The Monarchs are 4–1 — their best five-game start since 2012
The Marshall Thundering Herd return home this weekend looking to regroup as they host an Old Dominion team off to its best start in more than a decade. Marshall enters the matchup at 2–3 overall and 0–1 in Sun Belt play, coming off a 54–51 double-overtime loss at Louisiana. They totaled more than 500 yards of offense in that game but couldn’t close it out down the stretch.
For Old Dominion, this game comes during one of the program’s strongest starts in more than a decade. The Monarchs are 4–1 — their best five-game start since 2012 — and have never beaten Marshall in Huntington, sitting 0–5 all time on the road in the series. Behind quarterback Colton Joseph, they have a chance to change that history.
ODU sits near the top at 1–0, while Marshall is looking to avoid falling two games behind early.
Marshall — Looking to Find Their Footing
Marshall’s offense has been balanced through five games, averaging just over 31 points per outing with around 960 rushing yards and over 840 passing yards. Running back Michael Allen has been steady, picking up 273 yards on the ground at more than four yards per carry. Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has thrown for 637 yards and nine touchdowns against just one interception, while the Herd have converted around 75–78% of their red-zone trips into points.
Efficiency is Key 🔐 @QBCarlosDelrio leads the nation in passer efficiency rating at 206.47. Much of that is due to his .785 completion percentage (51-of-65) and his touchdown-to-interception ratio (9:0).#LLTB pic.twitter.com/21NMsjXuuS
— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) September 30, 2025
On the other side of the ball, Marshall’s defense has allowed just over 31 points per game. The secondary has been tested frequently and has struggled to hold up in crucial moments — including late against Louisiana in last week’s double-overtime loss.
This will be Marshall’s first Sun Belt home game under new head coach Tony Gibson. Last year’s 28–24 matchup in Norfolk came down to the final minutes, continuing a recent trend of tight battles between these two programs.
Old Dominion — A Team on a Roll
Old Dominion enters at 4–1 overall and 1–0 in the Sun Belt after a 47–7 win over Coastal Carolina. Quarterback Colton Joseph threw for 315 yards and four touchdowns in that game while adding a 50-yard rushing score. He leads an offense that has averaged nearly 38 points per game and more than 7.8 yards per play through five games.
That was quick! @_ColtonJoseph1 80-yard TD pass to Bull Hargrove! Monarchs up 17-0!#ReignOn | #BeThe Reason pic.twitter.com/oeEwIGcAHw
— ODU Football (@ODUFootball) October 4, 2025
Receiver Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding has emerged as Joseph’s top target, catching three touchdowns against Coastal. Their efficiency has stretched defenses and created consistent big-play opportunities.
Defensively, ODU held Coastal to just 189 total yards — one of its stingiest performances in recent program history. It’s also only the second time the Monarchs have opened a season 4–1.
What Marshall Must Do
Marshall’s defensive game plan will center on limiting Joseph’s impact. That means staying disciplined in coverage against a receiving group that has been efficient at stretching the field, tackling well in space, and keeping Joseph contained in the pocket.
Offensively, controlling tempo will be key. Leaning on Allen and the ground game can help shorten the contest and keep ODU’s offense off the field. Del Rio-Wilson must continue his efficient play and protect the ball. Special teams execution and red zone efficiency could become deciding factors if the game is close late.
What Old Dominion Must Do
ODU’s approach will revolve around keeping Joseph in rhythm early. Quick throws, designed runs, and tempo can put pressure on Marshall’s defense from the start. Defensively, the priority will be limiting Allen and forcing Marshall into predictable passing downs. If they can do that, it creates more opportunities to pressure Del Rio-Wilson.
Winning the turnover battle — something ODU has done consistently this season — would give them an advantage. Handling the Huntington environment cleanly, particularly avoiding penalties and slow starts, will be important in a setting where Marshall has historically been tough to beat.
This matchup features two teams in different positions. Marshall is trying to stabilize its season at home, while Old Dominion is attempting to build on its best start in over a decade and end a long winless streak in Huntington. Joseph’s play has been central to ODU’s success, and how Marshall responds to him could define the outcome.
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