Virginia Tech vs. Marshall: Preview and Prediction

Saturday, September 7th

Marshall (+20.5) @ Virginia Tech (-20.5); o/u51.5

4:30pm

The CW Network

Head Coach: Charles Huff

Offensive Coordinator: Seth Doege

Defensive Coordinator: Jason Semore

Returning production: 62% (ranked 64th in FBS)

2023 record: 6-7

Last time out for Marshall: 45-3 win over Stony Brook

A week ago vs. Stony Brook, this Marshall offense totaled 290 yards through the air, but with three different QB’s. Senior QB Stone Earle started the game, going 10/16 with two touchdowns. The Thundering Herd will probably trot the 6’0” 210lbs (similar to Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia) Earle out there again. 

Marshall’s new look Air Raid system is employed by new OC Seth Doege. Doege, who played QB at Texas Tech, has previous stop at Southern Cal and Ole Miss. It’s been a challenge through fall camp to settle on the right personnel groupings, but this offense will put much more pressure of the Hokie secondary than Vanderbilt did.

Through the air, Michigan State transfer Christian Fitzpatrick had a good showing a week ago. At 6’4” 220lbs, Fitzpatrick is a matchup nightmare, so you could see Dorian Strong shadowing him all game. In the slot is the 5’6” Elijah Metcalf. A speedy guy in open space who has proven to be a go to guy for the Herd over the past few years. 

On the ground, the Herd have a solid stable of running backs, headlined by NC State transfer Jordan Houston. However, RB AJ Turner had the more impressive showing a week ago, totaling 120 yards on only eight carries. There’s no game-breaker like Raheem Ali from last season, but the Hokies won’t be able to simply drop back into coverage every play. 

The most impressive unit on this Marshall defense may reside in the trenches with the defensive line. The other thing: they have SIZE. On the interior is 6’6” Florida transfer Chris Thomas Jr. Then there is the 6’5” Jabari Ishmael. Both can cause havoc, especially against a shaky Virginia Tech offensive line. But it doesn't stop there. On the edge is 6’4” UVA transfer Mike Green. Green is the best player on the defensive line, and it showed a week ago, as he totaled 9 tackles and 1.5 sacks. If Marshall wants to upset the Hokies, they need to be the more aggressive team in the trenches. 

In the LB room, former Hokies commit Landyn Watson has earned a starting role alongside the 6’0” Jaden Yates. These two,  in addition to the intimidating defensive line the Herd boast, held Stony Brook to only 94 yards on the ground a week ago. 

The leader of this defense is safety JJ Roberts. A bit undersized at 5’11, Roberts is the “anchor” of the defense as I like to say. 

Key Matchup Battle: 

Virginia Tech can punish this Marshall defense if they spread out the field and get the ball down field. Tyler Bowen will need to let Drones air it out. Virginia Tech is much better on the edges than Marshall. The challenge for Tech’s coaches will be giving these receivers an opportunity to make some plays. Getting Tuten involved, and the occasional QB keeper with Drones, while mixing in play action is what started to work for the Hokies a week ago against Vandy. 

Virginia Tech had a poor showing a week ago. The Hokies need to win in convincing fashion if they want to gain even an ounce of respect back. Drones has a good game again, the LB’s struggle, and Mansoor Delane grabs an INT. 

Virginia Tech 42 - Marshall 21