The upcoming Week 5 game of the 2025 regular season will feature the Marshall Thundering Herd traveling to take on the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at Cajun Field. Both teams, part of the Sun Belt Conference, are set for an exciting evening under the lights with a kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. Marshall enters this game with a 2-2 record, having split their games both at home and on the road. Their recent performances include a commanding 42-28 victory over Middle Tennessee and a 38-7 win against Eastern Kentucky. However, they also faced tough losses earlier in the season against Missouri State and Georgia. On the other side, Louisiana-Lafayette holds a 1-3 record, with their sole victory coming against McNeese State at home. Recent setbacks against Eastern Michigan and Missouri have put them in a challenging position. This game offers them a chance to rebound on their familiar turf at Cajun Field.
Louisiana-Lafayette vs Marshall At a Glance
- Game Location: Cajun Field in Lafayette, LA
- Game Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Marshall Record: 2-2 this season
- Louisiana-Lafayette Record: 1-3 this season
- Betting Odds: Marshall +102, Louisiana-Lafayette -122
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns: A Deep Dive into Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
In the 2025 season, Louisiana-Lafayette’s offense has scored 87 points, positioning them at 62nd in the rankings. While their passing game struggles, ranking 133rd with 405 passing yards, their rushing attack ranks 33rd with an impressive 797 yards. The Ragin’ Cajuns have managed to secure 66 first downs, placing them 41st in that category.
The running game has been the backbone of their offense, led by standout performances from Zylan Perry. Perry has accumulated 336 rushing yards, ranking him 29th nationally, with 3 touchdowns to his name. His contributions are vital for sustaining drives and alleviating pressure on the passing game.
Defensive Insights
The Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense has allowed 110 points this season, placing them 78th in points against. They have excelled in applying pressure with 6 sacks, ranking 12th, and are strong in creating turnovers with 3 interceptions (4th) and 1 fumble recovery (5th). These defensive highlights indicate a unit capable of changing the course of a game.
In recent games, Louisiana-Lafayette’s defense has had its ups and downs. Their ability to create turnovers is crucial, as evidenced by their performance against Eastern Michigan where they secured 2 interceptions. However, the defense struggled significantly against Missouri, allowing 52 points.
Key Players
Daniel Beale, the Ragin’ Cajuns’ leading quarterback, has thrown for 313 yards across four games, ranking him 146th nationally. Despite his low yardage, Beale’s experience is crucial in managing the game and minimizing turnovers. His decision-making will be pivotal in their upcoming matchup.
On the receiving end, Shelton Sampson Jr. leads with 150 receiving yards, placing him 243rd nationally. While the receiving corps hasn’t been prolific, Sampson Jr.’s presence offers a reliable target for Beale, especially in critical passing situations.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 22-8 (73.3%)
- O/U – Away Games: 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: 12-4 (75.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: 7-2 (77.8%)
- SU – As Favorite: 10-4 (71.4%)
Marshall Thundering Herd Set to Challenge Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
Offensive Overview
The Marshall Thundering Herd’s offense has shown a balanced approach this season. With 724 rushing yards, they rank 45th in the nation, which highlights their reliance on the ground game. However, their passing game hasn’t been as prolific, ranked 113th with 587 yards.
Scoring has been a moderate strength for Marshall, with 107 points scored so far, placing them 49th in the national rankings. Their ability to gain first downs is notable, as they rank 40th, which helps sustain drives and control the tempo of games.
Defensive Insights
Marshall’s defense is among the top in creating turnovers, ranking 5th in interceptions with four picks. Their ability to put pressure on the quarterback is evident with 15 sacks, earning them the 3rd spot nationally in that category.
However, their points against rank, 70th, indicates room for improvement in terms of overall defensive consistency. The team has yet to recover a fumble, which suggests a potential area for growth in forcing turnovers.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has been a pivotal player, leading the team with 379 passing yards and six touchdowns. His performance will be crucial in breaking through a Louisiana-Lafayette defense that will look to limit his passing options.
On the ground, Justin Williams-Thomas has been a standout, contributing 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns over four games. His role in the rushing attack will be vital for Marshall to maintain their offensive balance.
Recent Game Performance
Marshall is coming off a significant 42-28 win over Middle Tennessee, which showcased their offensive potential. The victory also highlighted their defensive capabilities, limiting the Blue Raiders to just 14 first downs.
In previous games, Marshall’s performance has been varied, with a narrow 21-20 loss to Missouri State and a substantial 45-7 defeat against Georgia. These results underline the importance of consistency as they prepare to meet the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 17-2 (89.5%) in last 19 games (2022–2025)
- ATS – After Win: 7-0 (100.0%) in last 7 games (2024–2025)
- ATS – Away Games: 6-0 (100.0%) in last 6 games (2024–2025)
- ATS – As Underdog: 4-0 (100.0%) in last 4 games (2024–2025)
- SU – All Games: 9-2 (81.8%) in last 11 games (2024–2025)
Louisiana-Lafayette vs Marshall Prediction: Marshall +1.5
In their upcoming game at Cajun Field, Marshall enters with a 2-2 record and an opportunity to capitalize against a struggling Louisiana-Lafayette team. The Thundering Herd are coming off two consecutive wins and have shown resilience on the road with a 1-1 record. Their defensive prowess, especially in sacks and interceptions, could be a key factor in disrupting the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense.
Louisiana-Lafayette, currently at 1-3, has been facing challenges both offensively and defensively. Despite their home advantage, their recent form doesn’t inspire confidence, as they’ve lost their last two games. Historically, the Ragin’ Cajuns have a strong home record, but their current struggles, particularly in points against, suggest they may not cover the spread.
Marshall’s ability to generate points and their improved defensive stats align with covering the spread. The Thundering Herd’s capability to force turnovers and maintain pressure on the quarterback gives them an edge in this matchup. Considering these factors, Marshall +1.5 appears to be the favorable pick.
Projecting a close contest with Marshall leveraging their defensive strength to secure a win, the predicted final score is Marshall 27 – Louisiana-Lafayette 24.
- Louisiana-Lafayette vs Marshall Prediction: Marshall +1.5
- Louisiana-Lafayette vs Marshall Score: Marshall 27 – Louisiana-Lafayette 24
