Marshall @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2011 ) Virginia Tech 30, Marshall 10

Virginia Tech looks to make it three wins in a row when it hosts Marshall on Saturday. The Hokies survived a scare from East Carolina in Week 3, escaping with a 15-10 victory, and are eager to notch another win before their ACC opener against Georgia Tech next week. Virginia Tech's defense has been stellar, allowing just one touchdown in their last two games and will be counted upon to stop the Thundering Herd's high-flying attack.

Marshall limps into the contest after falling 34-31 to Ohio despite outgaining the Bobcats by over 100 yards. Junior quarterback Rakeem Cato has been shredding opposing defenses but faces his stiffest test of the year when he comes up against Bud Foster's unit. Turnovers will be a major point of emphasis for head coach Doc Holliday after his team lost the ball four times last week, and giveaways may determine whether Marshall picks up its first victory against Virginia Tech since 1940.

TV: Noon ET, ESPNU. LINE: Virginia Tech -9.5.

ABOUT MARSHALL (2-1): Cato threw for a season-high 366 yards in the loss to Ohio and now has 849 to go along with seven touchdowns in three games. The Thundering Herd are averaging 46.0 points per contest and put up 55 against Gardner-Webb on September 7. Redshirt sophomore Steward Butler leads the team with 282 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (2-1): Senior quarterback Logan Thomas is 47-of-100 with three touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Special teams continues to be the Achilles heel for the Hokies this year as kicker Cody Journell missed three field goals and an extra point on Saturday. The Hokies' defense is as stout as ever, recording seven interceptions and 12 sacks while holding opponents to an average of just 16.0 points.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech has beaten Marshall seven straight times and is 9-2 in the all-time series.

2. Cato has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 21 consecutive contests, which is second-best among active FBS players.

3. The Hokies will wear special 'camo' uniforms for the game on Saturday, which falls on Military Appreciation Day.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 27, Marshall 21