Week 4 Odds: Herd vs Zips
The Marshall Thundering Herd (3-0) head back on the road to play the Akron Zips (1-1). Make sure you bookmark us at Cappers Picks because we’ll be providing free college football picks all season.
Marshall has dominated their three opponents (Miami (OH), Rhode Island and Ohio) this season. Akron lost to Penn State in their last game on September 6th and had last week off to prepare.
College Football Week 4 Picks
Marshall vs. Akron
When: Saturday, Sept 20th 2014 at 2:00pm ET
Where: InfoCision Stadium
TV: ESPN3
NCAAF Week 4 Gambling Line: Marshall –10 (-110)
NCAAF Week 4 Gambling O/U Line: OFF***2014 CFB BONUSES***
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I’ve been hearing about the Zips offense a lot the past couple months, but they were lit up by Penn State two weeks ago. The run defense played well, but they allowed Hackenberg to throw for 319 yards.
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Hackenberg is no slouch, but Rakeem Cato and the Thundering Herd are much more potent through the air. Through three games Marshall is averaging 333.7 PYPG (9 TD’s) and 286.7 RYPG (8 TD’s).
Cato is an excellent dual-threat QB because he can actually stand in the pocket and throw unlike a lot of the QB’s with speed. Davonte Allen (13) and Tommy Shuler (11) lead the WR’s in receptions.
Angelo Jean-Louis has been a big play WR for Marshall, as he only has 7 receptions, but is 2nd on the team with 220 receiving yards and 2 TD’s. Akron’s secondary won’t be able to match-up against Marshall.
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The Zips are averaging 304.0 PYPG (31st), but most of those came against Howard in a 41-0 win. Miami (OH) threw for 318 yards and 3 TD’s on Marshall, so their defense can definitely be thrown on.
Akron has trouble running the football though and that makes it more difficult to air it out, as Marshall isn’t going to have to worry about the run as much. Akron is averaging just 91.0 RYPG (114th).
A lot of pressure will be on Kyle Pohl to keep the Zips within striking distance of Marshall. He still hasn’t thrown an interception and he leads the team in rushing attempts plus rushing yards.
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NCAAF Week 4 Betting Trends:
- Over is 9-2 in MRSH last 11 games overall.
- Over is 8-2 in MRSH last 10 games on fieldturf.
- Under is 17-4 in AKR last 21 games overall.
- Under is 15-4 in AKR last 19 games on fieldturf.
- Over is 7-3 in AKR last 10 games in September.
Free NCAAF Pick: Marshall vs. Akron
The Thundering Herd have scored 44.7 PPG (16th) while only allowing 16.0 PPG (19th). Akron’s defense did well to only allow 21 points to PSU, but they aren’t nearly as explosive as this Marshall offense.
I believe this game will be closer than many expect, but I’m still taking Marshall to cover ATS because they should be able to pull away in the 2H with their talent. This is a team that never lets up.
4* Free Play on Marshall Thundering Herd –10 (-110)
Marshall is just 2-5 ATS in their L7 away games, but they’re 8-2 ATS in their L10 non-conference games. The Zips are 11-4 ATS following a bye week, but this is one game they’ll have trouble staying in.
Akron will be able to put up more than 3 points this week, as Marshall isn’t that strong on defense, but the problem is their defense will likely allow 40+ points and that’s why I’m betting on Marshall.
Check out our Updated College Football Week 4 Odds.
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