Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Marshall Thundering Herd at Colorado State Rams

Rams Productive Offense Takes on Thundering Herds Tough D

pmroczka

December 16, 2017

Our Marshall plays Colorado State 2017 New Mexico Bowl pick has the Rams at -3.0 and the over/under at 58.0. Over their past five games, the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-5) have won one and lost four, while the Colorado State Rams have gone two-and-three. Marshall finished third in Conference USA East with a record of 4-4. Colorado State finished third in the Mountain West Mountain Division posting a five-and-three record. Marshall comes to this game with a two-game losing streak, while the Rams managed to win their last game of the season, beating San Jose State 42-14.

Marshall Overview

The Marshall Thundering Herd are averaging 26.3 PPG. Although they do not field a formidable offense, the Thundering Herd does have a solid defense, which is holding opponents to 19.3 PPG. QB Chase Litton (60.6 COMP%, 23 TDs, 12 INTs) has two primary receivers, senior TE Ryan Yurachek, who has 47 catches and nine touchdown receptions, and junior WR Tyre Brady, who has made 56 catches, seven of which have been for scores. Freshman RB Tyler King is averaging 4.7 YPA, while junior RB Keion Davis is good for 4.2 YPA. They have six and five TDs respectively. On defense, they have posted more than 65 TFL and forced a dozen fumbles.

Thundering Herd Summary

Balance on offense between ground and air game important
Defense must control Rams
RB King could be a difference-maker

Colorado State Overview

The Rams are putting 33.8 PPG on the scoreboard. Their rush attack is good for more than 200 yards per game, while they are passing for 290 YPG. QB Nick Stevens (63.6 COMP%, 27 TDs, 10 INTs) is a solid performer. He’s hit senior wideout Michael Gallup with 94 passes. Seven of those completions were for scores. Although he’s connected with TE Dalton Fackrell just 20 times, six of those passes have gone for TDs. Dalyn Dawkins is a premium running back. He’s gained 1,349 yards while averaging 6.2 YPA and scoring eight times. Izzy Matthews has also rushed for eight TDs while gaining a total of 583 yards and averaging 4.8 YPA. The Colorado State D is giving up 27.5 PPG and more than 180 YPG on the ground. The have managed over 60 TFL and made 10 picks.

Rams Summary

Offense is potent but D is not
Fine ground attack
Air game is sound

Three Gildan New Mexico Bowl Takeaways

Here are our Marshall plays Colorado State 2017 New Mexico Bowl pick three takeaways-

Thundering Herd D has edge over Rams
Rams offense more productive than Thunder Herds
Colorado State should be able to control Marshall ground attack

Our 2107 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Picks

We like the Rams at -3.0. Their offense, which is stocked with numerous weapons, should do well against Marshall’s defense. The Rams’ defense is problematic, but they should be able to control the Thundering Herds’ offense. Our Marshall plays Colorado State 2017 New Mexico Bowl pick is the Rams at -3.0. We are also going with the over at 58.0.