Game Preview: Eagles rekindle rivalry with former FCS foe

DJ Cadden, Sports Editor

History: Georgia Southern and Marshall have met six times on the gridiron, with the Thundering Herd holding a 4-2 lead in the all-time series.

Last Week: The Eagles traveled to Louisiana on Thursday for a pivotal conference game against the Ragin’ Cajuns, but ultimately fell to UL, 36-17.

The Cajuns dominated the Eagles on the back of a rushing attack that resulted in 242 total yards on an average of over six yards per carry. However, quarterback Ben Woolridge reaped the benefits of his team’s rushing attack and ended three drives with a passing touchdown.

Scouting Report: Marshall prides themselves on being a defensive team, it is as simple as that.

The Thundering Herd rank within the top-10 in total defense, but have been truly exceptional against the ground game, allowing the third least rushing yards per game in all of FBS. They also have a top-30 turnover margin in all of football.

Offensively, thing have been a struggle for the Thundering Her, who average just 23.9 points per game. Khalan Laborn leads a strong rushing game and has accounted for 14 of the team’s 29 total touchdowns.

Bottom Line: Per usual, the Eagles will need to the majority of their work offensively through the air. However, with a handful of receivers done for the year, Kyle Vantrease will be forced to find new targets.

Defensively, GS must find a way to stop the ground game, which is something they have been able to do all season.

Prediction: GS finds a way to win a 20-17 war