| MATCHUP | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | Marshall Thundering Herd |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Spread | +13.5 -108 | -13.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +410 | -550 |
| Total | Over 56.5 (-112) | Under 56.5 (-108) |
| Where | Marshall Stadium | |
| When | Saturday, September 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Marshall Thundering Herd Preview
The Marshall Thundering Herd have a 0-1 record this season and are coming off a 0-45 road loss to Penn State, where they were outgained by their opponents 487-147 yards and had 54 total plays. Marshall had 103 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, and 19/28 completed passes. They lost the turnover battle by 2-0, were 1/11 on third down conversions, and had 4-45 penalties.
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson led Marshall with 19/28 passes and 103 passing yards, while also leading the team with 30 rushing yards. Toby Payne caught 8 passes for a team-high 55 receiving yards. Defensively, Caleb Clark-Glover led the Thundering Herd with 11 total tackles, 9 of them solo, while Ke’Travion McBride recorded one sack.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Preview
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have a 1-0 record this season and are coming off a 38-14 home victory over Murray State, where they outgained their opponents 396-290 yards and had 49 total plays. Middle Tennessee had 200 passing yards, 196 rushing yards, and 20/26 completed passes. They won the turnover battle by 0-1, were 3/7 on third down conversions, and had 10-81 penalties.
Roman Gagliano led Middle Tennessee with 20/26 passes, 200 passing yards, and 2 touchdowns. Antonio Martin Jr. had a team-high 103 rushing yards, while Cam’ron Lacy caught 8 passes for a team-high 118 receiving yards. Defensively, Kalen Woods led the Blue Raiders with 7 total tackles, 5 of them solo.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders @ Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Trends: Week 2
Why the Marshall Thundering Herd will win
- Middle Tennessee has lost each of its last eight road openers.
- Marshall has won seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
- Middle Tennessee has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six road openers.
- Marshall has covered the spread in four of its last five home games.
- Middle Tennessee has lost the first half in each of its last 12 September games as an underdog.
- The home team has won the first quarter in three of the last four games between Middle Tennessee and Marshall.
Why the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will win
- Marshall has lost four of its last five games as a favorite.
- The underdog has won three of Marshall’s last four games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Marshall’s last four games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
- Marshall has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- The road team has won the first half in six of Marshall’s last seven games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Marshall’s last eight games against non-conference opponents at Joan C. Edwards Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of Middle Tennessee’s last eight September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Marshall Thundering Herd Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Toby Payne ranks T1st in the Sun Belt Conference for receptions (8) this season.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Cam’ron Lacy ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Marshall has lost the third quarter in each of its last four games – equal-longest active streak in the FBS.
- Marshall ranks 134th among FBS teams for yards per game this season (147.0).
- Middle Tennessee ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Middle Tennessee ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
Middle Tennessee vs Marshall Prediction
In this Middle Tennessee vs Marshall Prediction, Marshall is coming as -13.5 home favorites. Both teams are coming off opposite outcomes in their opening games of the season, as Marshall got blown out 45-0 in Penn State, while Middle Tennessee won by 24 points at home. Middle Tennessee was better on the road last season and Marshall was mediocre at home and looked awful in its first game. I believe -13.5 are too many points and even though I expect Marshall to win, I will grab the points with Middle Tennessee and expect a close game.