When we last heard from Marshall, it was losing 20-0 to Rice, then 1-2, in the season’s most perplexing result. Toss it out. The Thundering Herd were caught sleeping after having clinched a spot in the C-USA title game. Its defense is top-ranked in the FBS for yards allowed per play (4.1), and it has yielded just 10 touchdowns. Not long ago, the Blazers had a quarter of their roster idled by COVID-19 concerns. Though many affected players are back, the turmoil that caused a 42-day break between games still is felt. Keep in mind the numbers 1-4: They represent the Blazers’ recent ATS record at Marshall, plus their last five games on the road and overall.

UAB has played once since Halloween due to COVID-19 issues on its team and others -- the Blazers were down 11 key contributors in last week's close win over Rice, and it appears at some of those guys may miss Friday's Conference USA Championship Game at Marshall. The Blazers face a Herd defense that leads the country in allowing 11.4 ppg. UAB is 1-6 ATS in its past seven vs. teams with a winning record, while Marshall is 6-0 all-time in conference championship games inside Joan C. Edwards Stadium.