Marshall vs. FAU Prediction, Game Preview

Marshall vs. FAU prediction and game preview. The Thundering Herd and Owls are scheduled to meet at Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia for a Week 7 showdown.

Marshall vs. FAU Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 15 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV
Broadcast: American Sports Network

The Owls and the Herd will be playing for pride, possibly jobs and, well, not a whole lot else. Marshall has been the bigger disappointment, slipping to new lows following three consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins. Considering the raw talent in Huntington, it’s been a head-scratcher resulting in four losses in a row, the latest to North Texas. Doc Holliday isn’t in trouble, but the same cannot be said for third-year Florida Atlantic coach Charlie Partridge. He’s now 7-23 in Boca Raton, with this year’s only victory coming in the opener with FCS Southern Illinois.

What To Know About Florida Atlantic

There’s not a whole lot the Owls can count on this season, save for RB Greg Howell on offense and DE Trey Hendrickson on the defensive side of the ball. Otherwise, this program is a mess, which is why Partridge and his assistants are in such a precarious situation. Despite getting little help from QB Jason Driskel and the passing game, Howell has rushed for 505 yards and eight scores on 98 carries. Meanwhile, Hendrickson will have a shot to play on Sundays, shaking off double-teams to lead FAU with 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and three blocked kicks.

What To Know About Marshall

True, there was a lot of turnover from 2015, but Holliday seemingly recruited well enough to avoid this type of a collapse. Just hasn’t happened though. The defense has not adapted well to so many new starters, allowing 41 points per game, and poor execution, particularly at the line of scrimmage, has hamstrung the offense. The closest thing to a cornerstone for the Herd has been the passing game. QB Chase Litton is a returning starter, with 13 touchdown passes in only four games, and TE Ryan Yurachek and 6-7 WR Michael Clark are capable targets.

Advantages

Offense: Marshall. Litton and the passing game over Howell and the Owl ground game, but not by much.

Defense: Push. These two squads are equally bad in all phases, the Herd crumbling against the pass and the Owls allowing 5.6 yards per carry.

Special Teams: Florida Atlantic. The Owls’ strongest unit, propped up by all-league P Dalton Schomp and PK Greg Joseph, who is 6-of-6 on field goal tries.

Coaching: Marshall. Partridge has a lot to prove to keep his job. Holliday, though, is a good coach having a rocky year.

Intangibles: Marshall. After two weeks on the road, the Herd is thrilled to be back in West Virginia. Plus, Marshall is healthier than Florida Atlantic at the midway point of the season.

Matchup To Watch

Hendrickson vs. Marshall OTs Clint Van Horn and Fedrice Binot

Hendrickson is the most talented player in this game. And the defender most likely to stifle Litton’s ability to connect downfield. Now, when Hendrickson is matched with the inexperienced Binot, help from a guard will be needed. But Hendrickson vs. Van Horn, a salty sixth-year veteran, will be an interesting head-to-head matchup.

Betting Odds

Spread: Marshall -11.5
Over/Under: 63.5