New Mexico Bowl Prediction
Are the Marshall Thundering Herd a good underdog play Saturday afternoon in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl? They’ll take on Colorado State at 4:30 p.m. ET.
ODDSMAKERS LIKE: Colorado State. According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Rams are 3.5-point home favorites to beat the Thundering Herd, who opened as 5.5-point underdogs. The total, meanwhile, is now up to 58 after hitting the board at 55.
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THE PUBLIC LIKES: As of Saturday morning, 51% of the betting tickets are on the Rams to cover the spread but 55% of the money is actually on the Thundering Herd.
HISTORICAL TRENDS LIKE: The Thundering Herd is a perfect 5-0 against the spread in their last five bowl games. They’re also 5-2 against the number in their last seven games played in December, are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games following off an ATS loss, and is 19-6-1 at the betting window in their last 26 non-conference games.
On the other side, the Rams are winless at 0-6 against the spread in their last six games overall, are 0-5-1 against the number in their last six neutral site games and have failed to cover in five of their last seven bowl games.
WHO WE LIKE: Marshall. I worry about the Thundering Herd’s offense given how quickly the Rams can put up points, but Marshall’s defense is a strength. They rank 17th in points allowed, 19th in rushing yards allowed, 24th in total yards and 47th in run defense. Plus, Colorado State offensive coordinator Will Friend departed to join the new coaching staff in Tennessee so the Rams’ strength could be somewhat hindered this afternoon. I’ll take the points with the better defense.
NEW MEXICO BOWL PREDICTION: MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD +3.5