Virginia Tech ends their non-conference schedule for the year this weekend, right at the time many fans are looking for more important games to start. Yes, the next two weeks will be more entertaining in an opponent/scoreboard aspect, but it's a good thing to have this last game before conference play starts up. As boring as some of the games have been so far, it is clear the 2011 Hokies needed these first four games to tune up for ACC play.
While these two schools don't have much in common when it comes to program prestige, they have shared one unfortunate thing in common when it comes to school tragedies. Everyone knows about the shooting at VT a few years ago, but not many outside of the region would know much about Marshall's plane crash. Sure there was the Matthew McConaughey vehicle We Are Marshall, but it wasn't enough of a box office success to be as widely known as more recent events, which is sad.
There is more of a Virginia Tech connection to Marshall than just the shared empathy. Two former Hokies were part of the 75 on board who died in the plane crash. Frank Loria and Rick Tolley were both on the coaching staff at the time (defensive backs and head coach respectively), and Loria also played with Coach Beamer on the VT football team while in college. I believe I read somewhere this week that there is an event planned in recognition of those who perished, during or before the football matchup.
Thundering Herd Offense
Just like earlier in the year when we played ECU who last year was one of the worst defensive units in the country, we now play a team that was one of the worst offensively last year. ECU has shown so far this year to have improved their weakness, but Marshall not so much. The one big problem that will keep Marshall from reaching their any true potential is the fact that they start a true freshman QB in Rakeem Cato.
At running back, Tron Martinez has averaged about 6 ypc this season, but only carrying the ball about 12 times a game. Whether he's really a 6-yard-a-carry back, or if the run game is just non-existent enough to catch opponents off guard isn't very clear. Either way, I don't expect the Hokies' D to give up any big plays on the ground.
Cato definitely likes one receiver more than the rest in Aaron Dobson. He's averaging about 5 catches and 50 yards a game (yes that's top on the team), but has caught three of Cato's four TD passes. The truth is, this offense is still young and not explosive at all. Most of their touchdown drives in their lone win this year came on a short field. Of course given Tech's punting situation, if they go three-and-out after starting deep in their own territory, the Herd may have a chance for a short field.
Thundering Herd Defense
On the front line, Marshall has a legit DE in Vinny Curry, but the drop off after that is noticeable. The DT position has good size, so we'll see if the Hokies continue to run up the middle, or try to run away from that size. Right now the Hokies have had a couple minor setbacks on the O-line due to injury, but they should still be able to open lanes and protect the Lieutenant against this defensive line.
If there is a strength in this defense, it is in the linebacking corps. The Herd start three seniors in the middle, including star George Carpenter. These linebackers help out with the run, but the pass defense is still very weak. After Carpenter, the other two linebackers are of pretty good size, of almost identical build. It will be interesting to see if the Hokies choose to run at Carpenter, who is better but smaller, or to the weaker side that contains bigger bodies.
Now if there is a weakness in this defense (and there are many) it is the secondary. There is a combination of youth and experience, but not skill. Their best cornerback is Rashad Jackson, who has five pass break-ups and one pick this season so far. While The Jet may be capable of racking up the yards against this team, I see the coaches allowing the receivers and tight ends to work on their routes and timing a good amount in preparation of two stronger teams coming to Lane to start October. Especially with Boykin being out this weekend with a hamstring injury, it will be good to get younger and less experienced guys some good work this week.
Conclusion
So far this year we've seen the Tech offense show great promise, but also stutter at times. Just as I feel they did in the second half last week, I expect there to be a lot of "practice" in the playcalling. While this may or may not put up lots of yards and points, it will give the coaches a good list of what is or isn't working. We can take those kind of risks now without much fear of losing. It may also work, and we can put up the type of numbers we did against Marshall two years ago (605 yards, 52 points).
There is no reason to doubt the Tech D against any opponent, and even less against this offense. Unless there is a turnover or a bad series that gives Marshall good field position, I don't see them being able to drive consistently enough to put themselves in scoring position. For the Herd to be able to pull off the upset, it would take a near perfect performance on both sides of the ball, as well as a few lucky bounces. I hate to predict the shutout, as there are so many little things that can give a team points in as little as one lucky play, but unless we're playing backups for most of the second half (and even then it would be possible) I can't see the Herd scoring any points honestly on their own.
Score Prediction: Gobblers - 38 Thundering Herd - 0
Also, as my ACC predictions article won't be up until tomorrow afternoon, I'll go ahead and make my prediction for the Thursday night matchup.
Cincinnati over NC State
H-O-K-I-E-S HOKIES!!!
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