ATLANTA — Two midweek matchups on Thursday carry more intrigue than your typical conference slate: the Tulane Green Wave heading to San Antonio to face the UTSA Roadrunners, and the Marshall Thundering Herd traveling to face the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Both games offer implications in the American Athletic Conference and Sun Belt alike, and each features a favorite trying to hold serve and an underdog hoping to flip the script.
Tulane has legit college football playoff hopes going into Thursday for the Group of Five playoff bid spot. Meanwhile, Marshall hopes to sneak into the conference title game in the Sun Belt.
Let’s break these two down.
Tulane @ UTSA:
Tulane comes into this game at 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the American Athletic Conference, showcasing itself as one of the stronger Group of Five contenders this season. The Green Wave average about 25.9 points per game while allowing about 22.3 points per game, per recent data. By contrast, UTSA sits at 3-4 overall and 1-2 in league play. The Roadrunners have flashed brilliance — notably a 61-13 rout against Rice at home — but they’ve also shown fragility, especially on the road and against quality teams.
In San Antonio’s Alamodome, UTSA boasts a superb home-conference record under coach Jeff Traylor: the Roadrunners are undefeated in conference games at home in the current era. That home edge shouldn’t be ignored. However, their non-conference and road struggles remain glaring; the offense, led by quarterback Owen McCown (approximately 1,310 passing yards this season) and running back Robert Henry Jr. (868 rushing yards), have produced moments of dominance, but also extended slumps.
Tulane, under second-year coach Jon Sumrall, has built steadiness. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff leads the offense, and while the Green Wave suffered a heavy setback in a loss at Ole Miss earlier this season, they’ve since clinched three straight conference wins and sit atop the league. They’ll look to avoid being lulled into thinking this UTSA trip is a “breather.” UTSA’s home crowd and historic comfort level in that building create a real upset alert. The odds favor Tulane (Vegas has them as about a 5.5-point favorite, total at 54.5), but the Roadrunners’ house and mid-week setting add factors.
Prediction for Tulane vs. UTSA: I lean Tulane by 7 points. They should win, but give UTSA credit for the home field and bounce-back motive.
Marshall @ Coastal Carolina:
In the Sun Belt, the matchup between Marshall (4-3 overall, 2-1 in conference) and Coastal Carolina (4-3 overall, 3-1 in conference) is poised to be a tactical battle. Vegas lists Marshall as a 6.5-point favorite, total at 54.5. The Thundering Herd will lean on their offensive balance and conference experience, while the Chanticleers aim to leverage home advantage and recent wins to keep pace.
Marshall’s offense has shown flashing moments: they average around 35.1 points per game, though their defense has allowed roughly 30.9 points per game — not dominant but capable when they protect the ball and control tempo. Coastal Carolina, meanwhile, has struggled at times with consistency. The Chanticleers’ passing numbers sit among the lowest in Division I for the season: they’ve thrown for roughly 950 yards as a team through their first seven games, a glaring weakness when the opponent brings a more balanced attack.
Home field matters for Coastal Carolina, and if they can force Marshall into mistakes or turnovers, they might make it tight. But Marshall brings a clearer offensive identity, more upward trajectory, and seems better positioned to close this one out on the road.
Prediction for Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina: I expect Marshall to win by about 3 points. It might be tighter than the spread, but their upside gives them the edge.
Closing thoughts:
Thursday night’s mid-week slate might not have the national spotlight of Saturday’s top games, but both contests matter. Tulane can strengthen its conference control and national perception; UTSA can reignite hope for a bounce-back run. Meanwhile, Marshall and Coastal Carolina are jockeying for Sun Belt relevance — and Thursday’s result could alter bowl paths or future positioning.
For bettors and fans alike, the numbers suggest Tulane and Marshall carry the edge. But midweek games always carry extra variables: travel, routines, home comfort, and urgency. UTSA in the Alamodome is a unique test; Coastal Carolina at home may push Marshall more than expected. Still, given the profiles and momentum, I’ll take the road favorites: Tulane by 7, Marshall by 3. Thursday night may yield two winners—and two teams that need to regroup.
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