Marshall vs Old Dominion Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 9

Marshall is favored on the road with the better record, but both teams give the ball away often and Old Dominion's defense creates more chaos. A low total in Norfolk puts a premium on takeaways and short fields, and that is the kind of game the Monarchs actually want.

The Matchup

This game may turn on mistakes more than on sustained offense. Marshall has 14 giveaways this season, and Old Dominion has 16 giveaways. Old Dominion has also taken the ball away 16 times, the clearest path the Monarchs have to staying in front of a favored visitor. Marshall averages 21.7 points per game, with 238.3 passing yards per game and 157.0 rushing yards per game.

Zion Turner threw for 181 yards against South Alabama, completing 21 of 33 passes, Khalil Wilkins ran 8 times for 69 yards at 8.6 yards per carry, and Toby Payne caught 7 passes for 69 yards in that 20-13 win. Old Dominion's offense is far thinner. Old Dominion averages 15.5 points per game, with 152.8 passing yards per game and only 98.4 rushing yards per game at 2.7 yards per carry.

Jaxon Potter threw for 154 yards with an interception at Louisiana Tech, and Leon Haughton Jr. caught 4 passes for 45 yards in a 26-0 loss. The tension is whether Old Dominion's defense can manufacture the points the offense struggles to produce. Marshall is not explosive enough to assume that answer is no.

Key Factors

Old Dominion's pass rush is a real edge in this specific matchup. Old Dominion has 19 sacks, while Marshall has only 6 sacks. Pressure matters against a Marshall team that has been loose with the ball all season, and Old Dominion has turned that pressure and coverage into genuine disruption at home. With a total of 45.5, one takeaway that sets up a short field can cover most of what Old Dominion needs from its offense.

Marshall allows 30.7 points per game, the weaker defensive number in this game, even though Old Dominion allows 26.8 points per game. The counterpoint is Old Dominion's offense, and the counterpoint could easily win the day. Old Dominion scored 15 against Georgia Southern and 10 against Appalachian State in recent weeks, the kind of output that leaves no margin for a defensive slip.

If Marshall protects the ball and Wilkins runs the way Wilkins ran against South Alabama, Marshall can grind out a win by more than a field goal. Old Dominion converts only 33.6 percent on third down, so stalled drives are a constant risk for the Monarchs. The home team needs its defense to be the offense's best friend for four quarters.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.