Marshall starting QB projections for Week 4: Who will be Charles Huff's QB1 for game against Ohio State?

Marshall head coach Charles Huff has a big decision to make ahead of Saturday’s clash against Ohio State.

The Thundering Herd heads to Columbus for a showdown with the Buckeyes, marking their first matchup against a top-10 opponent since they hosted No. 3 Louisville back in 2016. Although the two schools are just 140 miles apart, this will only be their third meeting ever.

Both teams are fresh off an early-season bye week. Ohio State is 2-0, and Marshall stands at 1-1. The Herd has faced massive crowds before, playing in front of 100,000+ fans four times, including two prior trips to Ohio Stadium in 2004 and 2010.

As for the quarterback situation, Stone Earle, a transfer from North Texas, has been leading Marshall’s offense this season. Earle and fellow transfer Braylon Braxton each tossed two touchdowns in the Herd's opener, a dominant win over Stony Brook.

Will Stone Earle continue to start for Marshall in Week 4?

Charles Huff is expected to name senior quarterback Stone Earle as the starter for their matchup against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. The game kicks off at noon ET.

During the Week 4 press conference, Coach Huff highlighted Earle’s fast decision-making:

“Stone got the ball out of his hands the fastest,” he said. “That's we felt like, we felt like some of the other players at multiple positions had other strengths, but we didn't think they were a strength against Virginia Tech.” [Timestamp - 22:20]

Huff said that while other players brought different strengths to the table, Earle’s quickness made him the best choice, especially after their Week 2 loss to Virginia Tech.

Earle started in that 31-14 loss, throwing for 228 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 86 yards. A seasoned player, Earle transferred to Marshall after stints at Abilene Christian and North Texas. He’s now in his fifth year of college football.

Stone Earle's performance in the first two games of the 2024-25 season

Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Stone Earle - Source: Imagn

Stone Earle started the 2024-25 season with a solid opener against Stony Brook, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, helping Marshall cruise to a dominant 45-3 victory.

However, in Week 2 against Virginia Tech, Earle faced a tougher challenge. Despite throwing for 131 yards and a touchdown, his 13 completions on 36 attempts, along with one interception, couldn't prevent Marshall from falling short in a loss.

By starting strong and then facing some hurdles, Earle’s early season shows promise but also room for growth as the season progresses.