Little Caesars Bowl Betting Odds

Opening Line: Marshall +2.5 / Ohio -2.5 O/U 49.5

Time: 1 Pm EST Saturday December 26, 2009 on ESPN

The Marshall Thundering Herd look to go above .500 this season with a win over the Ohio Bobcats in the Little Caesars Bowl. Marshall did not end the season well, to say the least, as they lost 3 of their last 4 games. Ohio lost their season final in the MAC title game, but had won their previous 4 games. The Bobcats did not face one ranked team this season and the Thundering Herd faced one and Virginia Tech crushed them.

This game may not be one that features a lot of offense, as Ohio only ranks 99th in the nation and Marshall ranks 78th. On defense Ohio is a tad better ranking 52nd while Marshall ranks 80th. Marshall gave up 52 points in their season finale and in their last 4 games they gave up an average of just under 33 points per Taylor Price game. Ohio will be going for their first bowl win in this game.

In their last game Marshall was crushed by UTEP 52-10 and Ohio lost to Central Michigan 20-10.

Ohio is led by QB Theo Scott (2,258 yds 19 TD 10 INT) and their big weapon is RB Chris Garrett (591 yds 2 TD) and he also led the MAC with 27 yards per kick return. Marshall is better defending the run than the pass and they have to worry about the Bobcats' WR's of Taylor Price and LaVon Brazill who are both averaging around 14 yards per reception. Marshall only ranked 59th in the nation with 24 sacks this season and they will have to pressure to Scott and not give him time in the pocket.

Marshall does only have the nation's 78th offense, but they are well-balanced with QB Brian Anderson (2,561 yds 14 TD) and RB Darius Marshall (1,054 yds 11 TD), who is banged up but will play in this game. Freshmen WR's Antavious Wilson and Aaron Dobson have combined for more than 1,000 yards with 7 TDs and each is averaging around 12 yards per reception. Ohio's D is much better against the pass, so Anderson may be counted on to move the chains in this game. However, the Ohio rushing defense gave up an average of 157.8 rushing yards per game in their last 5 games. Marshall has to hold onto the ball in this game, as Ohio led the FBS this season with 36 turnovers.


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