Thursday College Football Picks & Predictions for Marshall vs Coastal Carolina

• Coastal Carolina hosts Marshall on Thursday night
• Both the Chanticleers and Thundering Herd are seeking their third win in a row
• See our Thursday College Football Picks & Predictions for Marshall vs Coastal Carolina

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The Thundering Herd of Marshall travel to Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, to take on the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN2.

The betting market opened with Marshall as a modest three-point favorite, but that number has since climbed as high as -6.5. What’s caused such a drastic shift in favor of the Thundering Herd?

Let’s break it down with our Thursday College Football picks and predictions for Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina.

𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆-𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑨𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉!

Marshall Football faces Coastal Carolina in a nationally-televised 7:30 p.m. contest on Thursday at Brooks Stadium that will be shown on ESPN2.

🔗: https://t.co/hG9nzyENeQ pic.twitter.com/G7J59oscMi

— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) October 28, 2025

Marshall vs Coastal Carolina Picks

This game figures to feature plenty of scoring, as the total is set at 55.5.

Marshall enters this matchup averaging 34.7 points per game, while Coastal Carolina’s offense hasn’t been nearly as explosive, producing just 20 points per contest.

Much like the betting market, which has moved Marshall from a three-point favorite to as high as -6.5, I’m putting similar conviction behind the Thundering Herd, but through their team total instead. I don’t want to get involved with the spread, considering I missed the best number on Marshall by three and a half points, and I don’t trust Coastal Carolina enough to back them at +6.5.

Instead, I see value in taking Marshall’s team total over 30.5 points (-120).

ELECTRIFYING PLAY OF THE GAME‼️

Adrian Norton makes the dive TOUCHDOWN 🤘

Presented by: IBEW LOCAL pic.twitter.com/gs2lkZ0QRK

— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) October 22, 2025

The Thundering Herd rank 34th in offensive EPA per play and have been far more efficient through the air than on the ground. If they continue to emphasize that strength, it opens the door for more explosive plays and quicker scoring drives – both of which help their team total go over by creating more possessions and scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Coastal Carolina has struggled, ranking 100th in success rate allowed and 68th in defensive EPA per play. The Chanticleers are allowing 28.3 points per game to their opponents, and that average even includes one shutout performance.

Another factor working in Marshall’s favor is field position. The Thundering Herd rank second nationally in net field position, while Coastal Carolina sits 102nd. That’s a massive advantage and should give Marshall numerous short-field opportunities to capitalize on Thursday night.

• Best Bet: Marshall Team Total Over 30.5 (-120) at DraftKings

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Marshall vs Coastal Carolina Predictions 

This game carries a bit of extra intensity given the circumstances. Both head coaches are familiar with each other – Marshall’s Tony Gibson previously served as offensive coordinator at N.C. State, while Coastal Carolina’s Tim Beck was the defensive coordinator there at the same time. That connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to what’s already an exciting Sun Belt Conference showdown.

Both teams enter at 4-3 and are looking for their third straight win. I expect the visiting team to get the job done. While both squads have clear flaws, the Thundering Herd are more consistent offensively and hold a slight edge defensively.

Coastal Carolina’s offense has been an issue all season, ranking 130th in success rate and 126th in EPA per play. Marshall’s defense, by comparison, ranks 45th in success rate allowed.

The Chanticleers have also struggled with instability at quarterback. Samari Collier, MJ Morris, and Tad Hudson have all seen action this season, but it appears Collier has claimed the starting job. He took the most snaps in their recent 45-37 win over App State, completing 12 of 19 passes for 118 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 74 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

Coastal Carolina scored 2 TDs in the final 4 minutes to beat App State 45-37. CCU is 4-3 and 3-1 in the @SunBeltFB.

Samari Collier was 12/19 for 118 yards, 1 TD & 1 INT with 74 yards and 2 TDs rushing.@SSN_Coastal @SSN_SunBelt @SunbeltSyndicat @ChantsUppic.twitter.com/rvklv7QuE2

— Colton Pool (@CPoolReporter) October 19, 2025

On the other side, Marshall’s offense benefits from steady quarterback play. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has thrown for 1,123 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just one interception, completing over 74 percent of his passes through five starts. He’s also dangerous with his legs, rushing 84 times for 347 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Marshall has the better overall team and should control this game on Thursday evening.

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Marshall vs Coastal Carolina Odds

Odds via DraftKings Sportbook as of Wednesday, October 29th at 6:35 pm ET. Check out our DraftKings review before wagering.

The Thursday CFB odds price Marshall at -250 on the moneyline, implying about a 71% chance of the Thundering Herd winning outright. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina’s +205 moneyline suggests the market only gives them about a 33% chance to pull off the upset.

Marshall has a significant edge in the eyes of oddsmakers, and when you factor in the spread moving three and a half points toward the Herd, it reinforces why I’m comfortable targeting their team total rather than laying the bigger number on the spread.