Marshall Thundering Herd Aim for Fifth Straight Win Against Old Dominion Monarchs

The Marshall Thundering Herd, with a record of 7-3 and 5-1 in the Sun Belt Conference, are set to face the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be held at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Marshall is on a strong run, seeking their fifth consecutive win and seventh in eight games. A victory over Old Dominion, combined with losses by Georgia Southern and James Madison earlier in the day, would secure the Sun Belt’s East Division title for the Herd.

The Old Dominion Monarchs, coached by Ricky Rahne, have a record of 4-6 and 3-3 in the conference. Rahne and Marshall head coach Charles Huff have a past working relationship, having been together at Penn State from 2014-17.

Key to Marshall’s success will be the performance of quarterback Braylon Braxton, who has thrown for 1,101 yards with 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions this season. Braxton will need to lead the offense effectively, especially if top runner A.J. Turner, who missed the last game due to injury, is not fully available. The Herd’s defense, led by players like Mike Green, Landyn Watson, and Jacobie Henderson, has been a significant factor in their recent wins.

Old Dominion’s defense, featuring stout linebackers Mario Thompson and Koa Naotala, and defensive back Will Jones II, will aim to disrupt Marshall’s offense. However, the Monarchs’ own offense, led by quarterback Colton Joseph, faces a tough challenge against Marshall’s defense, which ranks 15th in the FBS in third-down conversion rate allowed.

The game is crucial for both teams, with Marshall focusing on securing the division title and Old Dominion looking to end their season on a positive note.