Florida Atlantic @ Marshall preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 12, 2013 ) Marshall 24, Florida Atlantic 23

With each passing week, the question of whether Marshall is worthy of a college football playoff berth grows louder and the No. 22 Thundering Herd expect to make more noise Saturday when they host Florida Atlantic. The chances of Marshall, which is one of four remaining undefeated teams, actually elbowing its way past a team from one of the five power conferences remains remote, although the Thundering Herd have an opportunity to finish the regular season perfect. Led by quarterback Rakeem Cato, Marshall ranks 28th nationally in passing offense, second in scoring offense and ninth in rushing.

Meanwhile, Florida Atlantic has already faced two ranked opponents in Nebraska and Alabama and were overwhelmed by a combined 96-7. Owls quarterback Jaquez Johnson is dangerous through the air with 1,323 yards passing and 10 touchdowns, and in the run game with 277 yards and five touchdowns. “He is a good player and we know (that) going in,” Marshall coach Doc Holliday told reporters. “We had problems a year ago, so we know exactly what we are getting into. They made quarterback runs that he executes well.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Marshall -28

ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC (3-4, 2-1 Conference USA): Most of the praise from last week’s 45-38 come-from-behind win against Western Kentucky belongs to Johnson, who threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 95 and another two scores. But credit is due also to tailback Greg Howell, who rushed for a game high 118 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown in his first collegiate game. Also, keep an eye on wide receiver Lucky Whitehead, who had eight receptions for a season high 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

ABOUT MARSHALL (7-0, 3-0): Rakeem Cato is building quite the Heisman resume and has thrown for 1,912 yards and 19 touchdowns. Cato is obviously a huge reason for the Thundering Herd's success, but Marshall has other options offensively such as tailback Devon Johnson, who is equally effect in the passing game. Defensively, Marshall - led by linebacker Neville Hewitt - allows 16.6 points per game, which ranks seventh nationally.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida Atlantic was 6-for-6 in fourth down conversions against Western Kentucky.

2. Cato’s four touchdown passes against Florida International marked the 39th consecutive game that the Marshall quarterback has thrown at least one touchdown pass, besting Russell Wilson for the FBS record.

3. Through seven games, Marshall has outscored opponents 104-21 in the first quarter and 187-37 in the first half.

PREDICTION: Marshall 49, Florida Atlantic 14