The upcoming game between the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 7, 2024, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, promises to be an intriguing matchup. Marshall enters the game riding high after a convincing 45-3 victory over Stony Brook in their season opener. Led by quarterback Stone Earle, who threw for 97 yards and two touchdowns, and a robust defense that allowed only three points, Marshall demonstrated a well-rounded performance. The Thundering Herd also excelled in their rushing attack, accumulating 259 yards on the ground, with A.J. Turner leading the charge with 119 yards.

Virginia Tech, conversely, struggled in their first game against Vanderbilt, losing 34-27. The Hokies showed potential offensively, as quarterback Kyron Drones passed for 322 yards and two touchdowns. However, their defense was a major concern, giving up 34 points and struggling to contain Vanderbilt’s running and passing game. The Hokies will need to tighten their defensive play and reduce turnovers to stand a chance against a disciplined Marshall team that has proven it can exploit defensive lapses. Key to this game will be whether Virginia Tech’s defense can bounce back and contain Marshall’s balanced attack. Marshall’s offense, efficient in both the run and pass, will look to control the game clock and wear down the Hokies’ defense. On the other hand, Virginia Tech’s offense must protect the football and make the most of scoring opportunities, something they failed to do consistently in their opener. This matchup could hinge on the performance of the quarterbacks and which team can impose its will on both sides of the ball.