We’re merely days away from JMU football matching up with Charlotte on Aug. 31 in North Carolina. The Bob Chesney era is set to begin, and on paper, the Dukes’ schedule sets up for a great year. 

Bennett Conlin and Jack Fitzpatrick team up to dive into JMU’s 2024 schedule and predict the Dukes’ record. Last season, JMU went 11-1 in the regular season, but neither Jack nor Bennett were that bullish on the Dukes. The two teamed up to predict a 9-3 record in 2023. 

Will they guess the Dukes’ record correctly this year?

At Charlotte, Aug. 31

Bennett’s pick: JMU 31, Charlotte 14

I love the Dukes here. The optimism coming from fall camp is absurd, as the Dukes look to have All-Sun Belt caliber talent at every position group. I think Charlotte will struggle to handle JMU’s offense, and Charlotte quarterback Max Brown will make a few costly mistakes in his first start with the 49ers.

Jack’s pick: JMU 27, Charlotte 17

If JMU’s offense comes out and scorches what should be a good Charlotte defense, I will be fully bought in. However, I see the offense struggling at times against the 49ers. With this game being on the road there may be some times we, as fans, want to pull our hair out. However, the defense for the Dukes should be firing on all cylinders and slow down a potentially below average Charlotte offense.

Gardner-Webb, Sept. 7

Bennett’s pick: JMU 42, Gardner-Webb 13

The Dukes should cruise in this one, leaning on the running game to overpower an FCS opponent. Expect a whole bunch of JMU guys to play, as Chesney seeks to develop meaningful depth. Running back Jobi Malary finds the end zone twice, intriguing fans about his potential.

Jack’s pick: JMU 69, Gardner Webb 10

This is an FCS game against an alright FCS program. JMU should, and quite frankly needs to, blow the doors off the Runnin’ Bulldogs in this game to help boost the College Football Playoff resume.

At UNC, Sept. 21

Bennett’s pick: UNC 31, JMU 28

I fully expect JMU to hang in this game, but I like UNC’s offensive firepower. Omarion Hampton is an NFL running back and even good running defenses will have a hard time slowing him down. JMU’s best chance of winning this game stems from Chesney’s aggressiveness. I’m expecting him to pull out all the stops, including aggressive fourth-down decision making, to give JMU a chance.

Jack’s pick: JMU 35, UNC 28

A late touchdown on the road pushes JMU to the victory. From what I have read about UNC, the fans are low on the team, the starting QB is still a question mark, and the only thing the Tar Heels can hang their hat on is Omarion Hampton. If JMU can slow down Hampton, which according to data over the previous 24 months it should, the Dukes will win.

Ball State, Sept. 28

Bennett’s pick: JMU 34, Ball State 14

Ball State should finish toward the bottom of the MAC, but I wouldn’t be stunned to see JMU start slow after a heartbreaking loss to UNC. Later in the game, the Dukes pull away and win big.

Jack’s pick: JMU 42, Ball State 17

This is similar reasoning as the Gardner Webb game. I think JMU should be able to beat up on a MAC team that finished in the bottom tier a year ago. Especially if JMU loses to UNC, Ball State may be in for an old fashioned butt whoopin’.

At ULM, Oct. 5

Bennett’s pick: JMU 38, ULM 17

This game might have a sleepy atmosphere, but I’m not overly concerned about JMU losing. The Dukes’ roster is a lot better than ULM’s, and I think the defensive line will overwhelm ULM’s front.

Jack’s pick: JMU 35, ULM 20

The game is never really as close that final score may indicate. Like Bennett said, this has the potential to be a sleepy atmosphere which could lead to some uncharacteristic mistakes and a slow start. ULM just doesn’t have the firepower, at this point in the offseason, for me to realistically believe they should be able to hang with the Dukes. General Booty reporting for a big L at the hands of the Dukes.

Coastal Carolina, Oct. 10

Bennett’s pick: JMU 31, Coastal Carolina 24

I think this game has a chance to be fantastic. While Coastal Carolina has struggled to hang with JMU the last two seasons, I like the Chanticleers’ 2024 roster and think they’ll put up a better fight this fall. Still, JMU’s home crowd should be buzzing on Thursday night.

Jack’s pick: JMU 45, Coastal 21

JMU has used Coastal Carolina as a punching bag the last two years. Honestly, not sure why Bennett thinks that changes this time around. The Chanticleers could be good, but they could also be a team with no QB. Ethan Vasko and Noah Kim are in the midst of a competition and Coastal doesn’t seem overly enthused with either option.

At Georgia Southern, Oct. 19

Bennett’s pick: JMU 27, Georgia Southern 24

Noe Ruelas splits the uprights on a 41-yard game-winner. JMU grabs a major road win in divisional play, keeping their College Football Playoff dreams alive in the process.

