Marshall at LA Tech: 10/17/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
LA Tech Bulldogs (2-1) vs Marshall Thundering Herd (2-0)
Game Info: Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm (Joe Aillet Stadium)
Betting Odds: LA Tech Bulldogs +13.5 -- Over/Under: 53.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Marshall Thundering Herd will travel to Joe Aillet Stadium to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs this Saturday night in College Football action.
The Marshall Thundering Herd improved to 3-0 (1-0 C-USA) on the season after defeating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 38-14, this past Saturday. Marshall made quick work of Western Kentucky and had no trouble getting the victory after going up 35-0 early in the 3rd quarter after a 38-yard fumble return TD by Tavante Beckett. Marshall outgained Western Kentucky by 343-294 margin and won the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Thundering Herd was RB Brenden Knox who had 107 rushing yards & 3 TD’s on 15 carries.
On the season, Marshall is averaging 38.0 ppg on 449.7 total yards per game (223.3 passing yds/g; 226.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Marshall has been led by the backfield duo of Brenden Knox (61 att, 330 yards, 5 TD) and Sheldon Evans (32 att, 129 yards, 2 TD). QB Grant Wells has completed 61.4% of his passes for 632 yards, 4 TD, and an INT. The top receiving threats for the Thundering Herd have been Broc Thompson (12 rec, 198 yards), Xavier Gaines (6 rec, 127 yards, TD), Talik Keaton (6 rec, 89 yards, TD), and Willie Johnson (5 rec, 58 yards).
Defensively, Marshall is holding their opponents to an average of 7.0 ppg on 274.7 total yards per game (185.7 passing yds/g; 89.0 rushing yds/g).
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs improved to 3-1 (2-0 C-USA) on the season after defeating the UTEP Miners, 21-17, this past Saturday. Louisiana Tech struggled offensively against UTEP, however, was able to hold UTEP in the 4th quarter after taking a 21-10 lead on a 1-yard TD run by Israel Tucker. Louisiana Tech was outgained by UTEP by a 266-210 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Israel Tucker who had 47 rushing yards & 2 TD’s on 16 carries.
On the season, Louisiana Tech is averaging 33.0 ppg on 361.5 total yards per game (234.0 passing yds/g; 127.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Louisiana Tech has been led by QB Luke Anthony who has completed 60.2% of his passes for 739 yards, 10 TD’s, and 2 INT. The top targets for Anthony and the Bulldogs have been Adrian Hardy (13 rec, 206 yards, TD), Smoke Harris (16 rec, 169 yards, 3 TD), Wayne Toussant (7 rec, 130 yards, 2 TD), and Griffin Hebert (8 rec, 102 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Louisiana Tech backfield has been the duo of Justin Henderson (57 att, 229 yards, 2 TD) and Israel Tucker (42 att, 192 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Louisiana Tech is allowing their opponents to average 32.5 ppg on 418.3 total yards per game (300.3 passing yds/g; 118.0 rushing yds/g).
The Thundering Herd are 3-0 ATS on the season and 3-1 ATS in their last 4 away games. The Bulldogs are 2-2 ATS on the season and 2-2 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Marshall has looked impressive so far this season and should be a dangerous team in C-USA this season behind a defense that held a very good Appalachian State team to just 7 points earlier this season. Louisiana Tech is a solid team, however, I watched the 2nd half of their recent game against UTEP and I can’t see I was very impressed with what I saw on the offense end as they struggled agianst the Miners defense. Marshall’s offense certainly has weapons to put up plenty of points and as I see the Louisiana Tech offense struggle putting up more than 14 points in this one, I think the play here is to take Marshall to cover this large spread. Good Luck.
Brett’s Pick Marshall Thundering Herd -13.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
