BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football is set for its first home game of the season with a familiar foe, Marshall, marking the eleventh meeting in their series history. Last season, the Hokies traveled to Huntington, West Virginia, where they came up short against the Thundering Herd. Now, the matchup shifts to Lane Stadium/Worsham Field, where Tech aims to bounce back from last year’s road matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on CW Sports. Let’s dive into this week’s edition of Know the Foe, presented by AAA to see what Marshall has in store.
The Sun Belt Conference team will step into one of the toughest atmospheres in college football when they visit Blacksburg, following a 6-7 overall finish. In response to their inconsistent season, Marshall head coach Charles Huff made several strategic additions to his coaching staff for the 2024 season. Notable promotions include former analysts Aaron Dobson and Bob Shoop. Dobson, who previously served as an offensive analyst, is now coaching wide receivers alongside Cody Crill, who transitions from the XFL’s D.C. Defenders as a tight ends coach to Marshall’s offensive line coach. Shoop has taken over as defensive coordinator, with added responsibility for the safeties.
Under new direction, Marshall dominated their season opener, defeating Stony Brook 45-3. The Thundering Herd racked up 549 yards of total offense, including 21 fourth-quarter points. Key players to watch include quarterback transfers Stone Earle and Braylon Braxton, who each threw for two touchdowns. Earle, who transferred from North Texas, started the game and played into the third quarter, while Braxton, a Tulsa transfer, took over early in the second half. Cole Pennington also contributed, throwing a touchdown pass. Together, the trio completed 21 of 32 passes for 290 yards.
Other offensive standouts include running back A.J. Turner, who rushed for 119 yards on just eight carries, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick, a recent transfer from Michigan State and Louisville, had four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, making him a key player for the Hokies’ secondary to watch. Another threat is wide receiver Elijah Metcalf, a transfer from Middle Tennessee, who contributed two touchdowns and 50 receiving yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marshall has retained key talent, including defensive lineman Mike Green, who is coming off…
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