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App State football: 3 bold predictions for Thursday night bout vs. Marshall

By Jacob Ellerbee

Sep 2, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers take the field against the East Carolina Pirates during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers take the field against the East Carolina Pirates during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Rasheen Ali (22) celebrates scoring a first half touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Rasheen Ali (22) celebrates scoring a first half touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marshall’s Rasheen Ali will come back down to earth

Last week against East Carolina, Ali carried the ball 24 times, picking up 189 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He’ll be tested against one of the best defenses in the Sun Belt.

Appalachian State has a really strong defense, allowing just 109 rushing yards per game. They’ve recorded nine sacks and forced two fumbles.

Senior linebacker D’Marco Jackson anchors this Mountaineers defense with 31 total tackles and a team-high three sacks through the first three weeks of the season.

If the Thundering Herd can get their passing game going, it’ll open up some running lanes for Ali to go to work; however, the Mountaineers’ defense will likely be too much for Marshall to overcome.

Expect a tough night for Ali and the entire Thundering Herd running game.

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