This is the big one, the game that will ultimately decide who goes to the Conference Championship. It’s also a rematch of last year’s game, which Marshall won handily. App State is coming in hot, having won 9 straight games. They’re also scoring an average of 34 points per game, which is good for second in the conference.
Marshall, on the other hand, has struggled as of late. They’ve lost 3 of their last 4 games, and are only averaging 22 points per game during that span.
Marshall vs app state
App State enters the game as the favorite, having won nine straight games and averaging 34 points per game during that span. They have a dynamic rushing attack led by Darrynton Evans, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last nine games. quarterback Zac Thomas is also a big part of the offense, having thrown for over 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Marshall, on the other hand, has struggled as of late. They’ve lost three of their last four games and are only averaging 22 points per game during that span. However, they do have the experience of playing in and winning big games, as they proved last year when they won the conference championship.
When App State has the ball:
The Mountaineers have a dynamic rushing attack, led by RB Darrynton Evans. He’s averaging over 100 yards per game and has found the end zone 15 times this season. QB Zac Thomas is also a big part of the App State offense. He’s thrown for over 2,700 yards and 27 TDs. He does tend to turn the ball over though, as he has 12 INTs on the year.
The Mountaineers offensive line has been solid all season, only giving up 11 sacks.
When Marshall has the ball:
The Thundering Herd offense starts with QB Isaiah Green. He’s thrown for over 3,000 yards and 23 TDs, but has also been picked off 11 times. Green’s top target is WR Tyler King, who has over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs on the year. The Marshall rushing attack hasn’t been as effective as it was last season, as they’re only averaging 114 yards per game.
The Herd offensive line has struggled at times this season, giving up 28 sacks.
Prediction
This should be a close and exciting game, but I ultimately think App State will come out on top. They have the better offense and the better defense, and I think they’ll be able to take advantage of Marshall’s recent struggles.
The history of the Marshall vs App State rivalr
The Marshall vs App State rivalry dates back to when the two teams first met on the gridiron in 2013. The Mountaineers won that game, but the Thundering Herd got their revenge the following year with a resounding victory. Since then, the two teams have gone back and forth, with each team winning four games apiece. Last year’s game was especially heated, as it was a rematch of the conference championship from the previous year. Marshall won that game handily, but App State is looking for revenge in this year’s matchup.
