Marshall Thundering Herd vs Rice Owls Point Spread Picks

Marshall is 7-0 and 5-2 ATS while averaging 37.4 points per game and the Thundering Herd is #2 in the nation in yards allowed and #1 in scoring defense allowing just 10.1 points per game. The Herd hasn't played since Nov. 14 when it destroyed Middle Tennessee 42-14 and that was after annihilating Massachusetts 51-10 the week before. Quarterback Grant Wells has thrown for 1,674 yards and 16 touchdowns with only four interceptions and he has a 65.6-percent completion rate. Rice has played only three games and won one of them and the Owls lost 27-17 to North Texas in their last game two weeks ago. Marshall won last year's meeting 20-7 as an 11.5-point favorite. The Thundering Herd has covered its last four games after scoring at least 40 points its previous game and Rice is just 2-5 ATS its last seven games following a loss dating to last season. Lay the points with Marshall.

Marshall keeps winning and covering, going 9-1 ATS at home and 13-1-1 ATS at home in games against a team with a winning road record. That's because this offense is sensational: #2 in the nation in scoring with 47.8 points per game with incredible balance at 270 yards passing and 295 yards rushing per contest. That ground attack is #7 in the country. Running back Remi Watson scored four touchdowns and quarterback Rakeem Cato threw for two scores and ran for another as Marshall rolled to a 63-17 victory at Southern Miss last week. They had the edge in yards 521-300 and even the defense forced three turnovers. The unbeaten Thundering Herd fell behind 14-0 before taking an offensive snap, but ended up rushing for 335 yards and seven touchdowns. This is a good challenge with Rice in town, a team on a 6-0 run but the defense is weak (26 ppg allowed). The home team is 3-1-1 ATS in their last five meetings and this is a revenge spot for Marshall, losing 41-24 to Rice last season. With Marshall still seeking national respect and recognition, they won't take the foot off the gas pedal. Play on Marshall as my College Football Game of the Month.

At the beginning of the season, I'm not sure many thought that the C-USA Championship would involve either Marshall or Rice. But, each of these teams went 9-3 (7-1 in conference play) to earn their spots in this game. Rice has been strong offensively, but at the same time have been slowed by some decent defensive teams. In just their last four games the Owls managed just 17 points in their season finale vs. Tulane and 16 vs. North Texas. Marshall has found their way into this game with a strong defense. The Thundering Herd allowed 28 points or less in nine games, prior to overtime, and 23 or less eight times. I think that the oddsmakers have been a bit too robust with the total here, especially in a game of this magnitude for both of these teams. Rice has played to a 19-7 mark to the UNDER in their last 26 at home, and their last six overall when played against an opponent with a winning record have seen the UNDER go a perfect 6-0. I look for the MAC Championship to stay UNDER this high total.