
Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM ET Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium — Norfolk, Virginia TV/Streaming: ESPN+ Tickets: As low as $22 Line: Marshall -3 Over/Under: 45.5 Records: Marshall 4-3 (1-2 Sun Belt) | Old Dominion 2-6 (1-4 Sun Belt)
Marshall heads to Norfolk looking to build on one of its strongest defensive performances of the season when the Thundering Herd face Old Dominion in a Sun Belt matchup Saturday afternoon.
The Herd improved to 4-3 with a 20-13 win over South Alabama. Marshall’s defense held an offense that had been averaging 54 points in Sun Belt play to one touchdown, while Judah Price scored the winning touchdown with 1:49 remaining.
Old Dominion enters in the opposite direction. The Monarchs fell to 2-6 after being shut out 26-0 by Louisiana Tech, managing only 141 total yards. Quarterback Jaxon Potter made his first start of the season and completed 18 of 34 passes for 154 yards with an interception.
The statistical matchup favors Marshall offensively. The Herd average 395.3 total yards per game, including 238.3 passing and 157 rushing, while scoring 21.7 points per game. Old Dominion averages only 250.4 yards and 15.5 points.
Old Dominion’s defense is the reason this game could remain close. The Monarchs allow 348.5 yards per game, considerably better than a Marshall defense surrendering 430.0.
Quarterback availability is also important. Old Dominion quarterbacks Quinn Henicle and Ryan Huff have dealt with injuries, contributing to Potter getting the start at Louisiana Tech. Marshall quarterback Zion Turner also left the South Alabama game temporarily after taking a hit, although he returned.
Marshall also owns a major historical advantage, winning 10 of the first 11 meetings between the programs. The Herd won 42-35 on its previous trip to Norfolk in 2024.
Zion Turner — Marshall: Completed 21 of 33 passes for 181 yards against South Alabama while adding 45 rushing yards and a touchdown. His mobility gives ODU another dimension to defend.
Judah Price — Marshall: Scored the winning touchdown against South Alabama and should remain an important part of the Herd rushing attack.
Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw — Marshall: Leads the Herd with 335 receiving yards and four touchdowns and provides Marshall with its most productive downfield target.
Devin Roche — Old Dominion: Leads the Monarchs with 373 rushing yards and represents ODU’s best opportunity to attack a Marshall defense allowing 191.6 rushing yards per game.
TJ Johnson — Old Dominion: Leads ODU with 262 receiving yards and gives whichever quarterback starts a potential big-play option.
Ja’Mez Drummer — Old Dominion: Recorded a career-high 15 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss against Louisiana Tech.
Marshall needs to continue the defensive improvement it displayed against South Alabama. The Herd had struggled badly earlier in the season but held the Jaguars to 326 yards and forced the game’s only turnover.
The Herd should also establish the run. Old Dominion’s defense is stronger than its offense, so avoiding obvious passing situations will be important.
Most importantly, Marshall must protect the football. The Herd owns a minus-eight turnover margin, one of the worst marks in the FBS.
The Monarchs simply need offensive production.
After being held to 141 yards and zero points at Louisiana Tech, ODU cannot expect its defense to carry the entire afternoon.
Establishing Roche would help. Marshall allows 191.6 rushing yards per game, making the ground game the clearest weakness to attack.
Old Dominion must also create turnovers. Short fields could be crucial for an offense averaging only 15.5 points.
Player props may not be widely available for this Sun Belt matchup. The numbers below are recommended target lines if similar markets are offered.
Turner-Bradshaw leads Marshall in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Old Dominion’s defense is respectable, but Marshall throws for more than 238 yards per game.
Prediction: Over 44.5 receiving yards.
Marshall’s run defense has been vulnerable throughout the season.
Roche should receive enough touches for Old Dominion to test that weakness repeatedly.
Prediction: Over 49.5 rushing yards.
Price carried 13 times against South Alabama and scored the game-winning touchdown.
If Marshall plays from ahead, his fourth-quarter workload could increase considerably.
Prediction: Over 34.5 rushing yards.
Johnson leads Old Dominion with 262 receiving yards.
Marshall allows 238.4 passing yards per game, giving the Monarchs opportunities even if their overall offense continues to struggle.
Prediction: Over 34.5 receiving yards.
Marshall laying three points on the road is reasonable, but this game has the profile of a physical, lower-scoring Sun Belt matchup.
The current market has Marshall around -3, while totals have fallen from the 46.5-47.5 range toward 44.5-45.5 at several sportsbooks.
Old Dominion’s defense can keep the Monarchs competitive. The problem is an offense that just produced 141 yards and has averaged only 15.5 points.
Marshall 24, Old Dominion 17
Marshall -3 Under 45.5 Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw Over 44.5 Receiving Yards Devin Roche Over 49.5 Rushing Yards
Old Dominion’s home-field advantage and defense should prevent Marshall from running away with the game, but the Monarchs have not shown enough offensive consistency to trust them in a close fourth quarter.
Marshall’s defense took a major step forward against South Alabama, and the Herd possesses more offensive options.
If Marshall avoids turnovers and forces Old Dominion to sustain long drives, the Thundering Herd should leave Norfolk with their second consecutive Sun Belt victory.
Prediction: Marshall 24, Old Dominion 17.
Marshall is currently around a three-point favorite with the total near 45.5, though prices vary by sportsbook. Confirm the final spread, player availability and prop lines before wagering.
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