Troy vs. James Madison Player Props: Sun Belt Championship Prop Picks

With the Sun Belt conference championship game almost here, let’s dive into the top Troy vs. James Madison player props as part of our college football conference championship predictions.

No. 25 James Madison is a 23.5-point betting favorite over Troy. This game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN) from JMU’s Bridgeforth Stadium.

Troy vs. James Madison player prop bets

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Best Troy vs. James Madison player prop picks

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Tae Meadows player prop: Under 45.5 rushing yards (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Impenetrable defensive line play has been a staple of the James Madion defense. Last year, JMU ranked 18th in yards allowed per rush attempt (3.5). This year’s unit ranks fifth (2.8), and second over the last three games (1.7). It all starts at the line of scrimmage. The Dukes lead the Sun Belt and rank fourth nationally in defensive line yards per rush (2.2).

All of those factors will make Troy running back Tae Meadows’ life difficult. While the talented running back is averaging 62.3 rushing yards per game, that drops to 49.9 when we take out his 186-yard performance versus FCS Nicholls State. Worse, Troy is listed as a massive dog, and Meadows averages just 35.3 rushing yards per loss.

Let’s trust the JMU defense to deliver by fading Meadows. Back him to stay Under 45.5 rushing yards for -115 (53.5%) at BetMGM, which will return an $8.70 profit on a $10 bet.

Wayne Knight player prop: Under 90.5 rushing yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐

James Madison's Wayne Knight is enjoying an excellent season. He's averaging an impressive 87.6 rushing yards per game, and that only drops to 87.5 when we factor in JMU’s FCS game. But his teammate Jordan Fuller is the key to this bet. Fuller is questionable with an injury. When Fuller plays, Knight’s average dips to 83.4 (or 82.1 if we exclude the game in which Fuller was hurt). 

We’re already getting Knight’s total at a number above his season average. Should Fuller suit up – even in a limited capacity – it’s fair to project him for below that average. While the Troy defense is a shaky 83rd in yards allowed per rush attempt (4.6), the unit is right around the Sun Belt average in defensive line yards per rush (2.9). 

Since JMU is approaching this game with an eye to the postseason, don’t be surprised if the Dukes look to keep their backfield fresh while rotating players in and out. As a result, I like Knight, the starter, to stay Under 90.5 rushing yards for -114 (53.3%) at FanDuel.

Elsewhere, our Mike Spector is siding with James Madison to cover the large spread in his college football best bets.

6️⃣ Best Troy vs. James Madison touchdown scorer prediction

🔥 RaRa Thomas TD pick: Anytime touchdown scorer (+410) ⭐⭐

There's very little value on any of JMU’s leading rushers to be anytime TD scorers. Alonza Barrett III (-195) and Meadows (-295) are well below even, and Fuller (+140) may not suit up. As a result, let’s go with Troy’s red-hot speedy receiver RaRa Thomas.

Thomas is coming off a five-catch, 118-yard and two-touchdown performance at Southern Miss last week. He even logged three carries for another 39 yards. Thomas is averaging a nice 16 yards per reception (and 9.5 per carry), and his usage is trending up.

Troy will need explosive plays to keep up with James Madison, and Thomas is probably the school's best bet in that regard. Back him to find pay dirt for +320 (23.8%) at bet365 to turn a $32 profit on a $10 wager.

Troy vs. James Madison anytime touchdown scorer odds

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📺 How to watch Troy vs. James Madison: Sun Belt Championship

• Date: Friday, Dec. 5 
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Bridgeforth Stadium (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• TV: ESPN