Gardner-Webb at Marshall 2026 Preview: Prediction & 4 Prop Bets

Marshall returns to Huntington on Saturday afternoon for Homecoming as the Thundering Herd welcome the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs to Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Marshall enters 2-1 after consecutive victories over Middle Tennessee and Missouri State. Gardner-Webb is 1-3 but comes to Huntington with momentum after dominating North Carolina Central 44-20 for its first victory of the season.

There is also an interesting quarterback storyline. Gardner-Webb starter Cole Pennington previously played at Marshall and is the son of Thundering Herd Hall of Famer Chad Pennington. Marshall has won the two previous meetings between these programs, including a 28-7 victory in 2022.

Game Information

Matchup: Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs at Marshall Thundering Herd Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 3:30 PM ETTV/Streaming: ESPN+ Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, West Virginia Tickets: As low as $27 Betting Line: No reliable widely posted spread verified Over/Under: No reliable widely posted total verified

Saturday is Marshall’s 2026 Homecoming Game, adding another layer to what should already be an emotional afternoon in Huntington.

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs

Gardner-Webb’s 1-3 record is somewhat misleading.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs lost 35-17 at Austin Peay and 17-13 at Wofford before nearly upsetting FBS opponent Liberty, falling just 24-23. They finally broke through last Saturday with the 44-20 victory over North Carolina Central.

Pennington has been the key.

He entered the North Carolina Central game with 876 passing yards through three contests, then completed 24 of 38 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. That puts him at 1,185 passing yards through four games.

Receiver Kory Jones became Pennington’s biggest weapon last week, catching six passes for 131 yards.

Gardner-Webb also produced better balance on the ground. Randy Young rushed 16 times for 92 yards and a touchdown as the Runnin’ Bulldogs finished with 445 total yards.

The challenge will be producing similar numbers on the road against an FBS opponent.

Marshall Thundering Herd

Marshall has responded well since opening the season at Penn State.

The Herd defeated Middle Tennessee 28-26 before going on the road and beating Missouri State 30-24.

Marshall’s biggest development last week was its running game.

The Herd rushed for 267 yards against Missouri State while producing 464 total yards. Jo’Shon Barbie led the way with 81 yards on only 12 carries and scored on a one-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson also contributed in the passing game, connecting with T.J. Lester for a 39-yard touchdown on fourth-and-two.

Marshall’s ability to run the football may become the biggest difference in this matchup. If the Herd consistently wins the line of scrimmage, Gardner-Webb could have difficulty getting Pennington enough possessions to threaten an upset.

4 Prop Bets

Player props may not be widely posted for this game. These are target numbers based on current production.

Prop Bet #1: Cole Pennington Over 224.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Pennington Over 224.5 Passing Yards

• 1,185 Yards Through 4 Games
• 309 Yards Last Week
• Former Marshall QB

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Pennington is averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game and should have significant volume if Gardner-Webb falls behind.

Prop Bet #2: Jo’Shon Barbie Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Barbie Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

• 81 Yards vs. Missouri State
• 12 Carries Last Game
• Marshall Rushed for 267 Yards

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Barbie was productive with limited touches against Missouri State. A favorable game script could give him additional carries Saturday.

Prop Bet #3: Kory Jones Over 59.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.5/5

Tip: Jones Over 59.5 Receiving Yards

• 131 Yards Last Game
• 6 Receptions vs. NCCU
• Pennington’s Big-Play Target

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Jones is coming off his best performance of the season and should remain heavily involved if Gardner-Webb is forced to throw.

Prop Bet #4: Marshall Over 27.5 Team Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Marshall Over 27.5 Team Points

• 30 Points Last Week
• 464 Total Yards
• 267 Rushing Yards vs. Missouri State

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Marshall has scored 28 and 30 points during its two-game winning streak. Home field and a strong rushing attack give the Herd a good opportunity to reach 30 again.

Players to Watch

Gardner-Webb

Cole Pennington: The former Marshall quarterback returns to Huntington looking to challenge his old program.

Kory Jones: After 131 receiving yards last week, Jones gives Gardner-Webb a legitimate downfield threat.

Tre Yanez: Yanez recorded 12 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against North Carolina Central.

Marshall

Carlos Del Rio-Wilson: Marshall needs its quarterback to remain efficient and avoid giving Gardner-Webb short fields.

Jo’Shon Barbie: His performance against Missouri State showed what Marshall’s rushing attack can become.

T.J. Lester: His 39-yard touchdown reception last week demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays.

Keys to the Game — Gardner-Webb

Protect Pennington: Gardner-Webb needs time to attack downfield.

Create Explosive Plays: Long completions to Jones could help the Runnin’ Bulldogs keep pace.

Avoid an Early Deficit: Falling behind by multiple touchdowns would allow Marshall to lean heavily on its rushing attack.

Keys to the Game — Marshall

Run the Football: After 267 rushing yards against Missouri State, Marshall should continue attacking on the ground.

Pressure Pennington: Gardner-Webb’s passing game is its greatest offensive strength.

Handle Homecoming Distractions: Marshall needs to turn the atmosphere into an advantage rather than allowing Gardner-Webb to hang around.

The Verdict

Gardner-Webb is better than its record indicates. The Runnin’ Bulldogs nearly defeated Liberty and are coming off a 24-point victory.

Pennington also gives Gardner-Webb enough passing ability to make Marshall uncomfortable if the Herd starts slowly.

But Marshall has the advantages in depth, physicality and home field.

Expect Gardner-Webb to create several explosive passing plays, but Marshall’s rushing attack should gradually wear down the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

Final Score Prediction

Marshall 38, Gardner-Webb 20

Best Bet: Marshall moneyline Against the Spread: Awaiting a verified line Moneyline: Marshall Over/Under: Awaiting a verified total

Top Prop Targets: Cole Pennington Over 224.5 Passing Yards; Jo’Shon Barbie Over 69.5 Rushing Yards; Kory Jones Over 59.5 Receiving Yards; Marshall Over 27.5 Team Points.

Prediction: Marshall 38, Gardner-Webb 20