The Missouri State Bears will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd in Week 2 of the 2025 College Football season. This game is set to be played at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, WV, under the lights at 6:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Both teams are entering this game with an 0-1 record. Missouri State fell to USC with a significant 73-13 loss, struggling to keep up with the Trojans’ powerful offense. The Bears will look to bounce back on the road, eager to improve their standing in Conference USA.
Marshall also faced a challenging start, losing 45-7 to Georgia. Playing at home for the first time this season, the Thundering Herd will aim to capitalize on their familiarity with Joan C. Edwards Stadium. With both teams looking to secure their first win, this matchup is poised to be a test of resilience and strategy.
Marshall vs Missouri State At a Glance
- Game Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, WV
- Game Timing: Scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
- Broadcast Information: Available on ESPN+
- Current Records: Both Missouri State Bears and Marshall Thundering Herd are 0-1 this season
- Weather Details: Outdoor field conditions could be a factor
- Betting Odds: Marshall favored with a -362 moneyline and a -10.0 spread
Marshall Thundering Herd: Gearing Up for the Next Challenge
Season Overview
The Marshall Thundering Herd began their 2025 season with a challenging game against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Herd struggled offensively, only putting up 7 points, while their defense allowed 45 points. This tough start sets the stage for their upcoming games as they look to rebound.
Marshall’s offensive performance against Georgia highlighted areas needing improvement. They managed just 129 passing yards and 79 rushing yards. These numbers place them at 109th and 107th in national rankings for passing and rushing, respectively.
Offensive Insights
Despite the slow start, Marshall showed potential in gaining first downs, ranking 34th nationally. This indicates they have the capability to sustain drives but need to capitalize more effectively. The team will focus on increasing their yardage output to improve scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Zion Turner had a modest game with 100 passing yards. His performance will be crucial in upcoming games as he aims to lead the offense with more efficiency. Improvement in the passing game could be key for the Thundering Herd.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, the Herd had a mixed performance against Georgia. While they allowed 45 points, they were ranked 31st in points against, showing room for improvement. The team did not record any sacks or interceptions, an area they will need to address moving forward.
The defense showed potential in recovering fumbles, ranking 4th nationally. Capitalizing on turnovers could be a strategy to shift momentum in future games. The focus will likely be on tightening up pass coverage and increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Marshall will host the Missouri State Bears in their next game. Playing at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, the Herd will aim to use home-field advantage to their benefit. This game will be a crucial opportunity for the team to bounce back and showcase improvements.
Following their game against Missouri State, Marshall will face Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. These matchups provide chances for the team to refine their strategies and gain momentum as the season progresses.
Marshall Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Day Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 50: 0-1 (0.0%)
Missouri State Bears Strive for Redemption on the Road
Offensive Struggles
The Missouri State Bears have started the 2025 season with offensive challenges, scoring just 13 points in their opening game against USC. With their passing game ranking 92nd with 159 yards, they need to find ways to improve aerial attacks. The rushing game also requires significant enhancement, ranking 116th with only 65 yards.
First downs have been a bright spot for Missouri State, securing 11 in their last outing, which ranks them 30th overall. This suggests some effectiveness in advancing the ball, though they must capitalize on these opportunities to score more points. As they prepare for their next game, converting these first downs into scoring opportunities will be crucial.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Bears allowed a staggering 73 points against USC, placing them 45th in points allowed. Despite this, their ability to recover fumbles has been noteworthy, ranking 3rd with one recovery. However, the team must address the lack of interceptions, as they currently rank last in this category.
The Bears managed just one sack in their last game, ranking 7th, which indicates a need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Improving their pass rush could help alleviate some pressure on their secondary, potentially leading to more turnovers and fewer points conceded.
Key Players
Jacob Clark, the Bears’ leading quarterback, threw for 147 yards, ranking 115th, with one touchdown and two interceptions. His performance is crucial to Missouri State’s offensive success, and reducing turnovers will be key. On the ground, Shomari Lawrence led the rushing attack with 50 yards, highlighting the need for more production from the backfield.
Tristian Gardner emerged as a primary target in the passing game with 39 receiving yards and a touchdown. As they move forward, Missouri State will rely on him to help ignite their offense. Improvement from other receivers will also be necessary to present a more balanced attack.
Injury Concerns
Missouri State is dealing with several injuries, including WR James BlackStrain, who is questionable with a thumb injury. TE Gary Clinton is out for the season with a leg injury, and RB Sage White’s status is uncertain due to an undisclosed issue. The Bears will need to adapt and find depth to compensate for these absences.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 50: 1-0 (100.0%)
Marshall vs Missouri State Prediction: Marshall -10.0
Marshall is looking to secure their first win of the season and has the advantage of playing at home in Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Despite their loss in week one, playing in front of their home crowd might provide the necessary momentum to cover the -10.0 spread. Marshall’s defense will be keen to improve on their performance after conceding 45 points.
Missouri State struggled on both sides of the ball in their opening game, allowing 73 points and putting up only 13. Their road performance is concerning, and they face a tougher challenge against Marshall’s potentially opportunistic defense. Missouri State’s offensive struggles could continue, giving Marshall an edge.
Given the odds and both teams’ performances in week one, Marshall is favored to cover the -10.0 spread. Their defense is likely to capitalize on Missouri State’s weaknesses, while their offense should find opportunities to score. This game could be a chance for Marshall to demonstrate their capabilities.
Projecting a final score, Marshall could take control of this game, resulting in a comfortable victory over Missouri State. With these factors in mind, the prediction leans towards Marshall covering the spread.
- Marshall vs Missouri State Prediction: Marshall -10.0
- Marshall vs Missouri State Score: Marshall 38 – Missouri State 17
