- Matchup: Marshall Thundering Herd vs Penn State Nittany Lions
- Scheduled Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Venue: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
- Broadcast: FS1
- Betting Odds: Nittany Lions favored by 24.5 points
- Total Points Over-Under: 52.5
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The Marshall Thundering Herd, who finished last season with a 5-7 record, are set to visit Beaver Stadium on September 5, 2026, to challenge the Penn State Nittany Lions, who ended their previous campaign at 7-6. The Nittany Lions enter this matchup as 24.5-point favorites, with an over/under line of 52.5 points.
Last season, the Thundering Herd ended their run with a disappointing 5-7 record. Their most recent outing saw them facing off against the Georgia Southern Eagles, where they were narrowly defeated 24-19. In that game, Marshall rushed 16 times for a total of 64 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Throughout the contest, they executed 51 plays which accumulated 372 total yards. Defensively, Marshall faced 39 passing attempts, allowing 26 completions for 355 yards and a completion rate of 66.7%. On the ground, they surrendered 173 yards over 48 carries, resulting in an average of 3.6 yards conceded per rush.
In terms of overall yardage last season, the Thundering Herd racked up 4,859 total yards. Their offensive breakdown included 18 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns, though they also turned the ball over 16 times. With 256 first downs earned, they received 82 penalties for a cumulative yardage loss of 719 yards. Marshall’s rushing attack averaged 197 yards per game, ranking them 22nd among all Division 1 teams, while they were able to score an average of 30.8 points per game.
Defensively, however, the Thundering Herd struggled significantly, ranking 108th in the nation by allowing 30.3 points per game. Opponents averaged 3.9 yards per rushing attempt and totaled 148.9 yards per game. Over the course of the year, they yielded 1,787 rushing yards across 12 games. In terms of passing, the Herd allowed 3,140 yards, placing them 114th nationally, yielding an average of 261.7 passing yards per game with a completion percentage against of 58.3%. Their overall yards allowed per game stood at 410.6, ranking them 108th in Division 1, with 24 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns permitted.
The Penn State Nittany Lions wrapped up their previous season with a 7-6 record. In their last game, they achieved victory against the Clemson Tigers, finishing 22-10. During that contest, the Nittany Lions amassed a total of 397 yards, running 76 plays that averaged 5.2 yards per play. They carried the ball for 135 yards over 41 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry, while allowing just 43 rushing yards on 25 attempts (1.7 yards per rush). Penn State’s passing defense proved effective, allowing a completion rate of 55.0% with 193 total yards permitted on 22 completions from 40 attempts.
In terms of offensive scoring, the Nittany Lions were ranked 34th in the nation, averaging 31.0 points per game. They generated an average of 362 yards per game, which positioned them 85th in Division 1. The Penn State offense faced 53 penalties amounting to 485 yards, ranking 128th overall in this regard. They recorded 7 interceptions and 3 fumbles throughout the season, while achieving 256 first downs. For passing, the Nittany Lions compiled 2,439 total yards at an average of 187.6 yards per game, placing them 105th in D-1. On the ground, they averaged 174.4 yards per game, totaling 2,267 rushing yards for the season.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions conceded 1,853 rushing yards (142.5 yards per game) and allowed a total of 16 rushing touchdowns last season. They also allowed 16 passing touchdowns, averaging 184.2 yards permitted through the air, ranking them 21st in Division 1. In total, they allowed 267 points during the season and recorded 7 fumbles and 7 interceptions. The Nittany Lions’ defense participated in 823 plays, ranking 52nd overall, while they held opponents to 20.5 points per game, which was the 33rd best mark in college football.
Who will emerge victorious in this thrilling matchup between the Thundering Herd and Nittany Lions against the spread?
Prediction: Take the Nittany Lions -24.5
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