Florida Intl Golden Panthers vs Marshall Thundering Herd Point Spread Picks

Florida International can't run the football (3.5 yards per carry as a team), and QB Max Bortenschlager has been sacked 21 times. They've lost six in a row with a defense that can't stop anyone. They're #100 in the country in run defense (182 yards per game allowed) and #125 in points surrendered (40.8 per game) and total yards allowed (487.7). Florida International is on a 3-8 spread run overall and 3-8 ATS on the road. They are also 12-31 ATS after being outrushed by 125+ yards in the last game. They're giving up 47.6 points per game on the road. Marshall has a winning record after routing North Texas, 49-21, and comes off a bye. In three of their four wins, they've scored 44+ points, including a 49-7 win over Navy as a 3-point favorite. Play Marshall.

Two of the best teams in Conference USA East division clash here. Florida International is home but an underdog because Marshall has the superior defense that is a difference-maker for showdowns like this. Marshall is #17 in the nation in yards allowed, fourth in rushing defense, #20 in points allowed (20.8 pg). The Thundering Herd has won three of four road games this season, beating opponents on their home field by a 30 to 22.8 average. Marshall has covered six of its last eight road contests, even covering in their lone road defeat, 26-24, at Southern Miss. They face a Florida International defense that is suspect, #61 in yards allowed, #49 in points surrendered (24.4 pg). And they are terrible against the run getting gouged for 202.5 yards per game on the ground, #101 in the country. College football road favorites are 94-49 ATS after allowing 17 points or less in two straight games against an opponent that played a game where 60+ total points were scored. Back the superior defense in this C-USA showdown. Play Marshall.

Marshall has been a strong football program for many years, but like a lot of mid-majors, they at times have trouble maintaining a high level of play. The Thundering Herd has been surprisingly good this season, opening the season with a sterling 6-1 mark, losing only to NC State. Defense has been the calling card for this team, as they have rattled off five straight wins, and the defense has had a hand in the five wins, allowing a stingy 7.4 points per game. Florida International has struggled for the most part trying to get the ball in the end-zone, as they have tallied 17 points or less in four of their six games, but have also limited half their opponents to 10 points or less. Marshall is far ahead of the pack defensively, and the offense is pretty ordinary. Florida International should be able to keep them under 30, and that will make this total tough to topple. Take the UNDER.