After winning on the road in Week 1, JMU football (1-0) heads home to face its lone FCS opponent of 2024. The Dukes host Gardner-Webb (0-1) on Saturday night, for the home opener of the Bob Chesney era.

Gardner-Webb dropped a heartbreaker in Week, losing to Wofford 21-20. The Runnin’ Bulldogs led 20-11 entering the fourth quarter, but a strong finish from Wofford led to a narrow loss for Gardner-Webb.

JMU is a heavy favorite (although an official betting line isn’t yet available) against the FCS foe. The Dukes have outscored their two FCS opponents by a combined 101-10 since moving to the FBS.

What Channel is JMU-Gardner-Webb on?

TV Channel: ESPN+.

The game isn’t on a traditional cable TV channel, but it is available via streaming on ESPN+. Longtime JMU broadcaster Curt Dudley will be on the call, with Brian Barlow handling analyst duties. David Hulvey will be the game’s sideline reporter.

Radio Details

The game can be found on the radio at WSVA 550 AM or 92.1 FM. The radio broadcast is also available online at WSVAonline.com or via The Varsity Network app.

Dave Riggert will work as the play-by-play voice, with former JMU quarterback Cole Johnson as the analyst.

JMU vs. Gardner-Webb Start Time

Date: Sept. 7
Time: 6 p.m. ET

The game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET inside of Bridgeforth Stadium. This is the first meeting between the two programs.

As for the weather, the forecast currently calls for a 50% chance of light rain on Saturday. Temperatures should be comfortable, with a Saturday high in the mid-70s. If the rain chances dwindle, it should be a perfect day to watch a college football game.

JMU vs. Gardner-Webb Betting Odds

Sportsbooks have yet to officially announce betting odds for the FBS vs. FCS matchup, which is fairly common. Expect the line to appear on legal sports betting apps closer to Saturday’s kickoff.

JMU is 1-0 against the spread this season, covering a 7-point spread in its 30-7 win over Charlotte.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications