Virginia Tech Host Marshall In Home Opener (9-7-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Athletics 

Game Week: VS Marshall 

After a week of frustration and disappointment, the Virginia Tech Hokies are looking to turn the page as they prepare to host the Marshall Thundering Herd for their home opener in Blacksburg. The Hokies are coming off a tough loss in which questionable play-calling and coaching mistakes overshadowed their performance. To put a cherry on top of all of that, the Hokies also lost 4-star wide receiver recruit Matthew Outten. Now, with the support of a sellout crowd, the Hokies aim to bounce back and start their home campaign on a high note.

Thoughts on Marshall:

Last season, Marshall began their 23 campaign with a promising 4-0 start, but the wheels came off as the season progressed. The Thundering Herd managed just two wins in their final nine games, a stretch that included a brutal three-game losing streak where they were outscored 85-24. Despite defeating Virginia Tech last season, the odds are not in Marshall’s favor this time around. The team has lost significant talent on both sides of the ball, leaving them with a relatively inexperienced roster as they head into a challenging environment in Blacksburg. However, coming off of a huge win against Stony Brook, Marshall could present more of a challenge than the Hokies may initially think.

Thoughts on Virginia Tech:

The Hokies entered the season with high expectations but were brought back to reality last Saturday with an overtime loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville. In what was expected to be a relatively straightforward game, Virginia Tech struggled from the jump. They continually threw it behind the line of scrimmage, and ran the ball, creating an extremely predictable game plan. One that Vandy was ready for, and then refused to adjust until the second half but by then it was too late. Despite this setback, the Hokies’ main goals for the season remain within reach, as they have yet to begin ACC play. Saturday’s loss could serve as a wake-up call for the Hokies, or a sign that maybe some changes need to be made. 

Key Matchup:

Virginia Tech currently enters the matchup as more than a 14-point favorite. The game is going to be crucial for the Hokies as they seek their first win of the season. The sellout crowd, combined with the return of the 1999 football roster that played in the 2000 National Championship Sugar Bowl, adds to the significance of the day. Marshall, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive 45-3 victory over Stony Brook. Quarterback Braylon Braxton showcased his skills, throwing for two touchdowns and 141 yards, with wide receiver AJ Turner leading the receiving corps with 119 yards and a touchdown. However, Marshall’s inexperience may prove to be a hurdle too high to overcome against a determined Hokies squad, that does not want to lose 2 in a row. 

What to Watch:

This matchup is more than just a battle for a win—it’s a statement game for the Hokies. They’ll be looking to capitalize on Marshall’s weaknesses and prove that last week’s loss was just a blip on the radar. With the energy of the home crowd behind them, Virginia Tech is poised to make a strong showing and put the early-season disappointment behind them. Either that or continue to make mistakes and continue to irritate an already starved fan base. Regardless, it should make for an interesting Saturday in Blacksburg.