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Marshall vs. Morgan State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the Week 2 game between the Bears and Thundering Herd.

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Morgan State vs. Marshall Game Preview

Morgan State fell in its opener 51-24 to Holy Cross in Baltimore, although the Bears did lead 17-14 midway through the second quarter before the Crusaders pulled away. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd have yet to open their season, so this will be the first game of the new campaign. The Bears are now coached by former offensive coordinator Fred Farrier, while the Herd are led by Doc Holliday, who is 50-28 in six seasons at the school.

What To Know About Morgan State

The Bears returned a lot of starters on both sides of the ball, but there is a big hole at quarterback after two seniors graduated. Defensively, seven starters return, led by linebacker Greg Gibson and lineman Dalonte Jenifer. But this is a team that is expected to finish in the bottom half of the FCS’ Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

What to Know About Marshall

Marshall was able to develop Chase Litton at quarterback last year, which was huge. He started 11 games in his freshman campaign. Now he just needs to get a little more production from his receivers and running backs. The run game may be by committee, but the receivers need to be able to consistently stretch the field. Defensively, the Herd led C-USA in total yards allowed and points surrendered. This is a program that will be a consistent threat for the C-USA crown year in and year out.

Advantages

Offense: Marshall. Deon-Tay McManus has a chance to break out at receiver after hauling in 35 balls last season.

Defense: Marshall. Safety Tiquan Lang returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns against Purdue last season and was second on the team in tackles.

Special Teams: Marshall. The Herd’s athleticism advantage is clear-cut in this one.

Coaching: Marshall. Holliday has reached double digits in wins the last three seasons.

Intangibles: Marshall. Marshall knows this game will be a mismatch, but don’t expect the Herd to take Morgan State lightly. Plus, this is the team’s opener after having a built-in bye last week.

Matchup To Watch

Lang vs. Morgan State QBs

Whoever starts—whether it is transfer Chris Andrews, Khalil Trotman, DeAndre Harris or Randolph Norwood—will have a bear of a time competing against the Marshall defense. All three phases of the defense are sound, but keep an eye on Lang, who is a ball-hawking safety. It could get ugly no matter who is at QB for Morgan State, and Lang could be the beneficiary.

Betting Odds

Spread: No Line

Over/Under: No line

Marshall vs. Morgan State Prediction

The Herd will score early and often against this overmatched Morgan State defense. And the Herd will prevent scoring on the other side of the field early and often. It’ll be blowout city for Marshall and Co.

Morgan State vs. Marshall Score Prediction: Marshall 52, Morgan State 16

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections