A new-look Marshall offense is going to provide a new challenge for the Virginia Tech defense Saturday.
Marshall’s season opener saw them cruise to a 45-3 victory over Stony Brook. While this dominant performance provides a glimpse into their capabilities, it offers little insight into how they will approach the game against Virginia Tech due to the extensive changes in their offensive lineup.
Despite the limited relevance of this game film, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff, led by Brent Pry, is diligently preparing by analyzing any available footage, including clips from last season featuring many of the new Marshall players in their previous roles.
This strategic preparation aims to give Virginia Tech’s defense a head start in understanding and countering Marshall’s revamped offensive schemes.
Virginia Tech facing tough challenge against Marshall
You’d anticipate that the Virginia Tech defense will improve this week following their troubling performance against Vanderbilt, where quarterback Diego Pavia was not effectively contained by the Hokies.
“Yes, we analyzed both quarterbacks,” Pry said. “We reviewed their film from previous games at their former schools, as well as their performance against Stony Brook. While there were some differences in their play, there were also many similarities. So, we’ve studied them individually, and both are quite skilled.”
It’s still unclear who will start at quarterback for the Thundering Herd, as Stone Earle began the game against the Seawolves, while Braylon Braxton and Cole Pennington also got playing time. You might recognize Pennington’s name since he is the son of former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington.
“Welcome to portal football,” Coach JC Price quipped.
The Hokies will be prepared for anything this Saturday, given that Marshall is an unfamiliar opponent. This uncertainty could work in Tech’s favor or against it.
