The Bob Chesney era officially arrives on Aug. 31, when JMU football visits the Charlotte 49ers in Week 1 of the 2024 season.

Both teams are expected to start transfer quarterbacks, with Washington transfer Dylan Morris the favorite to earn the starting job for JMU. Charlotte will lean on Florida transfer Max Brown, an athletic player with limited college experience.

Each side enters this upcoming season with drastically different expectations, as JMU was picked to finish second in the Sun Belt East. Charlotte was picked to finish 13th in the 14-team AAC, as Biff Poggi’s team isn’t expected to make a bowl game in his second season leading the program.

For Charlotte, the game represents a meaningful upset chance. For JMU, a win builds confidence in the Chesney regime.

What Channel is JMU-Charlotte On?

TV Channel: ESPNU

The two Group of Five schools earn a national TV spot in Week 1. It’s the first national TV game of the season for JMU, which appeared on national TV in nine of its 13 games in 2023.

The game will be announced by Justin Kutcher and Charles Arbuckle.

JMU vs. Charlotte Start Time

Date: August 31
Time: 8 p.m. ET

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. inside Jerry Richardson Stadium. The venue seats about 15,000 fans.

JMU is 2-0 all time against Charlotte, including a win in Jerry Richardson Stadium in 2014. The Dukes won that game 48-40, with JMU quarterback Vad Lee going for 400 total yards and six total touchdowns. Daniel Brown led the Dukes with 76 receiving yards and a touchdown, as 12 different Dukes caught a pass in the victory.

JMU-Charlotte Betting Odds

Spread: JMU -6.5 (-115) on DraftKings
Moneyline: JMU is a -265 moneyline favorite, Charlotte is a +215 underdog
Total: 51 points on DK

The Dukes opened as an 11.5-point favorite, according to Action Network. The line has moved toward Charlotte since it opened, with the 49ers now less than a touchdown underdog on multiple betting platforms.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications