The Marshall Thundering Herd look to cap off a winning season in style against a UConn Huskies team looking to do something it hasn’t since 2010 when the teams meet at 2:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
The Thundering Herd (8-4) had a rough spell after winning at Notre Dame in September but were able to get things rolling with four straight victories to close the regular season. Meanwhile, UConn (6-6) has its most wins since 2015 and could have a winning record for the first time since 2010.
It is the second meeting between these two programs. Marshall won 16-10 in the 2015 bowl game.
Marshall is favored by 12 points with an over/under of 40.5 points. The Thundering Herd are -470 on the moneyline while UConn is +345.
Marshall looks to keep rolling
The Thundering Herd have an elite rushing attack and defense. The offense only scored 24.2 points per game (95th) while gaining 405.8 yards of offense per game (53rd). They ranked 21st nationally in rushing for 205.6 yards per game and 104th in 200.3 yards passing per game.
Defensively, Marshall was seventh in allowing 16.2 points per game and ninth in holding teams to 291.8 yards of offense per game. The Thundering Herd held teams to 88.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked fifth, and 203.0 yards passing per game, which ranked 31st.
Khalan Laborn rushed for 1,423 yards on 5.1 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns and is the star to watch.
No Mora-l victories
Jim Mora Jr. has rejuvenated a lifeless UConn football program. The team beat up on some other programs that have struggled but also featured a win over a quality Liberty program. It will be a tough matchup for the Huskies though.
UConn ranked 115th in scoring 19.8 points per game and 125th in gaining 301.8 yards of offense per game. The Huskies were 32nd in rushing at 194.8 yards per contest and fourth worst in passing for 107.0 yards per game.
Defensively, the Huskies were 61st in allowing 26.1 points per game and 76th in allowing 386.5 yards of offense per game. That included 166.3 yards rushing, ranking 88th. Their 12 takeaways had them tied for 27th.
Marshall/UConn Betting Preview
The scales are tipped heavily in the Thundering Herd’s favor. Though they were 3-6 against the spread as favorites this season. UConn, which was 9-3 against the spread all season, was 6-3 as underdogs, including 3-1 as ‘dogs of 7 to 13.5 points.
Public betting data shows 63% of bets are on UConn to cover +12 points and 60% are on the over to hit.
However Marshall’s rushing attack and run defense will be too much for the Huskies to overcome. The talent deficit is too great but UConn showed it can win with better coaching. We’ll take Marshall -12.
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