Pinnacle -2½ -109 BET365 -2½ -110 SportsInteraction -2½ -110 BetOnline -2½ -110 Bookmaker -2½ -110

Posted at 10:45 AM EST. 

Marshall -2½ over NAVY

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - Annapolis, MD

Streaming: CBS Sports Network

3:30 PM EST. Forgive us, but what the fuck have the Midshipman done to deserve this kind of respect from the oddsmakers and market? A 3-7 record in 2020 was backed strongly by a team known for its ability to run the football, not being able to run the football. The Midshipman finished just 52nd in the nation in rushing last season, the first time they didn't finish in the top six in coach Ken Niumatalolo's 13 years in Annapolis. Navy's 257.1 rushing yards per game and paltry 16.6 points per game were good for a bottom 10 FBS ranking. It happens to all coaches, but could Niumatalolo now be on the decline? Navy was a mess last season and we see no beacon of hope floating in Chesapeake Bay.

Marshall enjoyed a bit of a resurgence last season, finding itself ranked as high as #15. The Thundering Herd began the campaign at 7-0, but would falter late with a 0-3 slide to end the year. Still, at 7-3, the Herd may have laid the foundation for future success. The market may be apprehensive to invest in Marshall because the program features a new bench boss in former Alabama running backs coach, Charles Huff. However, Huff has much to work with, as standout freshman quarterback Grant Wells is back for his sophomore season. Wells went off for the Herd in 2020 throwing for 2091 yards, with a 19:8 touchdown to interception ratio. Dude is one of nine returning offensive starters. Joining Wells is All-Conference USA tight end Xavier Gaines, and standout receiver Corey Gammage.

On defense, Wells inherits a talented group that returns eight starters. How talented? Well, Marshall featured the lowest scoring defense in America at 13 PPG and the second-lowest total defense at 278.4 YPG. The Herd would give up just 17 or more points once in 2020, which was their 22-13 loss to Birmingham in the C-USA championship game. Do not let the Herd's late-season struggles deter you from giving them your consideration here. We most certainly will not. A total of 47 suggests that some points will be scored. Who do you trust to rack it up? A potential blowout is not out of the question here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A cheaper and better alternative to CABLE

TV Programming

A GREAT OFFER FOR SPORTSWAGERS READERS:

We’re offering a better and cheaper alternative to cable TV. You will literally save thousands of dollars. If you’re sick of paying a fortune for programming that you don’t even want or need, this is for you. All pro sports -- EVERY GAME, tons of college football and basketball games and tons of regular programming (non-sports). Over 2500 channels all in HD for a mere $20 per month. You have to be nuts not to get it.