Marshall Thundering Herd vs Missouri State Bears Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Marshall Thundering Herd vs Missouri State Bears

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, MO

TV: CBSSN

Odds/Point Spread: Bears (+3.5)

Total/Over-Under: 51.5

Robert W. Plaster Stadium is the location where the Missouri State Bears (1-1) will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd (1-1) on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Marshall opens this game as 3.5-point favorites. The over/under is 51.5.

The Marshall Thundering Herd head into this game 1-1 this season. In their last game, the Thundering Herd played the MTSU Blue Raiders and notched a win by a score of 28-26. On the ground, the Thundering Herd conceded 109 yards on 22 attempts, which averages out to 5.0 yds per run allowed. Marshall allowed 25 completions on 47 attempts for a total of 243 yds, and a completion rate of 53.2%. In all, they had 61 plays which converted into 310 yds. The Marshall Thundering Herd rushed the ball a total of 38 different times and totaled 129 yds, earning them an average of 3.4 yds per attempt.

The Thundering Herd have tallied 457 total yards this season. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, Marshall has totaled 1 touchdown through the air and 3 touchdowns via the ground. They have surrendered the ball 3 times. Marshall has 30 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 9 infractions for 80 yards. As a team they're maintaining an average of 86.5 yards on the ground which has them sitting 132nd in D-1. When talking about putting the ball in the endzone, the Marshall Thundering Herd hold an average of 14.0 points per outing.

The Thundering Herd are ranked 127th in the nation regarding their opponents scoring, giving up 35.5 PPG. They are giving up an average of 4.1 yards per rushing attempt and 136.0 yards on the ground per game on the season. In total, they have given up 272 running yards through 2 outings. Regarding passing yardage, the Thundering Herd have allowed 567 yds which puts them in 122nd in college football. They are giving up 283.5 yards per game via the pass and giving up a completion percentage of 60.8%. For the season, they have given up 419.5 yards per outing which has them ranked 119th in the nation. They have granted 6 touchdowns through the air in addition to 2 touchdowns pounding the rock.

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The Bears come into this matchup with a record of 1-1 for this year. In their last game, the Bears walked away with a victory by a final of 48-14 against the Lindenwood Lions. Missouri State rushed the football for 5.0 yds per carry, finishing the game with 264 yds on 53 attempts. The Bears finished the contest with a total of 584 yards while running 78 plays (7.5 yards per play). The Bears secondary allowed a completion percentage of 40.0%, surrendering 105 yards on 8 for 20 passing. Missouri State conceded 34 rushing attempts for 118 yards (3.5 yards per carry).

In terms of their ability to score points, the Bears currently sit 102nd in college football with an average of 24.0 PPG. The Missouri State Bears hold an average of 325.5 yards/outing, which has them ranked 115th in the country. The Missouri State offense has compiled 131 penalty yards on 19 violations, which has them sitting 15th in the country in terms of helping out the opposition. They have tossed no interceptions while surrendering 2 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 31 1st downs. For the season to this point, the Bears currently have a total of 350 passing yards along with holding an average of 175.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 109th in college football. They are averaging 150.5 yards per game on the ground and have run for 301 yards in total.

The Bears are allowing 32.0 PPG, which has them sitting 121st in the nation. Missouri State has given up a total of 354 yards rushing (177.0 yards per contest) as well as 3 touchdowns via the rush this year. They have allowed the opposition 5 touchdowns through the air in addition to 187.0 yards/game, which has them sitting 59th in the nation. The Bears defense has taken the field for 139 plays, which is good for 100th in college football. They have totaled 2 fumbles recovered and 1 pick this season.

Who will win tonight's Thundering Herd/Bears college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Bears +3.5

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