Marshall has a proud football program, posting 10-win seasons in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. The Thundering Herd have been a relevant non-power conference program for decades, which is why their fans were so frustrated by a 6-7 record last fall.
Head coach Charles Huff’s team started the year 4-0 with a notable win over Virginia Tech. Then, after a highly competitive 48-41 loss to NC State, the Thundering Herd ran into major offensive issues and faltered down the stretch.
Huff enters 2024 with pressure, as Marshall faithful want to see the team contend in the Sun Belt East. With significant turnover at James Madison and a home game against App State, it’s possible Marshall puts everything together under Huff and contends for the conference title.
For that to happen, Marshall needs to answer major questions on offense.
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Marshall Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds
Marshall’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +1600, via BetMGM.
Marshall Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Marshall’s win total Over/Under is 5.5, with Under 5.5 at +100 and Over 5.5 at -120.
Marshall Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Stony Brook
9/7 at Virginia Tech
9/21 at Ohio State
9/28 vs. Western Michigan
10/5 vs. Appalachian State
10/12 at Georgia Southern
10/17 vs. Georgia State
11/2 vs. ULM
11/9 at Southern Miss
11/16 vs. Coastal Carolina
11/23 at Old Dominion
11/30 at James Madison
Bold indicates Sun Belt contests
Key Marshall Football Returners
2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention
OL Logan Osburn
DB JJ Roberts
Offensive Questions Hound Marshall Football
Mitch Griffis, a Wake Forest transfer with meaningful playing experience, was set to serve as the veteran of Marshall’s quarterback room. He recently retired from football, however, leaving Marshall with major question marks at the most important position on the field.
Will Cole Pennington start? The son of Marshall great Chad Pennington has promise, but he threw six interceptions and no touchdowns in limited duty last fall. The youngster is joined in the quarterback room by Tulsa transfer Braylon Braxton, who has rushing ability and flashed quality passing potential in 2022 (10 touchdowns and two interceptions) before an interception-heavy (six INTs compared to two touchdowns) 2023 campaign.
Those two figure to battle for the starting spot, and it’s possible they split time in 2024.
At running back, Rasheen Ali is gone – he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens – but NC State transfer Jordan Houston and returner Ethan Payne figure to lead a capable running back unit. The wide receiver room is filled with intriguing transfers, including former Middle Tennessee wideout Elijah Metcalf (54 catches for 634 yards and six touchdowns last season). He should make life easier for whoever wins the quarterback gig.
Up front, Marshall’s offensive line should be headlined by upperclassmen. New offensive line coach Cody Crill should provide a necessary jolt to the group.
Marshall has questions on defense, too, but the Thundering Herd ranked 13th in the Sun Belt in scoring last season (22.8 points per game). Teams can’t contend in a competitive Sun Belt East with one of the worst offenses in the conference.
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2024 Marshall Football Season Prediction
Perhaps naively, I’m in on Marshall’s 2024 potential and lean toward taking Over 5.5 wins. I’m concerned about Griffis not remaining with the program, but between Pennington and Braxton the Thundering Herd should improve at quarterback. After throwing 18 interceptions compared to 12 touchdowns, is it really that hard to improve?
The new offense should improve its consistency under new offensive coordinator Seth Doege, and the influx of talent at wide receiver makes me excited about the possibilities offensively. At the very least, I expect increased competence on the scoreboard in league games.
Marshall’s win total Over/Under might be sitting at 7.5 or even 8.5 if the schedule wasn’t so brutal. Non-conference road games against Virginia Tech and Ohio State seem like likely losses. Those games, coupled with a full Sun Belt East schedule, should lead to a challenging 2024 slate.
Regardless, Marshall went 6-7 last season despite horrendous offensive showings. Huff is still a rising coach in the industry, and he led the program to nine wins one season prior. If Marshall can hold its own at home – games with Stony Brook, Western Michigan, Georgia State, and ULM are winnable – the Thundering Herd will make a strong push for seven or more wins.
Sleep on this Marshall program at your own risk.
