Notre Dame vs. Marshall football preview, prediction

Notre Dame lost at Ohio State in the first game of the season. The team is looking to recover and build its College Football Playoff credentials.

Henry Columbi is coming off a stellar performance in the opener, going 24 of 26 passing in a 55-0 rout over Norfolk State. Khalan Laborn and Ethan Payne both had over 100 yards rushing and 2 scores each. Marshall's defensive front has enough push to give the Irish backs trouble early on.

Tyler Buchner will play quarterback for Notre Dame. Marshall's offense is very good. The Herd can pick away at the defense with short and medium gainers and pick up a 3rd down here and there to move the chains.

Marshall is 56-5 in its last 61 games when scoring 30-plus points. Notre Dame is 213-24 when it scores first since 1980. Marshall is 74-11 when they score first. Michael Mayer is the third FBS underclassman in the last 25 years to have at least 70 catches and 700 yards in a season.

Notre Dame's secondary should have trouble against Marshall's overmatched receivers. Marshall should generate a few quick passes on short plays early. The Irish front seven will lock down Marshall on the ground.