Marshall vs Missouri State Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 19, 2026
The Marshall Thundering Herd visit the Missouri State Bears on Saturday at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 6:30 PM ET on CBS Sports Network. Marshall is 1-1 overall and 0-0 in the Sun Belt after beating Middle Tennessee 28-26, bouncing back from a 45-0 loss at Penn State. Missouri State is 1-1 overall and 0-0 in Conference USA after beating Lindenwood 48-14, following a 50-0 loss at Texas A&M. Check out Saturday’s matchup with our free NCAAF picks.
Marshall Thundering Herd
Marshall has scored 28 points through two games while averaging 142 passing yards and 86.5 rushing yards per game. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has completed 24 of 33 passes for 194 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Del Rio-Wilson also leads the Thundering Herd with 73 rushing yards and a touchdown. Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw has been the top downfield threat, turning five receptions into 96 yards and a touchdown, while Toby Payne has nine catches for 61 yards.
The Thundering Herd have allowed 35.5 points per game after surrendering 45 to Penn State and 26 to Middle Tennessee. Marshall has recorded two sacks and one interception. Kelvon McBride and Nate Blanc have one sack each, while Zah Jackson has the interception. Caleb Clark-Glover leads the defense with 21 tackles and two passes defended, with Cannon Lewis adding 17 tackles. Marshall has forced one fumble through its opening two games.
Injuries: No injuries to report.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Missouri State Bears
Missouri State has scored 48 points through two games while averaging 175 passing yards and 150.5 rushing yards per contest. Skyler Locklear has completed 25 of 37 passes for 288 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Breezy Dubar leads the ground game with 97 yards and one touchdown, while Ramone Green Jr. has 83 yards and two scores. Isaiah Myers has provided the biggest plays in the passing game, recording 155 yards and a touchdown on five receptions, including a 72-yard catch.
The Bears have allowed 32 points per game, but the defense responded to the 50-0 loss at Texas A&M by holding Lindenwood to 14 points. Missouri State has five sacks and one interception. Jared Lloyd leads the defense with 19 tackles and one sack, while Jashawn Cooper has nine tackles and the interception. Anthony Mattison, Malik Ganaway and Josh Lukusa have also recorded sacks. Missouri State has forced three fumbles through two games.
Injuries: WR M. Cope (undisclosed) is probable. K Y. Obeid (groin) and TE J. Askren (undisclosed) are questionable.
Marshall vs Missouri State Prediction
Both teams rebounded from difficult openers with victories last week, but Missouri State has the stronger offensive numbers entering this matchup. The Bears are averaging 325.5 total yards per game, compared with 228.5 for Marshall. Locklear has also protected the football, while Myers gives Missouri State a proven downfield option. Marshall has struggled to create consistent rushing production at 2.7 yards per carry, placing more pressure on Del Rio-Wilson. Missouri State’s five sacks can make that difficult. The Bears will produce enough offense at home to win a close game, but Marshall will remain within the point spread. Final Score Prediction: Missouri State Bears win, 27-24.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Best Picks
- Missouri State Bears +3.5 (-115)
- Under 51.5 (-108)
