This is an 8* SUPER-SPECIAL on Marshall.

Outright win? I'm not calling for that, but I do think this contest will be much more competitive than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

Marshall is 3-3 SU and 2-4 ATS, while James Madison is 5-1 SU and 5-1 ATS.

Both teams enter off losses. The Herd lost at home to UL Monroe 23-13. That was back on October 12th.

The Dukes on the other hand fell in a shootout to Georgia Southern by a score of 45-38.

Some may think a QB controversy is a bad thing mid way through the season, but I'll argue it's a good thing for Marshall. Senior Henry Colombi has been terrible with a 24.6 QBR. Cam Fancher took over in the fourth quareter last time out and matched Colombi's production from the other three quarters, without turning the ball over.

James Madison has been great. But it's coming off its first loss of the year. The Dukes have looked great, but this now sets up as a classic "TRAP," with tough upcoming games on the horizon.

The Dukes are the better team. But after going up early, I expect them to take the foot off the gas in the second half. Look for the hungry Herd to run the ball effectively and to keep this one close enough to escape with the comfortable ATS cover.

The play is MARSHALL.

Good luck, NP