Can a two-quarterback approach work?
Both Stone Earle and Braylon Braxton can play. Each has their strengths; now itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s about finding a rhythm for the Marshall offense.
Thundering Herd coach Charles Huff said thereÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a plan to use both quarterbacks every week, but when Saturday comes around, heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s been more apt to stick with the hot hand.
So can that work? ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s certainly a better situation that Henry Colombi and Cam Fancher found themselves in during the 2022 season, since both have a good attitude about splitting reps.
It keeps the opposing defense on edge, but Braxton will have to throw the ball more often in order for the approach to be effective and keep defenses from catching on.
How has the Herd worked to limit offensive turnovers?
One of the more eye-popping stats for the Herd through five games has been its ability to protect the football.
In fact, only three teams in FBS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Vanderbilt, Army and Eastern Michigan ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” have turned the ball over less.
Marshall has lost one fumble and one interception, each by Earle, but has otherwise played clean football.
ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s the result of a safer game plan and intentional efforts to work on ball security in practice this season.
If youÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re the superstitious type, now is a great time to go knock on wood as the Herd faces a Georgia Southern team that intercepted three passes last week.
Who can fill Elijah MetcalfÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s void in the slot?
Metcalf left the Appalachian State game in the first half with a non-contact injury that occurred while running a route.
He leaves big shoes to fill at slot receiver.
Chuck Montgomery and Tychaun Chapman are the likely candidates to fill that role and have had the benefit of a full week of extended reps in practice to prepare for it.
But those two alone canÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t replicate what Metcalf brings to the table, and MarshallÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s other receivers will now have to take a step forward. MetcalfÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s injury also hinders the kick return game, which had been productive.
How can the Herd defense slow down the potent passing attack of the Eagles?
This is Georgia SouthernÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s fourth year in the Air Raid offense, and it hasnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t made a difference who was playing quarterback ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Kyle Vantrease, Davis Brin or JC French ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s looked good.
French is much more disciplined with the football than Brin was last year, resulting in significantly fewer turnovers.
Marshall needs a performance like last week in which it generates takeaways in order to limit the EaglesÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ time on the field. They ran 88 plays against Georgia State, and thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s not a recipe for a Herd win this weekend.
What would a win mean for the Herd?
Marshall has started 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference play its first two years in the league, so a win over Appalachian State is already a step in the right direction.
But if the Herd can manage to pull off a win at Georgia Southern, it sets Marshall up well for the back half of the season.
If the Herd can manage one win in the next two games, it will enter the bye week and the month of November with at least a share of first place in the East Division.
