Troy Trojans defeat James Madison Dukes 24-21: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 · NCAAF · Troy Trojans 24, James Madison Dukes 21
The Troy Trojans beat the James Madison Dukes 24-21 in overtime on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Bridgeforth Stadium. The Troy Trojans covered the spread as 17-point underdogs. The game went under the closing total of 52, with 45 points combined.
Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes final score and game recap
The James Madison Dukes led 14-0 after the first quarter and 21-7 at halftime. The Troy Trojans outscored the James Madison Dukes 14-0 in the second half. It was tied 21-21 at the end of regulation. The Troy Trojans won it in overtime.
The leading performers, from the box score:
- Jaheim Merriweather (Troy Trojans): 13 carries for 84 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Tucker Kilcrease (Troy Trojans): 15/31 passing for 179 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
- Seth Cromwell (James Madison Dukes): 23 carries for 135 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Camden Coleman (James Madison Dukes): 14/25 passing for 175 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions.
Who covered the spread in Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes?
The Troy Trojans covered the spread as 17-point underdogs and won outright, by 3 points.
The spread opened at James Madison Dukes -20.5 and closed at James Madison Dukes -17.
Did Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes go over or under the total?
The game went under: 45 points combined against a closing total of 52, under by 7.
The total opened at 49.5 and closed at 52.
How did AiQ's Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes predictions do?
None of AiQ's picks in this game counts toward its record.
- Moneyline: the James Madison Dukes to win at -1050, a loss. A price that short stays out of AiQ's record.
Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes game prop results: first half, first quarter and team totals
AiQ does not pick game props. This is how the sportsbook markets settled.
- First-half moneyline: James Madison Dukes won the first half, paying -650.
- First-quarter total 10.5: the over, paying +100, with 14 points scored.
- First-quarter moneyline: James Madison Dukes won the first quarter, paying -425.
- First-half spread: James Madison Dukes -10.5 covered, paying +100.
- James Madison Dukes team total 34.5: the under, paying -115, with 21 scored.
- Troy Trojans team total 17.5: the over, paying +100, with 24 scored.
- First-half total 26.5: the over, paying -112, with 28 points scored.
Troy Trojans vs. James Madison Dukes odds: sportsbook value and line movement
Shortly before the start, the consensus moneyline had the Troy Trojans at +675 and the James Madison Dukes at -1100. With the bookmaker's margin removed, that made the James Madison Dukes a 88% favorite. The Troy Trojans won as the underdog at +675: $675 profit on a $100 bet. On AiQ's moneyline pick, the James Madison Dukes, the best price before the game was -1000 at BetMGM: priced near fair (+0.2% value).
The spread moved toward the Troy Trojans between the open and the close, and they covered. The total moved up from 49.5 to 52, and the game went under.
Troy Trojans and James Madison Dukes betting trends: 2026 season
This result left the Troy Trojans 4-4 in the 2026 regular season (3-1 at home, 1-3 away or at neutral sites). Against the spread, they covered in 3 of 8 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 1 time and under 7 times.
This result left the James Madison Dukes 7-2 in the 2026 regular season (4-1 at home, 3-1 away or at neutral sites). Against the spread, they covered in 5 of 8 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 5 times and under 4 times. That made it two straight losses for the James Madison Dukes.
What's next for Troy Trojans and James Madison Dukes?
Next for the Troy Trojans: the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at home on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Next for the James Madison Dukes: at the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Thursday, November 5, 2026.