— By Bill Cornwell
Marshall’s top priority this season is winning the Sun Belt’s East Division.
Should the Herd win Saturday at Old Dominion and Georgia Southern and James Madison suffer losses earlier in the day, that goal would be met.
The Herd goes for a fifth straight win and its seventh in eight games come 7:30 p.m. when they clash with the Monarchs at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia.
ODU (4-6, 3-3) is coached by Ricky Rahne, who is in his fifth season and has a record of 19-28. Rahne and Marshall head coach Charles Huff worked together at Penn State from 2014-17.
While Marshall (7-3, 5-1) was wrapping up the home portion of its schedule last week with a 31-19 victory over Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion suffered a 35-32 loss to James Madison.
Here are three things to look for Saturday night:
Take what you’re given
Coastal Carolina made a concerted effort to stop Marshall’s nationally-ranked rush attack last week and it paid off as the Herd were held to 36 rushing yards. In addition, Marshall’s top runner, A.J. Turner, didn’t play due to injury.
Turner’s availability remains up in the air, but expect ODU to again focus on stopping Marshall’s run game. That decision means Marshall quarterback Braylon Braxton must keep the offense moving through sound decision-making in the passing game.
Braxton did just that against Coastal Carolina, throwing for 219 yards and three touchdowns and getting help from receivers Chuck Montgomery, Christian Fitzpatrick and Carl Chester.
ODU gives up nearly 240 passing yards on average, meaning the Herd should have the chance to make plays through the air.
Disruptive defensive play
Marshall’s defense has gotten exceptional play from defensive lineman Mike Green, who has consistently disrupted the opposition and gotten into the backfield.
Fellow lineman Chris Thomas, linebackers Landyn Watson and Jordan Yates and defensive backs Jacobie Henderson and J.J. Roberts have also been defensive standouts for the Herd.
ODU counters with stout linebackers Mario Thompson and Koa Naotala and defensive back Will Jones II.
ODU might have a tough time throwing on Marshall’s defense as the Herd gives up 36 fewer yards on average through the air than the Monarchs.
Winning the line of scrimmage will be pivotal for both teams.
Stay in the moment
A Sun Belt Conference East Division title is in sight for Marshall, which was fifth among seven teams in the Sun Belt East Division Preseason Poll.
The Herd can’t afford to scoreboard watch on Saturday. Instead it must control what it can — namely, beat Old Dominion.
If that happens, along with James Madison winning at Appalachian State and Georgia Southern winning at Coastal Carolina, a battle for the division title would be on tap next weekend when the Herd plays at JMU.
Huff has preached throughout the week for his team to focus on execution instead of concerning themselves with what’s happening in Boone, North Carolina and Conway, South Carolina.