What was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Marshall Thundering Herd has quickly turned into a surprising run in the Sun Belt race.
The Herd can’t afford to look ahead to next week’s crucial matchup against James Madison, as they first have to take care of business against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers — another unexpected contender in the East Division.
My Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina predictions highlight the Chanticleers’ key shortcomings, which should give the Herd the edge in this matchup.
Find out more in my college football picks for Thursday, October 30.
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Marshall vs Coastal Carolina prediction
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina best bet: Coastal Carolina team total Under 24.5 points (-115)
Coastal Carolina has been a relative surprise this season, particularly in recent weeks. Winning three of four games, both outright and against the spread, certainly qualifies as surprising, especially with all three victories coming as an underdog.
However, the Chanticleers’ offense has only sporadically hummed. They need a middling run game to deliver consistently to get down the field, never wanting to rely on a passing offense that ranks No. 117 in expected points added (EPA) per dropback and No. 132 in dropback success rate, per CFB-graphs.com.
That rushing attack has boosted Coastal Carolina in two of its three wins, also managing not to be costly against UL-Monroe. The Chanticleers went over the top in their last two wins, running the ball 9.8% more often than would be expected from an average team at Appalachian State, and then 14.4% against Monroe.
Running that often could be a mistake against Marshall. The Thundering Herd has one of the better rush defenses in the Group of Five, ranking No. 42 in EPA per rush against and a resounding No. 14 in defensive success rate against the rush.
Marshall should stop Coastal Carolina in its tracks on the ground, and in doing so, the Herd should outright halt the Chanticleers’ offense.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina same-game parlay
Coastal Carolina's greatest defensive worry is giving up quality drives on 57.5% of opposing possessions, the fourth-highest rate in the country.
Marshall should have repeated chances at the end zone, a place Del Rio-Wilson has found Lacey four times in as many games.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina SGP
- Coastal Carolina team total Under 24.5 points
- Carlos Del Rio-Wilson Over 1.5 passing touchdowns
- Demarcus Lacey anytime touchdown
Our deep-ball SGP: Lace Up
Lacey has caught at least five passes in each of his last four games, averaging 7.5 receptions per game in this stretch.
He has become Marshall’s most consistent and explosive receiver, someone who should be focused on where it matters most.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina SGP
- Coastal Carolina team total Under 24.5 points
- Carlos Del Rio-Wilson Over 1.5 passing touchdowns
- Demarcus Lacey to score 2+ touchdowns
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina game predictions
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina moneyline prediction
Coastal Carolina may have sprung three upsets in its last four games, but it should also be noted that Marshall has done that in each of its last two games, too.
Looking back further, the Herd have won four of five games. This was expected to be a rebuilding year, but Marshall has seemingly found enough of a groove to be trusted even on the road.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina spread prediction
The Herd have also gone 5-2 against the spread this season, a longer track record than the Chanticleers’ 3-4 ATS mark, even with that record boosted by a rebound from an 0-3 start.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina Over/Under prediction
Marshall has become an Over producer, in some part a reflection of its struggling defense. That defense is undone against the pass, something that Coastal Carolina cannot best take advantage of.
This total is at a reasonable 55.5. Doubting the Chanticleers’ rushing offense this aggressively also lends itself to being cynical that this Sun Belt matchup reaches this total.
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina odds
- Spread: Marshall -5.5 (-110) | Coastal Carolina +5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Marshall -205 | Coastal Carolina +172
- Over/Under: Over 55.5 (-110) | Under 55.5 (-110)
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina trend to know
Marshall has cleared its team total in each of its last five games. Find more college football betting trends for Marshall vs Coastal Carolina.
How to watch Marshall vs Coastal Carolina
| Location | Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC |
| Date | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Marshall vs Coastal Carolina latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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