Frisco Bowl Game 2023: UTSA vs. Marshall prediction, pick

Predictions for the 2023 Frisco Bowl as UTSA and Marshall square off in College Football Bowl Season

As the college football bowl season moves into its Tuesday schedule, we have just one game on tap for the late night period, bringing together a pair of Group of Five schools as UTSA and Marshall play the Frisco Bowl. The game marks the fourth time between the teams, with Marshall holding a 2-1 all-time series lead over its former Conference USA opponent.

Marshall started the season a perfect 4-0 before a five-game losing skid midseason, but the Thundering Herd won two of the last three to become bowl eligible. UTSA started off slow, going 1-3 to begin the season, but won seven straight before falling to Tulane in the regular season finale.

UTSA vs. Marshall prediction, preview

When: Tues., Dec. 19
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern
TV: ESPN network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Frisco Bowl 2023 game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: UTSA -12
Total: 51.5 points
Moneyline: UTSA -500 | UM +380
FPI pick: UTSA 68.1% to win

What to watch for

1. Change at QB. Marshall starting quarterback Cam Fancher went into the transfer portal at the end of the 2023 season, taking most of the team's passing offense, in addition to around 20 percent of its rushing production, with him. That means more emphasis on running the ball, a relative strength for the Herd. Rasheen Ali ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 14 touchdowns as the showcase of the offense, something he'll have to be again. Marshall was 6-1 when running for 110 yards this season.

2. Battle at the line. For the attention UTSA's offense rightly gets, it's also a productive, if inconsistent, unit up front pressuring the passer. It can rush the pass with some regularity and frustrate the quarterback's timing, although the line is missing its best player after Trey Moore transferred. Marshall's pass protection is mediocre and the Roadrunners should have the advantage forcing the Herd to play one-dimensional football.

3. UTSA's X-factor. While his numbers from a year ago were better across the board, Roadrunner quarterback Frank Harris is still a force to be reckoned with after he passed for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's surrounded by key skill threats like wide receiver Joseph Cephas, a dynamic weapon who holds UTSA records in catches and yards, and has over 1,000 yards with 9 touchdown grabs this year. UTSA runs the ball well, distributing its over 2,000 yards and 24 scores across three primary options who together average around 5 yards per carry. 

UTSA vs. Marshall prediction

Marshall has struggled on offense this season even with its starting quarterback working under center, and now in his absence, that production should take another hit, especially in the face of UTSA's capable pass rush. 

That, combined with the presence of Harris and the other playmakers on the Roadrunner offense, should tilt things decisively in UTSA's favor.

College Football HQ picks...

• UTSA wins 34-20
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over

Bet on UTSA vs. Marshall here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks