HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Though Marshall has already bettered last season’s 3-9 record, there’s still a score to settle against Old Dominion.
The Thundering Herd (4-1,1-0) brings a three-game win streak into Saturday’s game against Old Dominion (2-3, 0-1), which dominated last year’s matchup 38-14.
“They kicked our ass, short and simple, up and down the field every time,” Marshall quarterback Chase Litton said. “I consider that one of the worst games I ever played.”
Litton threw for only 87 yards in the defeat, which remains a career-low.
After bearing Albany and UMass, the Monarchs are on a three-game slide, including nonconference losses against Virginia Tech (38-0) and North Carolina (53-23).
“They struggled a little bit, but we aren’t taking them lightly,” receiver Tyre Brady said. “We are still going to prepare how we always prepare and come out firing.”
Old Dominion (2-3, 0-1) at Marshall (4-1, 1-0)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m., Saturday in Huntington, W,Va.
When the Herd has the ball: Marshall is coming off their best rushing game of the season, with Keion Davis reaching 100 yards for the first time in his career and Tyler King adding another 71.
The Monarchs are coming off a loss against FAU in which it gave up 453 rushing yards, missed 39 tackles, and allowed 58 points.
“We look forward to trying to establish the run early,” said center Levi Brown. “If not then our timing should be a lot better on receiver routes and the passing game, so we can be a balanced team like we have been for the past five games.”
Marshall’s passing game will have to contend with a defense that is ranked 10th in the nation in sacks.
When Old Dominion has the ball: Old Dominion’s strong suit is the rushing attack, where it averages 140 yards per game and has scored six touchdowns.
Jeremy Cox rushed for 202 yards in the loss to FAU, and Ray Lawry is expected back from injury.
The Herd’s front seven will face college football’s second-youngest quarterback to start a game in freshman Steven Williams Jr., who’s coming off a four-interception game.
“We definitely have to get around the quarterback, whether we are playing a freshman or playing Aaron Rodgers,” defensive lineman Blake Keller said.
Williams has struggled this season, completing 38 percent of his passes and off-setting four touchdowns with five interceptions.
Line: Marshall by 16.
—By Troy Alexander