Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

4 minute read

Sept. 21, 2021

Eytan Shander
VI College Football Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

We’ve hit the earliest point of the season to start comparing resumes – especially with common opponents. While it’s still super early in the overall season, this may all come down to ECU and how each team fared. Both teams enter with a 2-1 record although only one team is dealing with a glaring weakness.

Score Prediction: Appalachian State 42, Marshall 33

Best Bet: Over 60

Best Bet: Marshall Over 24.5

Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Predictions

The Marshall side wants you to believe its underwhelming loss was a speed bump rather than a brick wall, and a dismantling of the Pirates was not a true representation of how sharp App State plays. The difference ultimately comes down to defense, and how trustworthy the Mountaineers are especially versus the Thundering Herd.

The line seems a little less favorable to the common opponent theory, but even more room to hit a short 7-point favorite. Marshall is going to have to score on nearly every possession to keep this close.

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Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Odds

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The Mountaineers are a 7-point home favorite to open week 4, while the Thundering Herd are dogs for the first time this season.

The total opened at 55 and has since moved up 5 points to 60. Both teams have put up points each week, including Marshall putting up 40+ in each of their three games.

Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Resources

• Matchup: CUSA vs. Sun Belt
• Date: Thursday, September 23, 2021
• Venue: Kidd Brewer Stadium
• Location: Boone, North Carolina
• TV-Time: ESPN - 7:30 p.m. ET

• Expert Picks
• Line Movements
• Betting Trend Movements
• Weather Report
• College Football Playoff Betting

Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 2-1
• ATS: 1-2
• O/U: 3-0
• ATS - Home: 0-2
• ATS - Away: 1-0

The line remains a manageable 7 mainly because of false hope in Marshall, but don’t blame them, their offense is the reason. The ‘Herd’s ability to light up ECU – albeit in a losing effort – NCCU, and Navy is no coincidence. Marshall has a legit offensive line that can protect Grant Wells, opening holes for a decent ground game. However, turnovers hurt, and that’s the difference here.

Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 2-1
• ATS: 2-1
• O/U: 1-2
• ATS - Home: 1-1
• ATS - Away: 1-0

App State turns the ball over at an alarming rate, which may be the saving grace in keeping this game close. The Thundering Herd’s offense coughs up the ball so often. App State still blew out ECU and a lesser Elon opponent. Sandwiched between was Miami – who still struggled to extend leads against App State – even with the lone turnover helping the Canes!

Expecting the Mountaineers offense to play a little safer against Marshall is an easier expectation, than the Thundering Herd coming into town and stifling App State’s offense. It’s that simple.

Appalachian State has gone UNDER the point total in four of its last six home games. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Marshall Thundering Herd

• Record: 2-1
• VI Ranking: 82
• Points Scored: 131
• Points Allowed: 59
• PS/G: 43.7 (10th)
• PA/G: 19.7 (50th)

Inside the Stats - Appalachian State Mountaineers

• Record: 2-1
• VI Ranking: 28
• Points Scored: 100
• Points Allowed: 54
• PS/G: 33.3 (50th)
• PA/G: 18 (39th)

Key Players to Watch

• MARSH: Corey Gammage - WR (22 catches, 344 yards)
• MARSH: Talik Keaton - WR (12 catches, 208 yards, 2 TD)
• APP: Camerun Peoples - RB (42 carries, 275 yards, 5 TD)
• APP: Chase Brice - QB (60/86, 751 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT)

Injuries

• APP: Daetrich Harrington - RB (Out Indefinitely)

Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Conclusion

Take a strong look at the over 60 here for two key reasons. The first is just how effortless it’’s been for both offenses to move the football, no matter the opponent. While App State presents a tougher matchup defensively on Thursday night, both teams should be able to move the ball.

Then there’s the turnovers. App State hasn’t given the ball away like Marshall – three turnovers in each of their first three games. Expect some points off turnovers and/or short fields that will help push that over the total.

Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Trends

• Appalachian State has gone UNDER the point total in four of its last six games.
• Appalachian State has won 17 of its last 21 games.
• Marshall has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.
• Marshall has won five of its last seven road games.

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