The Bob Chesney era officially kicks off on August 31st as the JMU football team takes on the Charlotte 49ers in Week 1 of the 2024 season. This highly anticipated matchup will showcase two teams with different expectations and aspirations for the upcoming season.
Both teams are expected to start transfer quarterbacks, with Dylan Morris from Washington being the favorite to earn the starting job for JMU. On the other side, Charlotte will rely on Max Brown, a transfer from Florida who brings athleticism but limited college experience to the table.
As the season opener approaches, JMU has been picked to finish second in the Sun Belt East, while Charlotte is predicted to finish 13th in the 14-team AAC. This stark contrast in expectations sets the stage for an intriguing matchup, with Charlotte looking to pull off an upset and JMU aiming to build confidence in the new Chesney regime.
The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, providing both schools with a national TV spotlight in Week 1. This marks the first national TV appearance of the season for JMU, which had a strong presence on national television in the previous year.
The JMU-Charlotte game will be called by Justin Kutcher and Charles Arbuckle, adding to the excitement surrounding this early-season clash. With the spotlight on them, both teams will be looking to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Jerry Richardson Stadium, the game promises to be a thrilling showdown between the two Group of Five schools. With a capacity of around 15,000 fans, the stadium is expected to be buzzing with energy as the teams battle it out on the field.
In their previous matchups, JMU holds a 2-0 record against Charlotte, including a victory at Jerry Richardson Stadium in 2014. In that game, JMU quarterback Vad Lee put on a stellar performance, throwing for 400 total yards and six touchdowns. The Dukes will look to replicate that success and continue their dominance over the 49ers.
When it comes to betting odds, JMU is currently favored by 6.5 points on DraftKings, with a moneyline of -265 in favor of the Dukes. However, the line has shifted towards Charlotte since opening, making them a less than a touchdown underdog in the eyes of multiple betting platforms.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes will be on the JMU-Charlotte matchup, with fans eagerly anticipating the start of the Bob Chesney era and the excitement that comes with a new college football season.
