By : Jack Moore
(Photo/Brandon Burdette-The Mojo Network)
The 2024 college football season continues with an intriguing matchup between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday, September 7th. Both teams are looking to build early season momentum as they square off at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. Here's what to expect in this exciting non-conference game.
Virginia Tech Hokies: A Program in Transition
Virginia Tech enters the 2024 season with the hope of making strides in the third year under head coach Brent Pry. After an up and down 2023 season, Pry has worked to revitalize a program known for its defensive toughness and special teams prowess. This year, the Hokies are aiming to be more competitive in the ACC, and their performance against Marshall could be a key indicator of how far they’ve come. The Hokies are in need of a big bounce back win after falling short to Vanderbilt on the road last week.
Offensively, the Hokies are led by quarterback Kyron Drones, who took over the starting job a few weeks into last year's season. Drones is a dual-threat QB, giving the Hokies flexibility in both the passing and running game. His ability to make plays with his legs as well as through the air could be a challenge for Marshall’s defense. The receiving corps features Jaylin Lane and Ali Jennings III, two dynamic playmakers who have the ability to stretch the field are great complimentary pieces to look out for with Drones.
In the backfield, Bhayshul Tuten leads the ground game after emerging as one of the top running backs in the ACC last year. His combination of speed and power makes him a key factor in controlling the tempo and taking pressure off Drones. Virginia Tech's offensive line, which has shown improvement, will need to hold up against Marshall's physical front.
Defensively, Virginia Tech is focused on re-establishing its identity. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, one of the standouts in the defensive line corp, will play a pivotal role in slowing down Marshall’s offense, while linebacker Keli Lawson will need to be a disruptive presence in the middle of the defense. Coach Pry, a defensive-minded leader, has emphasized stopping the run and limiting explosive plays—key components to shutting down Marshall’s offense.
Marshall Thundering Herd: Eyeing an Upset
Marshall, under head coach Charles Huff, has developed a reputation for being a tough, disciplined team that can challenge Power Five opponents, as they beat Virginia Tech in Huntington last season. The Thundering Herd finished strong in 2023, and a repeat victory over Virginia Tech would be a statement win early in the 2024 season.
Marshall’s offense is led by quarterback Braylon Braxton, who has shown the ability to make big plays with his arm. He’ll be looking to test Virginia Tech’s secondary with a mix of deep throws and quick strikes to his receivers. The Thundering Herd’s passing game is anchored by the duo of Christian Fitzpatrick and Elijah Metcalf. The duo will be a focal point of Marshall’s offense and are the type of players who can change the course of a game with one explosive play.
Defensively, Marshall prides itself on aggressive play and getting after the quarterback. Top returning defenders; Mike Green, Jacobie Henderson, and Josh Moten will be tasked with disrupting Virginia Tech’s offense. The Thundering Herd's defense will need to generate pressure on Kyron Drones and force turnovers to have a shot at upsetting the Hokies.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Virginia Tech’s Offensive Line vs. Marshall’s Front Seven: Marshall’s defense is built around its ability to create pressure, and Virginia Tech’s offensive line will need to protect Drones and create space for Bhayshul Tuten to run. If the Hokies can win in the trenches, they’ll control the game.
- Christian Fitzpatrick and Elijah Metcalf vs. Virginia Tech’s Pass Defense: Marshall’s offense relies heavily on this duo’s ability to make big plays for them through the air. If Virginia Tech can contain them, they’ll force Marshall into a more predictable running game, which plays into their defensive strength.
- Kyron Drones vs. Marshall’s Secondary: Drones’ dual-threat ability makes him dangerous, but he’ll need to make smart decisions against a Marshall defense that thrives on creating turnovers. His connection with Lane and Jennings will be key in stretching the field and keeping the Thundering Herd off balance.