College Football Predictions – Marshall Thundering Herd 2017 NCAA Football Preview
2016 Recap
2016 Record – 3-9
2016 ATS – 4-8
#Shocker.
After compiling an impressive 33-8 (!) record over the previous three campaigns the Herd struggled to a brutal 3-9 mark. They SHOCKED the WORLD late in the season with an impressive win over MTSU but that did not do much to take the sting out of losses to Akron, North Texas and Charlotte. The smart money is on Marshall rebounding this season. Is the smart money correct ? Let’s dig in.
2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
Conference USA – TBD
East Division – TBD
OFFENSE
We are still believers in QB Chase Litton. Last season he battled injuries and had no running game to support him but still managed to put up a decent 24-9 TD to INT ratio. He definitely has the ability to MATRICULATE down the field in the passing game but will have to do so this season with a very inexperienced group of WRs. In fact nobody on the team had more than 28 receptions or 300 yards last season (TE Ryan Yurachek – 28, 298).
The RB group returns intact but it is unclear if there is a star in waiting. The offensive line had injury issues last season and was mediocre. Marshall was DEAD LAST in CUSA in rushing yards per game (108) by a wide margin. They are going to have to make a big move forward if they want to compete for a division title.
DEFENSE
The Marshall defense was hideous last season allowing 35 points per game after yielding just 17.8 (!) in 2015. They gave up 202 yards per game rushing (5.0) and 254 yards passing. Conference USA is known for offense but Marshall was dreadful last year and needs to put the big boy pants on, like pronto. We do have optimism.
The Herd returns 7 starters to the mix and a number of transfers from Power 5 schools. They bring back 5/6 of their leading tacklers from last season’s defense, a fine DT (Ryan Bee), MLB Chase Hancock and three starters in the secondary. It’s hard to say how much better they will be this season but we expect a big move forward compared to the debacle of 2016.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Marshall was horrendous on FG attempts last year and only made 4 (!!!) of them all season. We can only hope that freshman Cole Phillips gets the nod. The return units looks solid as does the punting situation.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot
November 3 – at Florida Atlantic. This will be their 4th road game in 6 weeks and the FIGHTING KIFFINS promise to be much improved. A game with WKU is on deck.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Marshall has an amazing 10-2 record in bowl games.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the THUNDERING HERD a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season.
Marshall will get back to their winning ways this year. The defense will be much improved, QB Chase Litton is good and the special teams are above average. We worry a bit about their explosiveness on offense. From a betting standpoint it feels like they may go a bit under the radar after such a poor showing in 2016. Don’t go nuts – just keep an eye on them.
Want more Marshall Football ?
Website
http://www.herdzone.com/sports/m-footbl/mars-m-footbl-body.html
Forum
Free
http://www.herdfans.com/12thman/index.php?PHPSESSID=f7ac6336bce5d240993ec44026a9a20c&board=1.0
https://marshall.forums.rivals.com/forums/herd-nation-herd-fans-only.10/
http://scout.com/college/marshall/Board/HH-Online-104036
News
http://herdinsider.com/football
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall_sports/
http://bleacherreport.com/marshall-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/marshall-thundering-herd
Hashtag – #IAmBecauseWeAre
Accounts
https://twitter.com/HerdFB @HerdFB
https://twitter.com/GrantTraylor @GrantTraylor Grant Traylor
https://twitter.com/Chuckonsports @Chuckonsports Chuck Landon