HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — After showing it could compete with a Power Five program last week, Marshall looks to climb above .500 when it hosts Kent State on Saturday.
Kent State operates the unique triple-option offense that has seen quarterback Nick Holley attempt only 20 passs in the first two games.
“It is going to be a tough game for us because of what they do, it creates a lot of problems,” coach Doc Holliday said. “There is not a lot of preparation that takes place, it is something you don’t see from your own offense, it is totally different than what we have prepared against the first two weeks.”
Kent State lost its opener 56-3 at Clemson before edging FCS member Howard 38-31 last week. The Flashes’ rushing attack racks up more than 200 yards per game, led by Holley, a converted running back. His 31 carries are 15 more than the next player on the roster.
“Holley makes them go. He was a tailback two years ago, even last year he played a little bit of tailback and quarterback,” Holliday said. “He can run, and he is extremely tough and physical. You are going to have a hard time imitating that look at the quarterback position.”
Kent State (1-1) at Marshall (1-1)
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., Saturday in Huntington, W.Va.
When the Herd has the ball: After Tyre Brady caught 248 yards worth of passes in a the loss at N.C. State, expect Willie Johnson, Marcel Williams and Ryan Yuracheck to benefit.
Keion Davis has been named the starter at running back this week, and considering how explosive he has looked this season in the return game, it was only a matter of time before he got a chance on offense. Davis has just 10 carries compared to previous starter Trey Rodriguez’s 29, but Davis has outgained Rodriguez.
Kent State’s leading tacklers are linebackers Matth Bahr and Nick Faulkner with 13 each. Faulkner also has three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
The defensive line has only gotten to the quarterback one time so far this season, and the secondary has yet to pick off a pass. This should give quarterback Chase Litton plenty of time to read the field and find the right throw.
When the Golden Flashes have the ball: Expect quarterback Nick Holley to run the triple-option all day. He averages a team-high 86 yards rushing per game. Halfback Will Matthews averages 4.5 yard per carry, while running mate Justin Rankin nets a mere 2.8. But Rankin is a receiving threat.
Slot receiver Raekwon James leads the team’s receiver group with one catch for 25 yards, a rare site in a time where passing offenses are more prolific than ever.
Marshall’s defense, after 10 tackles for loss against N.C. State, will look to put together back to back weeks of strong run defense.
Sophomore safety Malik Gant, who leads the team with 21 tackles, substituted last week for the suspended C.J. Reavis and earned the starting nod again this week.
Linebackers Chase Hancock and Artis Johnson both have three tackles for loss and a sack on the season.
Wild Card: Heavily favored Marshall will face a motivated Kent State team, whose head coach Paul Haynes returned this week after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in the preseason. … The last time the programs played Marshall won a double-overtime road game in 2015. … The all-time series is tied at 18-18.
Line: Marshall favored by 14
—By Troy Alexander