It’s homecoming weekend for the SMU Mustangs, which play James Madison for the first time. We take a look at the unfamiliar foes below in the SMU vs. James Madison prediction and game preview.

SMU vs. James Madison Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

New head coach Chad Morris is building something on the Hilltop, even if it’s not yet reflected in the record. SMU, so bad a year ago, showed spurts of competitiveness against Baylor and most recently TCU. And now that the Big 12 portion of the schedule is over, the Mustangs could put their rebuilding plans into second gear. They’ll entertain a dangerous James Madison team that’s buried its first three opponents.

Why James Madison Will Win

SMU’s defensive problems will continue against QB Vad Lee and the Dukes. Lee, a Georgia Tech transfer, headlines an attack averaging 51 points per game. The Mustang will also have a tough time slowing the backfield tandem of Khalid Abdullah and Cardon Johnson, who are averaging more than six yards a carry.

Why SMU Will Win

At this stage, Morris’ impact has been felt fastest on offense, which is no surprise. Against No. 3 TCU, the Mustangs produced 508 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad for a team that couldn’t get out of its own way in 2014. Matt Davis’ run-pass potential keeps defenses guessing, and the receiving corps is contributing in the pass—and run—game.

Player Who Matters

Davis isn’t getting much help from his blockers. His pass catchers, though, have been a different story. Courtland Sutton, a 6-4 redshirt freshman, in particular, will cause problems for the Dukes. Sutton is averaging almost 22 yards a grab and has four touchdown catches.

What’s Going To Happen?

It’s way under the radar, but Davis vs. Lee will be one of the sneaky-good quarterback matchups of Week 4. The dual-threats will trade blows throughout in an entertaining and tight affair. Davis will land the knockout punch in the final quarter, using his feet to deliver a homecoming victory.

SMU vs. James Madison Prediction

Final Score: SMU 41, James Madison 34, Line: No Line, o/u: No Line
Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 1

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