The South Alabama Jaguars (4-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) and the Marshall Thundering Herd (3-3, 0-2) meet Tuesday in Sun Belt action at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let's analyze college football odds around the South Alabama vs. Marshall odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
South Alabama picked up its second straight win and third in 4 games with a wild 56-49 victory Oct. 8 at the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The Jaguars won outright as 3.5-point road underdogs as the Over (60.5) easily cashed. South Alabama dominated on the ground, rushing for 296 yards behind RBs Keenan Phillips (157 yards and 3 TD) and PJ Martin (95 yards, TD). QB Jared
Hollins threw for just 76 yards, but rushed for 33 yards and 2 TDs.
Marshall dropped its second straight game, falling 27-21 to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Oct. 10 as a 4.5-point home favorite with the Under (57.5) cashing. QB Carlos Del Rio-Wilson struggled, committing 4 turnovers (3 INTs and a fumble). QB Zion Turner tried to spark a comeback, throwing for 219 yards and 2 TDs, while RB Judah Price rushed for 124 yards and a TD.
South Alabama and Marshall have met just once before, with the Jaguars rolling to a 28-0 win in 2023 as a 10.5-point home favorite as the Under (44.5) cashed.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
Watch NCAA football on Fubo!
South Alabama at Marshall odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:39 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): South Alabama -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Marshall +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Against the spread (ATS): South Alabama -3 (-102) | Marshall +3 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -108 | U: -110)
South Alabama at Marshall picks and predictions
Prediction
South Alabama 38, Marshall 30
Moneyline
PASS.
I've got the Gamecocks (-145) winning this game, but I don't love paying all that juice, I'll take my bet to the spread.
Against the spread
BET SOUTH ALABAMA -3 (-102).
South Alabama enters Tuesday night's Sun Belt matchup riding a 2-game winning streak, with an offense averaging 38.8 points per game. The Jaguars have been lighting up the scoreboard, scoring 52 against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks and 56 against Arkansas State.
The biggest advantage comes on the ground, where South Alabama averages 220.3 rushing yards per game. Marshall's defense has struggled against the run, allowing 193.8 yards per contest. Phillips, Martin and RB Trae'von Dunbar have combined for 1,146 rushing yards and 15 TDs this season.
Marshall has dropped 2 straight games and committed 6 turnovers in its latest loss to Coastal Carolina. The Thundering Herd also carry a minus-9 turnover margin, while South Alabama's defense has forced 11 turnovers.
The Jaguars have defensive concerns of their own, but their explosive offense and strong rushing attack should create problems for Marshall.
Over/Under
BET OVER 64.5 (-108).
South Alabama has been lighting up the scoreboard this season, but its defense has struggled, allowing 34.5 points per contest. Marshall hasn't been much better defensively, surrendering 33.7 PPG. Every South Alabama game has topped 52 points and 4 of the 6 have topped 66 points, and with both defenses giving up big numbers, another offensive shootout should be coming Tuesday night.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Auburn / BYU / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / Texas Tech / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / College Sports Wire / High Schools
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: South Alabama Jaguars at Marshall Thundering Herd odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
