South Alabama Faces Marshall in Week 8 Sun Belt Clash

South Alabama and Marshall meet at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with the Jaguars seeking a third consecutive victory and a stronger position in the Sun Belt Conference. The Thundering Herd, meanwhile, aim to end a two-game losing streak after struggling through consecutive conference defeats.

According to the teams' records reported by CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports, South Alabama enters the Week 8 contest at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Sun Belt play. Marshall stands at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with ESPN2 carrying the game, according to Yahoo Sports.

South Alabama has scored at least 50 points in each of its last two games, defeating ULM 52-35 before edging Arkansas State 56-49 in Week 7. Yahoo Sports reported that running back Keenan Phillips recorded 157 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against Arkansas State, along with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. His 264 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns helped power the Jaguars' latest victory.

The Jaguars are tied with Louisiana Tech for first place in the Sun Belt West Division, according to CBS Sports. However, their road record stands at 1-2 this season. Their offensive line also recently received recognition on the Joe Moore Midseason Honor Roll, Yahoo Sports reported.

Junior quarterback Jared Hollins has completed 60.9% of his passes for 855 yards and seven touchdowns, with two interceptions this season, according to CBS Sports. His production will be an important factor as South Alabama attempts to extend its winning run against a Marshall team that has struggled defensively.

Marshall is coming off a 27-21 loss to Coastal Carolina after previously falling 45-17 to James Madison, according to Yahoo Sports. The Thundering Herd trailed Coastal Carolina 27-0 before scoring 21 unanswered points, but six turnovers undermined their comeback effort.

Quarterback Zion Turner threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns against Coastal Carolina, while running back Judah Price contributed to the late rally, Yahoo Sports reported. Despite averaging 406.5 total yards per game, Marshall has allowed 33.7 points per contest.

Head coach Tony Gibson has an unresolved quarterback decision ahead of the South Alabama game, according to CBS Sports. Senior Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, senior Zion Turner and sophomore Khalil Wilkins are competing for the starting role. The uncertainty comes as Marshall attempts to secure its first Sun Belt victory of the season.

The teams last met in 2023, when South Alabama won 28-0, according to CBS Sports. Marshall holds a 2-1 home record in 2026, giving the Thundering Herd a chance to respond on their own field despite their recent defeats.