Marshall 2018 Betting Preview: Defense Will Be C-USA’s Best Again

Marshall 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +500000
• To win the C-USA: +425
• Win Total: 8 (over -115, under -115)

Always shop for the best line.

Marshall 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 8.1

Bet To Watch

Game of the Year: Marshall +4.5 vs. FAU

Marshall will continue to play stout defense, as it ranks 19th in defensive returning production after finishing 17th in points per game allowed. But there's one specific game I'm targeting that defense to shine.

The 2017 matchup between FAU and Marshall ended with one of the worst betting beats in history. In a 30-25 loss on the road as 6-point dogs, Marshall outgained Florida Atlantic and held its vaunted rushing attack to 4.2 yards per carry (FAU was 4th in the nation at 6.01).

The Herd only covered when FAU took a safety on purpose with eight seconds left. FAU coach Lane Kiffin then joked about not wanting to cover the spread on purpose.

>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.

Marshall will host this rematch on Oct. 20, and Florida Atlantic may start sluggish off its bye week. This game should have an emotional atmosphere while serving as homecoming for Marshall. The Thundering Herd boast the best defensive line and linebacker unit in the conference, and should dominate the box score once again. I will take Marshall +4.5 game of the year, and be looking for a first half under the week of the game, too.

What else you need to know about Marshall

There are plenty of questions on the offensive side of the ball, from a new quarterback to a new coordinator. The good news is the offensive line returns and ranked fifth in adjusted sack rate. A shot on Marshall to winConference USA +425 might have slight value, as opposed to taking the Herd moneyline against FAU and the West winner in the title game. They'd need to win both those games to have a shot at winning C-USA.

Also, look to bet Marshall after a bye week (7-2 ATS since 2012) and in bowl games (6-0 ATS since 2005). Doc Holliday has proven he's an excellent coach with time to prepare.

More College Football Betting Previews

Click here for team previews on all 130 FBS schools.