Marshall-Virginia Tech
Time: Noon EST, Sept 21
Spread: VA TC -9.5
M/L: VATC -350, MAR +290
O/U: 51.5
Odds courtesy of 5dimes
Marshall won big the first two weeks over Miami (OH) and Garner Webb. Last week, however, the Thundering Herd fell by 3 points to Ohio. Marshall out-drove Ohio 482-335 in total yardage, but Ohio had decisive control of the ball, maintaining 35 minutes of possession to Marshalls’ 24. The rush was wildly ineffective, as Beau Blankenship ran 16 carries for an average of just 2.3 yards. Getting better run production will be a key focus for Marshall if they are to upset a favored Virginia Tech squad this week.
The Thundering Herd average 312.7 passing yards per game, and while statistically the rush appears strong, the showing against Ohio lends credence to otherwise. Dominating Miami (OH) and Garner-Webb has buffered Marshall’s statistics and Va Tech is likely the toughest test the team will face all year, with a soft C-USA schedule.
Virginia Tech was handed a tough loss from Alabama in week 1, but since has won both games against small schools (Western Carolina and East Carolina). The lull may do the team well before it hits the tough ACC schedule, and securing a victory this week will be a good momentum builder before beginning ACC play against Georgia Tech next week.
Logan Thomas has struggled monumentally for the Hokies and has thrown just 47 percent of his passes for completion. For a team relying on the pass so heavily, it doesn’t bode well. Thomas thrived as a sophomore when he threw for over 3,000 yards, and last year wasn’t too shabby either (115.9 QB rating), but he’s faltering in his senior season.
Meanwhile, Trey Edmunds has been battling hard for small yardage, with 56 carries and an average per rush of just 4.3 yards. Getting the offense back on track against Marshall is entirely likely, though, as college football oddsmakers at 5dimes still find the Va Tech squad superior to a mid-major program like Marshall.
MAR
OVER 5-0 in last 5 following SU loss; 0-4 ATS in last 4 after accumulating more than 450 total yards previous game; 1-5-1 ATS in last 7 following SU loss
VAT
0-10-1 ATS in last 11 after allowing less than 170 yards previous game; UNDER 3-0-1 in last 4 non conf; UNDER 4-0-1 in last 5 overall.
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