Marshall at Navy - 9/4/21 College Football Picks and Prediction
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Navy Midshipmen (0-0) vs Marshall Thundering Herd (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 3:30 pm (Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: Navy Midshipmen +2.5 -- Over/Under: 47 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Marshall Thundering Herd will travel to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to take on the Navy Midshipmen this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The Marshall Thundering Herd had a solid season last year, however, despite starting off the season with 7 straight wins, Marshall struggled down the stretch, losing their last 3 games, including a 22-13 loss in the C-USA Championship against UAB and a 17-10 loss against Buffalo in the Camellia Bowl. Offensively, Marshall averaged 28.5 ppg on 391.3 total yards per game (212.9 passing yds/g; 178.4 rushing yds/g). Leading the way for the Marshall offense this season will be QB Grant Wells who has a freshman last season, completed 61.1% of his passes for 2,091 yards, 18 TD, & 9 INT. Marshall basically returns all their receiving threats from last year’s team, led by WR Corey Gammage (35 rec, 409 yards, 4 TD), TE Xavier Gaines (28 rec, 404 yards, 4 TD), WR Willie Johnson (18 rec, 268 yards, 2 TD), & WR Talik Keaton (17 rec, 175 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Thundering Herd backfield this season will be Sheldon Evans who rushed for 327 yards & 4 TD’s on 72 carries.
Defensviely, Marshall was outstanding last season as they led the country in holding opponents to just 13.0 ppg. Marshall was solid against both the run and the pass as they allowed an average of just 279.4 yards per game (183.9 passing yds/g & 95.5 rushing yds/g). Leading the way for the Thundering Herd defense will be DL Jamare Edwards & DB Steven Gilmore.
The Navy Midshipmen had a disappointing season last year, finishing the season with just a 3-7 overall record while finished 7th in AAC play with a 3-4 record. Offensively, Navy struggled as the Midshipmen averaged just 16.6 ppg on 275.0 total yards per game (177.6 passing yds/g; 97.4 rushing yds/g). Navy is known for their rushing attack and hope that QB Xavier Arline can provide the Midshipmen a much-needed spark after finishing last season with 210 rushing yards on 59 carries. Navy will hope that Jamale Carothers will have a bounce back season after finishing last season with 358 yards & 2 TD’s and expect more production from returning RB’s Chance Warren (29 att, 95 yards, 3 TD) & Carlinos Acie (11 att, 39 yards). Navy will bring back their top receiver in Mychal Cooper (12 rec, 199 yards, 2 TD), however, they do have some question marks on their offensive line after losing their top two blockers.
Defensively, Navy allowed opponents to average 30.3 ppg on 385.5 total yards per game (180.8 passing yds/g; 204.7 rushing yds/g). Leading the way for the Midshipmen defense this season will be LB Diego Fagot.
The Thundering Herd are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games and just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Midshipmen are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. C-USA opponents, however, are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Marshall struggled down the stretch last season, however, this is still a very solid team that will have a strong defense and some offensive weapons. Navy struggled last season on both ends of the field and it’s hard to expect the offense to be much better as the Midshipmen lost a few key pieces on the offensive line and don’t have many proven RB’s in the backfield. Going on the road is always difficult in your season opener, however, Marshall in my opinion is the better team on both ends of the field and I think they have no problem covering this small spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Marshall Thundering Herd -2.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
