These two teams last met back in 2012 with Purdue taking the game 51-41, though Marshall beat the spread. The Thundering Herd get to host the game this time around and based on last year have a huge edge. The team is coming off a great year while Purdue managed just three wins and were outscored 32-24.
ODDS
The spread went live with BookMaker at -8.5 in favor of the home team, though that spread has since dropped a point to -7.5. The total has also dropped, going from its opening 64 down to 63.
In recent past, Purdue has actually been quite good on the road ATS, going 3-1-2 in their last six such games, but are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four overall. The Thundering Herd, meanwhile, are undefeated over this last four non-conference games, are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 home games and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
KEY MISMATCH
Purdue was ranked No. 108 and gained just 344.6 yards per game a season ago and will be leaning on quarterback Austin Appleby despite a tendency for interceptions and fumbles last year. Meanwhile, Appleby does have a nice target in Danny Anthrop, but little else.
Marshall’s storyline last year was an offense that could dominate both on the ground and in the air, but the team’s defense was pretty solid as well, ranking No. 31 and allowing only 357.1 yards per game.
The Thundering Herd did lose a few key players off the defensive line and that could open up the running game for Purdue, but the team’s top rushers are gone, leaving Keyante Green and Appleby himself as the team’s top returning rushers, each totaled less than 200 yards last year.
KEY STAT
559.2 – This was the number of yards per game gained by the prolific Marshall offense in 2014. The team’s offense was ranked No. 2 in the nation and led the way to a dominating 13-1 season.
Purdue isn’t likely to stop the Thundering Herd on defense as the Boilermakers ranked No. 80 in total defense, holding opponents to 416 yards per game.
BETTING ANGLE
Michael Birdsong is taking over under center for Rakeem Cato who’s now in the CFL. Cato was the heart and soul of the prolific Marshall offense, throwing for 3,903 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 482 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
The change at quarterback is a huge one, but Birdsong has all the tools to make it work.
Birdsong isn’t brand new to starting in college. The quarterback played for James Madison before transferring and started 12 games for them. Plus, he’s still got a number of weapons to go along with his experience, including: Angelo Jean-Louis and Deon-Tay McManus who combined for 12 touchdowns last year.
The team is also loaded with rushing talent including Devon Johnson who led the team last year with 1,767 yards and 17 touchdowns on 206 carries.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Cato’s departure is big, but Marshall’s running game should be just as strong as a year ago. The passing game should be good enough to move the ball as well given the weapons at Birdsong’s disposal, and Purdue’s inability to stop them.
The Boilermakers, on the other hand, may have a chance to get some points themselves, particularly on the ground. Appleby scored five rushing touchdowns last year and may get one or two on Sunday, but overall, they don’t have the firepower to keep pace with Marshall in West Virginia.
Marshall 41, Purdue 28
BookMaker sent out the college football spread for this game at Marshall -8.5 with a total of 64. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem, BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet, click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The contest between the Purdue Boilermakers and Marshall Thundering Herd will take place Sunday, September 6, 2015, at 3 p.m. ET at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The contest will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
