The Bob Chesney era officially begins on August 31, when the JMU football team visits the Charlotte 49ers in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Both teams are expected to field transfer quarterbacks. The favorite to start at JMU is Dylan Morris, who transferred from Washington. Charlotte will rely on Max Brown, who transferred from Florida and is an athletic player with little college experience.
Both sides enter the upcoming season with vastly different expectations, as JMU was tipped to finish second in the Sun Belt East. Charlotte was tipped to finish 13th in the 14-team AAC, as Biff Poggi’s team is not expected to make a bowl game in his second season leading the program.
For Charlotte, the game is a real chance to pull off a surprise. For JMU, a win will strengthen the confidence in Chesney’s team.
What channel does JMU-Charlotte air on?
TV channels: ESPNU
The two Group of Five schools will receive a national TV spot in Week 1. It will be the first national TV game of the season for JMU, which will be seen on national television for nine of its 13 games in 2023.
The game is announced by Justin Kutcher and Charles Arbuckle.
JMU vs. Charlotte – Start Time
Date: 31.August
Time: 8pm ET
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The stadium has space for about 15,000 fans.
JMU has gone 2-0 overall against Charlotte, including a win at Jerry Richardson Stadium in 2014. The Dukes won that game 48-40, with JMU quarterback Vad Lee totaling 400 yards and six touchdowns. Daniel Brown led the Dukes with 76 receiving yards and a touchdown, as 12 different Dukes caught a pass in that win.
JMU-Charlotte betting odds
Spread: JMU -6.5 (-115) at DraftKings
Money line: JMU is a -265 moneyline favorite, Charlotte is a +215 underdog
In total: 51 points on DK
According to Action Network, the Dukes opened as 11.5-point favorites. Since opening, the odds have shifted toward Charlotte, and the 49ers are now less than a touchdown underdog on several betting platforms.
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
