After suffering a stunning upset loss at Vanderbilt last week, Virginia Tech is back in Blacksburg for their home opener looking to avenge a different loss from last season against Marshall. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd come to Lane Stadium as almost three-touchdown underdogs looking to shock the world again, and even moreso than their upset last season.

So with that said, let's get into our predictions along with all our pregame coverage.

Tim Thomas

There's been plenty of panic among Tech fans after last week's loss in what is the most classic example of Week 1 overreaction. I won't deny the litany of concerning errors but this is still a Virginia Tech team that was more talented than Vanderbilt last week and way more talented than Marshall this week. Add in getting to play at home and having a chip on their shoulder after last week's loss to Vandy and last year's loss to Marshall, and this could get ugly.

Let's look at history for a second in how Virginia Tech has responded from some of their worst losses either in terms of being a terrible upset or an awful rout. After Tech's 2022 loss at ODU, the Hokies beat Boston College 27-10 in a game that was never that close. After last year's loss at Marshall, VT returned home to put on an impressive offensive display to beat Pittsburgh 38-21. After last year's three-score loss at Florida State, Virginia Tech returned home and dominated Wake Forest 30-13. After last year's ugly loss at Louisville, Virginia Tech went back on the road and routed Boston College 48-22.

Just like those previous situations, Virginia Tech has a great talent advantage compared to Marshall that will be on display. Yes, the Herd have some dudes including defensive end Mike Green, a 757 native who spent the 2022 season at UVA before transferring to Marshall and becoming a dynamic defensive end, who Tech may even want to do some advance scouting on via this game in case they enter the transfer portal this offseason.

However, the Hokies have way too much firepower and will take care of their business as you would have expected preseason. The only thing that may keep them from 50 is the inevitable pitch count that some banged up stars like Kyron Drones and Jaylin Lane should be on in this game.

By the way, congrats to anyone who grabbed the VT -14 that originally came out. That's certified bank robbery of Vegas this week. And VT in the -20 to -21 range is also still a great bet in my personal opinion.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 41, Marshall 10

Ryan Duvall

Well…last week was a doozy for the pre-season ACC darkhorse Virginia Tech Hokies. While Tech was in control for most of the second half, out scoring Vanderbilt 24-10, the Commodores still came out on top due to a first half in which the Hokies got manhandled - and due to the fantastic play of dual-threat QB Diego Pavia.

Brent Pry’s team obviously still has some kinks to work out on both sides of the ball, but if one thing can carry over from last season, it’s that the Hokies win at home (4-2 at Lane in 2023).

Tech comes into week two a 20-point favorite, and while I think the spread is a little generous against a Marshall team that brought in one of the best Group of 5 classes in the nation, the Hokies will put on a good display in the home opener.

The Thundering Herd comes into week 2 having beat the breaks off Stony Brook 45-3, with something of note being the two-quarterback system Charles Huff’s squad is currently rolling with via Braylon Braxton and Stone Earle.

While the two signal-caller method could throw Virginia Tech off early, I think the defense finds its footing, and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen gets the ball to the offense’s best playmaker early and often - Bhayshul Tuten.

Tuten had just nine carries in the loss last weekend, and must be a bigger part of the game plan if the Hokies are to bounce back and mount a successful campaign in 2024.

If Tech can get him rolling early, and open up play-action for Kyron Drones and the ‘Bad Boys’, week two will have the Virginia Tech Hokies in the win column.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 35, Marshall 20

Tucker Terry

The Hokies should be coming out with a chip on their shoulder after stunning upset losses to Vanderbilt in week 1, and Marshall early last season. Virginia Tech, who was 4-2 on their home turf last season will come out much stronger than they did last week, implementing a more vertical style offense that worked so well in the second half.

While Marshall is an interesting team, coming off a 45-3 win over Stony Brook in week one, they don’t have the talent to upset the Hokies yet again, if Virginia Tech plays 60 minutes of good football. Marshall will keep the game close behind the play of dual-threat quarterbacks, Stone Earle and Braylon Braxton, as the Hokies consistently struggle defending running quarterbacks. With this in mind, the Hokies will pick up a 38-24 win, in a performance where they establish the run, before opening up the rest of the offense.