Marshall running back Jordan Houston (6) dives while defended by Virginia Tech safety Jaylen Jones (15) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Marshall running back Jordan Houston (6) dives while defended by Virginia Tech safety Jaylen Jones (15) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Marshall and Ohio State agreed on a $1.6 million-dollar guarantee for this game when it was announced in March 2023, making it one of the largest single-game contracts in Thundering Herd history.
For comparison, Marshall collected $1.2 million in 2022 when it played at Notre Dame and won 26-21.
The likelihood of winning high-caliber buy games is often slim, but not impossible.
If Marshall keeps things respectable and stays healthy, this week can be seen as a win.
Will there be a change of pace on offense for Marshall?
DonƵt expect a change at quarterback after Stone Earle earned a second consecutive start at Virginia Tech.
Huff touted the quarterbackƵs ability to Ƶget the ball out fastest,Ƶ and the unit has worked extensively on timing between Earle and the wide receivers this week.
I donƵt anticipate that theyƵll move away from Earle after just one full game as the starter.
Huff also added that the Herd Ƶhas to hit layupsƵ in order to open up the offensive playbook, in which they would push the ball downfield more, and is more concerned with nailing down the basics of the offense before getting flashy.
Is the run defense a concern?
Certainly. Marshall has defended the pass well in the first couple of games this season but hasnƵt been as strong against the run.
Virginia TechƵs Bhayshul Tuten went for 119 yards after being held under 40 against Vanderbilt the week prior.
Ohio State has two NFL-caliber players in the backfield and will give the Thundering Herd its biggest test yet.
Where are the tight ends?
Through two games, the talented tight end duo of Cade Conley and Toby Payne has just one catch, a ball caught by Payne for no gain in a loss at Virginia Tech, but they have been an integral part of the blocking schemes for Marshall during a 1-1 start.
They have impacted the game in both run and pass situations as the Herd has compiled more than 700 yards of offense against the Hokies and Stony Brook.
What are the keys for the Herd Saturday to slow down Ohio State?
Must play sound football.
It doesnƵt have to be anything crazy, but if the Herd canƵt get the fundamentals right, then it will be behind the eight-ball right out of the tunnel.
The first quarter will go a long way in determining the feel of the game, in my opinion.
Weather the storm, survive the first push from Ohio State and see if you canƵt put pressure on the opponent with an early scoring drive, something Marshall failed to do last time out.
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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