Two of the CUSA’s best players will be on display in this game, as Chase Litton and the Marshall Thundering Herd visit Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium to meet Brent Stockstill and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Marshall (8-1) comes into this game looking to keep up the momentum, while Middle Tennessee (3-5) would like to get things going with a win. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov 7 and will air on FSN.
Middle Tennessee was blown out by Louisiana Tech 45-16 in their last game. Ed’Marques Batties had an outstanding performance in the loss, totaling nine receptions for 111 yards and two TDs. Richie James added 73 receiving yards on 10 receptions. Marshall is hoping for another victory like last week’s performance, when it routed Charlotte 34-10. Davonte Allen had a big game for the Thundering Herd, totaling 12 receptions for 232 yards and one TD. Chase Litton also had a big day, contributing 486 yards and two TDs through the air.
Middle Tennessee is a slight two-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable.
The Blue Raiders enter the game with records of 3-5 Straight Up (SU) and 4-4 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. Over their last five games, the Blue Raiders have records of 1-4 for both SU and ATS. The Middle Tennessee passing attack has averaged 310.8 yards per contest over their last five games. Transitioning to the Middle Tennessee defense, there are some things to keep in mind when it is on the field. One of the keys to the game will be whether the Thundering Herd can protect the ball against the ambitious defense of the Blue Raiders, who rank 24th in the nation with two turnovers per game. Mistakes and a lack of focus may be factors that benefit the Blue Raiders in the game. The Thundering Herd are one of the most penalized teams in the nation with 72 penalty yards per game.
On the other side, the Thundering Herd have 8-1 SU and 6-3 ATS records this season. In the previous five games, Marshall has a record of 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. The Thundering Herd are playing better defense than they have all year, only allowing 11 PPG over their last five games, which is well under their season average of 16.1 points. The Marshall pass defense has given teams fits during those games. During that time, opponents have gained an average of only 177.4 passing yards against this terrorizing unit. The Blue Raiders will need to secure the ball against the turnover-minded Thundering Herd. The defense ranks ninth in the country in turnovers with 2.3 per game. The Thundering Herd usually get going immediately from the initial kickoff, averaging 9.8 points in the first quarter this year.
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Marshall
Notes
Middle Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
Middle Tennessee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Middle Tennessee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
Middle Tennessee is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home.
Marshall is 6-0 SU when leading at the half this season. Middle Tennessee is 3-1 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Marshall is 2-1 SU this season in games where it wins the turnover battle, yet undefeated (5-0 SU) in games where it loses the turnover battle.
The Middle Tennessee defense has forced an average of 2.0 turnovers per game this season, but Marshall is 4-1 SU when turning the ball over at least 2.0 times in a game.
