Marshall Thundering Herd (1-0) vs. East Carolina Pirates (0-1)
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. East Carolina Pirates 9/9/23 – Football fans are gearing up for an electrifying match as the Marshall Thundering Herd (1-0) takes on the East Carolina Pirates (0-1) on September 9, 2023. Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM ET at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and can be caught live on ESPU. Both teams have contrasting opening games but have history suggesting a fierce matchup.
The Thundering Herd marched into the season with an explosive start, with key performances from their offensive players. Running back Rasheen Ali sprinted across the field, tallying up a commendable 137 yards from 18 attempts and scoring twice. An average of 7.6 yards per carry, with a long rush of 31 yards, speaks to his dynamism. Wide receiver Chuck Montgomery was also instrumental in the previous game, making 6 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, with a notable long reception of 19 yards.
The Pirates had a shaky start to the season but showcased glimpses of promise. Running back Rahjai Harris, despite only managing 22 yards on 5 carries, produced a decent average of 4.4 yards per rush, highlighting his potential for big plays. Wide receiver Jaylen Johnson chipped in with 3 catches for 30 yards, his longest being 13 yards. The Pirates will be counting on these players to step up and make an impact in the upcoming game. Check out our free week 2 NCAAF picks for more insights.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. East Carolina Pirates Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 9, 2023, 4:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium |
| TV: | ESPU |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
Cam Fancher QB vs. Mason Garcia QB
A team’s fortune often pivots on the performance of its quarterback, and for Marshall, Cam Fancher seems to be in stellar form. Completing 28 of his 35 passing attempts, Fancher clocked in an impressive 268 passing yards with an 80% completion rate. With an average of 7.7 yards per pass attempt and a long of 27 yards, he threw one touchdown and one interception, wrapping up with a passer rating of 148.
On the opposing side, Mason Garcia of East Carolina had a modest game. He completed 11 of his 18 attempts, accumulating just 80 passing yards. Although his completion percentage of 61.1% is decent, his average yards per attempt stand at 4.4. An interception without a touchdown pass culminates in a passer rating of 87.3.
Comparatively, Fancher seems to have the upper hand in terms of form, experience, and confidence, heading into this game. Garcia’s stats suggest a more conservative approach, something East Carolina might need to reconsider to match Marshall’s offensive prowess.
Odds/Point Spread: Marshall Thundering Herd -145, Total Odds: 43
The odds tilt slightly in favor of the Thundering Herd with a spread of -3 at -115, Moneyline at -145, and a total leaning towards over 43. East Carolina Pirates, on the other hand, have a spread of +3 at -105, a Moneyline of +125, and a total inclination towards under 43.
Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Trends
Marshall boasts a decent 4-2 ATS in their previous 6 games. Significantly, the total has gone UNDER in 8 of their last 11 encounters. With a commendable 6-0 SU in recent games, Marshall seems to be in formidable form. However, their track record against East Carolina is less than stellar, standing at 2-5 SU. The total leaning towards UNDER in their last 6 away games, and OVER against an opponent from the AAC, provides mixed signals for bettors.
East Carolina Pirates Betting Trends
East Carolina, despite their recent loss, has a promising 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games. Their encounters with Marshall tend to be high-scoring, with the total going OVER in 4 out of the last 5 matches. Home games see a trend towards UNDER in 7 of their last 10. Interestingly, their games against Sun Belt conference teams lean heavily towards the OVER, standing at 4 out of 5 times.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. East Carolina Pirates 9/9/23 Betting Picks
While Marshall’s recent form, especially the performance of Fancher, leans in their favor, it’s important not to discount the Pirates, particularly considering the history between the two teams. Marshall’s unimpressive record against East Carolina adds a layer of unpredictability. However, based on current form, offensive prowess, and betting trends, the smart pick would be in favor of the Marshall Thundering Herd. In what promises to be a close encounter, Marshall is predicted to come out on top, albeit with a hard-fought victory over the Pirates. For more insights, check out our premium sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Marshall Thundering Herd will win 27-20.