A look at Marshall defensive performance, courtesy of @Zac Arrowood
In a game that is all about scoring points, it may sound counterintuitive to say that Marshall’s defense played well in the loss against Virginia Tech, but here I go…Marshall’s defense played well, especially through the first two and a half quarters. Despite what the 31-14 score reflects on paper, the game truly never felt out of reach until Kyron Drones scored late in the third quarter putting the Hokies up 24-14. Defensive End, Deeve Harris recorded the top PFF grade among Marshall defenders with an 80.7. Harries totaled 10 tackles while only playing 30 snaps.
Defensive Line:
After Deeve Harris’ score of 80.7, there was quite a dip in grades for the remainder of the defensive line. TyQaze Leggs graded at 72.9, followed by Mike Green at 67.0, and JJ Hawkins with a 60.5. Raquan Thompson received a 57.9 while Jabari Ishmael and Jude Okolo were at 56.4 and 55.2. Other grades of note: Jason Shuford: 52.9; Su Agunloye: 51.0; Dylan Davis: 49.9; Chris Thomas, Jr.: 49.0.
Linebackers:
J’Coryan Anderson had the top mark among Marshall’s second line of defense with a grade of 69.3. Landyn Watson, who led the team in tackles with 12, received the next highest grade at 66.9. In what may be the most surprising (there are other words besides “surprising” that could be used here) grade of the young 2024 season, Jayden Yates graded at 39.9. Ouch.
Secondary:
For the second straight week, J.J. Roberts had a strong performance at safety, totaling 10 tackles and receiving a PFF grade of 78.4. Jadarius Green-McKnight also continues to play well and graded at 72.6. Daytione Smith scored 72.1 and Josh Moten was at 69.3. Other scores of note: Ian Foster: 64.3; AG McGhee: 59.1; Jacobie Henderson: 54.7; Ahmere Foster: 51.5.
In a game that is all about scoring points, it may sound counterintuitive to say that Marshall’s defense played well in the loss against Virginia Tech, but here I go…Marshall’s defense played well, especially through the first two and a half quarters. Despite what the 31-14 score reflects on paper, the game truly never felt out of reach until Kyron Drones scored late in the third quarter putting the Hokies up 24-14. Defensive End, Deeve Harris recorded the top PFF grade among Marshall defenders with an 80.7. Harries totaled 10 tackles while only playing 30 snaps.
Defensive Line:
After Deeve Harris’ score of 80.7, there was quite a dip in grades for the remainder of the defensive line. TyQaze Leggs graded at 72.9, followed by Mike Green at 67.0, and JJ Hawkins with a 60.5. Raquan Thompson received a 57.9 while Jabari Ishmael and Jude Okolo were at 56.4 and 55.2. Other grades of note: Jason Shuford: 52.9; Su Agunloye: 51.0; Dylan Davis: 49.9; Chris Thomas, Jr.: 49.0.
Linebackers:
J’Coryan Anderson had the top mark among Marshall’s second line of defense with a grade of 69.3. Landyn Watson, who led the team in tackles with 12, received the next highest grade at 66.9. In what may be the most surprising (there are other words besides “surprising” that could be used here) grade of the young 2024 season, Jayden Yates graded at 39.9. Ouch.
Secondary:
For the second straight week, J.J. Roberts had a strong performance at safety, totaling 10 tackles and receiving a PFF grade of 78.4. Jadarius Green-McKnight also continues to play well and graded at 72.6. Daytione Smith scored 72.1 and Josh Moten was at 69.3. Other scores of note: Ian Foster: 64.3; AG McGhee: 59.1; Jacobie Henderson: 54.7; Ahmere Foster: 51.5.
