the JMU Dukes are not available for betting. In Virginia’s BetRivers, FCS futures cannot be wagered on. Although there are numerous college football options to choose from in VA, the local schools are excluded.
To make a bet on JMU, you would have to utilize BetRivers in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, New Jersey, or Tennessee, which is the nearest option to Virginia.
James Madison vs. UNH
Following the current bye week, James Madison and head coach Curt Cignetti will head to UNH on Saturday, October 2nd (3:30 p.m., FloFootball).
In the upcoming match between the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) teams, two undefeated and top 25 ranked teams face off. JMU holds the No. 3 spot in the latest FCS Top 25 poll, while the UNH Wildcats are ranked No. 21.
Thanks in part to kicker Ethan Ratke’s record-setting 24 straight successful field goals, James Madison currently holds the top scoring average (53.3) among all FCS schools. Additionally, the Dukes boast one of the most impenetrable defenses in the FCS this season.
This season, JMU’s senior quarterback, Cole Johnson, has consistently delivered impressive performances. His favorite target, receiver Antwane Wells Jr., has become a frequent recipient of his accurate throws. Additionally, running back Latrele Palmer has recently hit his stride and is making significant contributions to the team’s success.
JMU appears to be in excellent condition to qualify for the 24-team field of the 2021-2022 FCS Playoffs, potentially securing a first-round bye. The culmination of the playoffs will be the national title game on Jan. 8, held in Frisco, Texas.
Is it possible for JMU to be present? While we can’t rely on it, there’s still uncertainty in Virginia.
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