Jack’s pick: JMU 24, Georgia Southern 21

Bennett and I both believe this one that comes down to the leg of UConn transfer kicker Noe Ruelas. Weird things happen in Statesboro. We all remember while also trying to forget that 2022 game. I am a believer in Clay Helton and think he will have Southern’s offense ready to go. It will be a battle for the defenses in this one but I can see the defenses figuring it out in the second quarter and it turns into a rock fight.

Southern Miss, Oct. 26

Bennett’s pick: JMU 48, Southern Miss 24

JMU doubles up Southern Miss on Homecoming, as the offense hits its stride before a much-deserved bye week. JMU’s QB1 throws for five touchdown passes in the win.

Jack’s pick: JMU 42, Southern Miss 28

Some garbage time points make this one closer than it really is. Southern Miss, like ULM, will go with a transfer QB1. For Southern Miss it is Tate Rodemaker, who should be good enough to win some games. For Southern Miss I just don’t think they have the talent across the board to keep up with the Dukes in this one. Oh? And it is homecoming? The crowd will be amped up and ready to go and Southern Miss may get 21-skunked before the band finishes the fight song.

Georgia State, Nov. 9

Bennett’s pick: JMU 33, Georgia State 17

Georgia State will eventually become solid during Dell McGee’s coaching tenure. I genuinely believe that. It’ll take time before the new head coach recruits a better roster before Georgia State beats the Dukes, though.

Jack’s pick: JMU 48, Georgia State 10

Georgia State may be in for a tough year under new head coach Dell McGee. The Panthers lost all their major contributors to the portal or graduation and they lost their head coach. Georgia State is in for a rebuilding year and it may be tough to watch at times. Plus this being at Bridgeforth? May get ugly quick.

At ODU, Nov. 16

Bennett’s pick: JMU 27, ODU 14

Ricky Rahne always seems to get the most out of his team, but I love this matchup for JMU. I think ODU’s chances of a bowl game could be toast by the time these teams square off. Will the Monarchs be motivated? I don’t even want to read Jack’s outlandish take on this game. Someone knock some sense into my friend.

Jack’s pick: ODU 35, JMU 24

Call me crazy! But I think ODU will be ready to go for this game. The Monarchs are coming off a bye and JMU has to go on the road. Add in the fact that the Monarchs were dominated in 2022 on their home turf, nearly got revenge at JMU last season and now they have another shot. That is what they heard all bye week! The Monarchs’ offense gave JMU headaches all night long and I think Ricky Rahne’s squad will continue to scheme it up. I think this game is the start to some tough sledding.

At App State, Nov. 23

Bennett’s pick: App State 35, JMU 24

The Mountaineers are loaded. Their offense looks dynamic with Joey Aguilar back at QB, and the defense should be strong. Playing in Boone in late November is tough, tough, tough.

Jack’s pick: App State 28, JMU 21

App State wins this game with a late touchdown that JMU can’t answer. When these two teams clash, we typically have an instant classic and this game will be just like that. The Mountaineers are led by preseason player of the year Joey Aguilar and return nearly their whole team. Of the top teams in the Sun Belt last year,  App State returns some of the most high-end talent, and that will be reflected. Plus, App State comes into this game off of a bye and it will be JMU’s second straight road game against a team off of its bye. That is a tough task.

Marshall, Nov. 30

Bennett’s pick: JMU 21, Marshall 20

The Dukes win a nailbiter to grab their 10th regular season win. I think Marshall could surprise some teams in 2024, especially since the defensive front looks like it could be one of the best in the league. 

Jack’s pick: Marshall 27, JMU 24

Another close, heartbreaking loss, to finish the season. Marshall was down last year under Charles Huff after high expectations early on in the season. I believe the Thundering Herd will be back with a vengeance this season and will be playing for a whole lot with revenge on their mind heading into Bridgeforth, a place they dominated the Dukes in 2022.

Overall record

Bennett’s Record: 10-2, 7-1 SBC

Road games against UNC and App State are a tough task, but I like the rest of the schedule. I think JMU goes 10-2 and wins the Sun Belt East with a 7-1 record. App State goes 6-2 in the league and falls just short despite beating JMU in Boone.

Jack’s Record: 9-3, 5-3 SBC

This is an emotional hedge, in all honesty. This is going to be an interesting season and I have really high hopes. However, November is quite daunting after Georgia State. With the talk of the College Football Playoff and three-peating as “Kings of the East,” I could see a stumble down the back stretch of the season. Add in the fact that two of the final three games are on the road and against a team fresh off the bye? The schedule maker did JMU no favors with that.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications