Week 8 of the 2025 regular season brings a Sun Belt conference game between the Texas State Bobcats and Marshall Thundering Herd. Set to take place at the outdoor Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, WV, the game will start at 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 18. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. Texas State enters the game with a balanced record of 3-3, including a 1-2 road record. Despite their even overall performance, they have yet to secure a conference win this season, standing at 0-2 in the Sun Belt. Their most recent outing resulted in a narrow 48-41 loss to Troy at home. Marshall also holds a 3-3 record, with a slightly better conference showing at 1-1. The Thundering Herd have been strong at home, going 2-1 this season, and are coming off a convincing 48-24 victory against Old Dominion. With both teams looking to improve their standings, this game could be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their seasons.
Marshall vs Texas State At a Glance
- Game Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, WV
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Texas State Record: 3-3 (0-2 in conference)
- Marshall Record: 3-3 (1-1 in conference)
- Betting Odds: Texas State -134, Marshall +111 (Spread: Texas State -2.5)
Marshall Thundering Herd Charging Forward: A Closer Look at the Upcoming Matchup
Offensive Insights
The Thundering Herd’s offense has put up 206 points this season, placing them 35th in the nation. Their rushing attack is particularly strong, accumulating 1,196 yards and ranking 32nd. However, the passing game lags behind with 1,067 yards, sitting at 104th.
Marshall has consistently moved the chains, securing 116 first downs, which ranks them 43rd. They have shown a balanced offensive approach, but their reliance on the ground game is evident. The team’s ability to convert on third downs will be critical in their upcoming contest.
Defensive Dynamics
Defensively, Marshall has allowed 179 points, ranking them 107th. Despite this, their pass rush has been effective, recording 18 sacks to secure the 8th spot nationally. The defense has also excelled in creating turnovers, with 8 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries, ranking them 9th and 6th, respectively.
The Herd’s ability to apply pressure and disrupt the passing game will be key. Their turnover margin could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of their next game.
Recent Game Performance
Marshall’s recent performance has been a mix of highs and lows. They are coming off a commanding 48-24 victory over Old Dominion, showcasing their offensive capabilities. This win was a result of a balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense.
Previously, they faced a narrow defeat to Louisiana-Lafayette, 54-51, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. The Thundering Herd will need to tighten up their defense to avoid a similar fate.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has been a standout, with 856 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the team. His performance will be crucial for Marshall’s offensive success. Running back Michael Allen has also been a key contributor, with 310 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
On the receiving end, Demarcus Lacey has hauled in 28 receptions for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns, making him a significant threat downfield. These players will be instrumental in driving the Thundering Herd’s offensive production.
Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 15-2 (88.2%) in last 17 games
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 15-2 (88.2%) in last 17 games
- SU – As Favorite: 17-3 (85.0%) in last 20 games
- ATS – As Underdog: 5-0 (100.0%) in last 5 games
- ATS – All Games: 16-4 (80.0%) in last 20 games
These trends reflect Marshall’s strong performance at home and their success against the spread, especially in high-scoring games. This data provides valuable insights for bettors considering the upcoming matchup.
Texas State Bobcats: Seeking Redemption on the Road
Offensive Performance
Texas State’s offense has shown a strong ground game, ranking 9th with 1,510 rushing yards this season. Their passing attack, however, ranks 68th with 1,356 yards, indicating room for improvement. The Bobcats have accumulated 136 first downs, placing them at 23rd in the nation.
Last season, the Bobcats were more prolific offensively, finishing 16th in points for with 475. They also displayed a balanced attack, ranking 24th in passing yards and 15th in rushing yards. This season’s drop in offensive rankings suggests a need to regain their previous form.
Defensive Challenges
Texas State’s defense has struggled, ranking 107th in points against with 179 allowed. Despite the high points conceded, they excel in forcing turnovers, ranking 2nd with one interception and 9th with 17 sacks. However, they have not recovered any fumbles, which could be a focus area moving forward.
Last season, the Bobcats’ defense was more effective, ranking 94th in points against and 15th in sacks. They were adept at recovering fumbles and intercepting passes, ranking 7th and 10th respectively. This season’s defense needs to tighten up to support their offensive efforts.
Recent Game Performances
The Bobcats have experienced mixed results recently, with a narrow 41-48 loss to Troy in their latest game. They managed to rack up 326 rushing yards but struggled defensively, allowing 415 passing yards to Troy. In a previous game, they fell short against Arkansas State, 31-30, despite an equal number of first downs.
Texas State’s victory against Nicholls showcased their capability, winning 35-3 with a strong defensive performance. They limited Nicholls to 97 passing yards and 133 rushing yards. These contrasting performances highlight the need for consistency in both offense and defense.
Upcoming Challenges
Next up for Texas State is a road game against Marshall, where they are favored by 2.5 points. The game will be held at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, posing a new challenge for the Bobcats. Maintaining their ground attack while tightening up defensively will be key to securing a win.
The Bobcats will also prepare for a home game against James Madison, providing an opportunity to capitalize on home-field advantage. As the season progresses, Texas State will aim to improve their standings with consistent performances.
Texas State Bobcats Betting Trends
- Home Games (SU): Last 22 Games → 15-7 (68.2%)
- As Favorite (SU): Last 26 Games → 17-9 (65.4%)
- After Loss (SU): Last 14 Games → 10-4 (71.4%)
- As Favorite (O/U): Last 8 Games → 6-2 (75.0%)
- Home Games (O/U): Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- After Loss (O/U): Last 16 Games → 10-5-1 (62.5%)
- After Loss (ATS): Last 30 Games → 18-12 (60.0%)
- All Games (O/U): Last 10 Games → 7-3 (70.0%)
- Totals ≥ 50 (O/U): Last 10 Games → 7-3 (70.0%)
- All Games (SU): Last 30 Games → 17-13 (56.7%)
Marshall vs Texas State Prediction: Marshall +2.5
Marshall comes into this game with the advantage of playing at home, where they have an impressive 15-2 straight-up record in their last 17 home games. The Thundering Herd are also strong against the spread, particularly as underdogs, with a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games as the underdog. These trends suggest that Marshall is well-prepared to cover the +2.5 spread.
Texas State’s performance on the road has been less consistent, with a 1-2 record away from home this season. While they have a strong rushing offense ranked 9th nationally, Marshall’s defense has shown resilience, particularly in home settings. This may be a key factor in keeping the game close or securing a win.
Marshall’s recent win over Old Dominion, with a score of 48-24, highlights their capability to score effectively against Sun Belt opposition. Their balanced offensive approach, coupled with their defensive strengths at home, puts them in a favorable position to at least cover the spread against Texas State.
Given the trends and current form, Marshall +2.5 is the pick for this game. Expect a competitive game where the home team could potentially win outright.
- Marshall vs Texas State Prediction: Marshall +2.5
- Marshall vs Texas State Score: Marshall 34 – Texas State 31
