– Last Updated on June 8, 2018 7:50 am
2017 Football Preview – Conference USA – Thundering Herd
Looking for 2017 Marshall Thundering Herd predictions? The Herd endured a very brutal 2016 season. The team went 3-9 last year. Marshall is not use to losing, the Thundering Herd won 33 games combined form 2013-2015, including three Bowl game appearances. Marshall went 3-0 in those Bowl game showings. Looking to get back on track this season, they must sort out issues on both sides of the ball.
NCAA Football Gambling Lines
- 2017-18 College Football Preview – Marshall Thundering Herd
- Head Coach: Doc Holliday
- 2015 Record: 3-9
- Marshall Thundering Herd Odds to win the 2017 FBS Championship: +1000
- Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For Today
- ***More 2017 NCAA Football Team Season Previews***
The time is now for this Marshall team to win. Can QB Chase Litton deliver?
2017 Marshall Thundering Herd Predictions: Team Strengths
Quarterback Play: Marshall returns third year starter, Chase Litton. Litton had a solid Sophomore campaign. He started 10 games last year, passing for 2612 yard, 24 touchdowns and nine picks on 62.3% passing completions.
Litton was injured and could not play in the last game of the season. He was also suspended from the team during that time.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
This year Litton looks to win the respect of the team back in camp. Losing five of his top six targets won’t stop this Quarterback from trying to earn wins. The offense was slow last year, ranking 114th.
If Litton can duplicate last years success in a full season this year, look for the Marshall offense to put up more points than last season. Litton ranks as the second best player on offense coming into camp.
Tight End and Wideout: Ryan Yurachek is the number one ranked offensive player for the Thundering Herd to start camp. Yuracheck had a breakout Sophomore season two years ago, and looks to hook up a lot with his quarterback to duplicate the same this year.
The 6-3 239 pound Tight End hauled in 28 catches for 296 yards and five touchdowns in 2016. A little of an underachieving year for Yurachek considering his talent.
Yes, five of the six top receivers are gone form last years roster, but Junior Tyre Brady ( Miami transfer) should put some explosion on the outside. Look for Brady to have a big year for Marshall.
2017 Marshall Thundering Herd Predictions: Team Weaknesses
Where’s the Defense? Better run game: Marshall’s defense ranked 107th defending the run and pass. All three levels of the defense lacked play-making ability.
This year, Marshall will need leadership on defense in order to at least crack the top 100 on defense.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
In order to correct some of the defense issues, the Thundering Herd have gotten better at Linebacker. Marshall has brought in talented Junior College transfers, Donyae Moody and Artis Johnson.
With the return of Chase Hancock at Linebacker and Jaquan Yulee there as well, Mashall should be loaded at the second level on defense.
The running game for Marshall was below average last season. The Thundering Herd only averaged 108 yards per game in 2016.
The rushers for Marshall combined to rush for 1298 yards, and 12 touchdowns. The team was held to less than 100 yard in the last six games of the 2016 season.
Marshall returns Keion Davis (last years starter) ,Anthony Anderson and Tyler King to the backfield in addition to juco transfer Trey Rodriguez to sure up a better running options in 2017.
Marshall Thundering Herd Prediction: 6-6
Marshall will bet a better team than they were in 2017.
The Thundering Herd are returning six redshirt offensive lineman who had a chance to be around the program and give the line a boost.
This should help the progression of quarterback Chase Litton and open up holes for a mediocre run game.
If the defense can get better at stopping the run, and pass (a least better than 107th) the team can expect more wins. I expect the run defense to be better, but the passing defense has yet to be seen.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Marshall will go 6-6 if everything on defense gets better, and everything on offense is better. With team rankings on both offense and defense weren’t better than 107th on either side.
The Thundering Herd have to prove a lot of doubters wrong in 2017.
2017 Marshall Thundering Herd Football Schedule
- 9/2/17 TBD Miami University
- 9/9/17 TBD @NC State
- 9/16/17 TBD Kent State
- 9/23/17 OPEN DATE
- 9/30/17 TBD @Cincinnati
- 10/7/17 TBD @Charlotte
- 10/14/17 TBD Old Dominion
- 10/20/17 TBD @Middle Tennessee
- 10/28/17 TBD FIU
- 11/3/17 TBD @ Florida Atlantic
- 11/11/17 TBD Western Kentucky
What do you think about our 2017 Marshall Thundering Herd predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2017!
The 2017 College futures betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on NCAA football, you are in the best possible place for online betting. CappersPicks.com has NCAAF odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find College football lines up for early games as well.
Check out our Updated College Football Betting Odds.