The Marshall Thundering Herd were almost perfect last year, winning 13 of their 14 games, with the lone loss coming in overtime by a score of 67-66 to Western Kentucky. Rakeem Cato has moved on to the CFL, and a new era will begin this Sunday as the Herd host Purdue in Week 1.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Experience - The Boilermakers return on five starters on their offensive line, and have an experienced quarterback in Austin Appleby. They also have plenty of experience playing against elite teams like Notre Dame, Michigan State and Wisconsin. While they only won three games last year, they avoided getting blown out even when over-matched.

2. Marshall Defense - After ranking among the worst in the nation in 2012, the Herd improved to rank 18th nationally in scoring defense last season. They lose two of their best playmakers on defense though in Darryl Roberts and C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Neville Hewitt. We should see this unit take a step back this season.

3. X-Factor - The Boilermakers are 3-1-2 ATS in their last 6 road games, and they appear to be underrated once again here in Week 1.

Selection: This is a play on the Purdue Boilermakers (10*)