UTSA vs. Marshall Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Cole Pennington, Marshall Shock The World at Frisco Bowl?
The UTSA Roadrunners will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Frisco Bowl tonight. Will Cole Pennington and Marshall shock the world tonight? Jason Radowitz shares his UTSA vs. Marshall prediction.
Jason Radowitz - December 19, 2023, 10:41 AM EST
5 minUTSA vs. Marshall Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Cole Pennington, Marshall Shock The World at Frisco Bowl?
The UTSA Roadrunners will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl.
Marshall will be without starting quarterback Cole Fancher as he entered the transfer portal. Therefore, Cole Pennington, son of NFL QB Chad Pennington, will get the start in this game as a freshman.
Meanwhile, there was talk about RB Rasheen Ali's status. He rushed for 1,043 yards but is an NFL Draft prospect. He made the trip with the team and will likely play in this game for Marshall.
On the other hand, UTSA's head coach, Jeff Traylor, interviewed for more prominent positions. However, he didn't land any and will return for another season with UTSA next year. The distractions are now behind the Roadrunners, who will only be without two significant players in this game.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for today's matchup between the UTSA Roadrunners vs. Marshall Thundering Herd.
UTSA vs. Marshall Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 19, 2023
- Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
UTSA vs. Marshall Odds
- Spread: UTSA -12.5 (-110), Marshall +12.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 51.5 (-110), Under 51.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: UTSA (-525), Marshall (+390)
UTSA vs. Marshall Injury Report
UTSA
Questionable: WR Willie McCoy (Neck)
Out: WR Ali Jennings (Foot), Takye Heath (Arm), TE Nick Gallo (Knee)
Marshall
Questionable: TE Cade Conley (Undisclosed)
Out: OL Ayden Conley (Undisclosed)
UTSA vs. Marshall Prediction
The Marshall Thundering Herd will give Cole Pennington the start at quarterback for tonight's game.
Pennington has reps this season. He's thrown for 437 yards with a completion percentage of 62%. However, he's also thrown six interceptions in three games without throwing a touchdown.
The growing pains have been real for Pennington as a freshman. Many oddsmakers don't think Pennington and the Marshall offense can keep up with UTSA's offense, which has averaged nearly 32 points per game.
However, UTSA has still allowed 137.67 yards per game on the ground. With Ali likely playing for the Thundering Herd, Marshall should at least have some success on the ground in this matchup.
Meanwhile, the Marshall defense has allowed 28.17 points per game. But their run defense and secondary is much better than UTSA's.
The box score doesn't share the entire picture. Marshall is typically dominant against the run and has a more effective pass rush than UTSA. The Thundering Herd also has a solid secondary with way more talent than UTSA.
The Roadrunners are awful at tackling and aren't majorly effective in the secondary. That's why I like Marshall to at least stick around in this game.
Don't expect Pennington to dominate. He's been miserable. But the Marshall defense will do its part to keep the Thundering Herd in this game.
After all, UTSA's Frank Harris has been in college football for five seasons. This season for Harris wasn't as good as the previous two.
Let's back the Under 51.5 here.
UTSA Roadrunners vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Pick
- PICK: Under 51.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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