Georgia Southern's Khaleb Hood (7) looks to the sideline during a game against Marshall on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
Georgia Southern's Khaleb Hood (7) looks to the sideline during a game against Marshall on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
Whoever rolls out there with the offense first, Stone Earle or Braylon Braxton, will be a dual-threat. Each is among the top three rushers on the Thundering Herd this season and has done well throwing the ball, too. For that reason, IÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll pick MarshallÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s group over JC French, who is more of the true pocket passer that Georgia Southern is used to having.
Running Back - Georgia Southern
Jalen White is a tall, physical player who has had success against good Herd defenses in the past. His 143 rushing yards in 2022 comes to mind, but OJ Arnold is another great weapon behind him. Marshall has relied on the explosiveness of AJ Turner and quarterback keepers to consistently produce rushing yards. Both groups are deep, but Georgia Southern has had more opportunities to show it.
Wide Receivers - Georgia Southern
Eight Eagles receivers have double-digit catches on the year and have worked in the Air Raid offense longer than any of the HerdÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s, making them a little more dangerous.
Offensive Line - Marshall
Marshall has continued to dominate the line of scrimmage, and even against a larger defensive line like Georgia Southern has, the Herd should be able to hold its own. Following an excellent performance against Appalachian State, this Marshall group is playing as confidently as it has all year.
Defensive Line - Marshall
The HerdÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s defensive line rotation has been one of the most impressive things about the Marshall defense this year.There are about 10 guys IÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™d trust to make a play any time they are out there, and with Mike Green continuing to draw double-teams, heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s still performed. Georgia Southern has more size, but it isnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t as talented across the board.
Linebackers - Georgia Southern
Marques Watson-Trent is a force to be reckoned with and has been for several years with the Eagles. He is second in the conference (behind MUÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Jaden Yates) with 45 tackles, and more than half of them have been solo stops. He presents matchup problems for the Herd on offense and is a stat-stuffer, with two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry to his credit this season. Watson-Trent and Davon Gilmore give this group the edge.
Secondary - Marshall
JJ Roberts has been all over the field for Marshall and defensive backs Jacobie Henderson and Josh Moten have taken big steps forward in their development. TheyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve played well against some excellent wide receivers this year. Look for that to continue. Georgia SouthernÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Chance Gamble and Marc Stampley are a strong duo, though, with eight pass break-ups between them.
Special Teams - Georgia Southern
The Eagles have the edge in both punting and placekicking, with Gavin Stewart missing just once this season and Alex Smith averaging 42 yards per punt. But the real difference maker, to me, comes in the EaglesÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ ability to limit kick returns.
Getting it Done - Marshall
This feels like one of those games thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s going to come down to the last possession. ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a whiteout Hall of Fame weekend, and the Eagles have a tremendous home field advantage historically. But I think Marshall finds a way to come from behind and win, 27-24.
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
