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Marshall football: 3 bold predictions vs. UMass in Week 10

By Daniel Morrison

Sep 5, 2020; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Brenden Knox (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2020; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Brenden Knox (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 17: Samuel Emilus #19 of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen is brought down by Quin Williams #15 of the Georgia Southern Eagles in the fourth quarter on October 17, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 17: Samuel Emilus #19 of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen is brought down by Quin Williams #15 of the Georgia Southern Eagles in the fourth quarter on October 17, 2020 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

2. UMass will force multiple turnovers

Marshall has only given up five turnovers in five games. UMass, meanwhile, was able to force one turnover in its only game against Georgia Southern — a Shai Werts fumble in the red zone. So, how does UMass raise both team’s averages for turnovers per game? Out of necessity.

Marshall should have control of the game from the start. This means they’ll be running downfield at UMass, controlling the clock, and scoring on most possessions. UMass will need to steal a handful of possessions to stay in the game with Marshall.

They can force the issue by using unique blitzes to force early throws by Grant Wells. Gang tackling and the second man attacking the football could force a fumble or two.

It won’t be easy, but those are effort and scheme plays that UMass is capable of, even if they don’t have the experience or talent to compete straight up.

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