The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (2-3, 0-2 Sun Belt) and Marshall Thundering Herd (3-2, 0-1) lock horns Wednesday in a conference battle at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Louisiana vs. Marshall odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Louisiana defeated Marshall 36-21 in the New Orleans Bowl in 2021 but reached October with more losses than it endured all of last season. The Cajuns head into Wednesday’s game looking to snap a 3-game losing skid. Being a plus-8 in turnovers has not helped a scuffling UL offense put up points as its 25.6 points per game average ranks tied for 94th in the nation.
The Thundering Herd has held opponents to single-digit point totals in 3 games this season, including the last 2 weeks. Its stifling run defense has helped Marshall hold foes to just 16.2 points per game (17th FBS) overall: MU has allowed just 2.46 yards per carry (5th).
Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports
Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Louisiana at Marshall odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Louisiana +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Marshall -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Louisiana +9.5 (-102) | Marshall -9.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Louisiana at Marshall picks and predictions
Prediction
Marshall 28, Louisiana 17
Moneyline
Drowning in juice: PASS.
Against the spread
Marshall gets a little healthier in key spots after the bye week. The Herd have a stout defense and look for that to be leveraged on passing downs where they have a substantial analytics edge.
The home side in this one is also much better in defensive red-zone situations. The Herd also have the run game to clock a late lead, and the ball-hawking defensive skills to create problems for a trying-to-rally Cajun squad. It’s also a revenge spot for an MU squad that ended last season with the New Orleans Bowl loss.
BACK MARSHALL -9.5 (-122) in this midweek battle under the lights.
Over/Under
UL starting QB Chandler Fields (upper body) is expected to be out for this game. The Cajuns will be limited in their playbook and figure to play at a slower pace.
Louisiana does have the rush defense to slow down Marshall. Look for a grinding game where one team just finds more success near the goal line.
TAKE THE UNDER 47.5 (-117).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this game or any other NCAA football matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]