HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall’s 2011 football schedule includes a home game with Virginia Tech and marquee road matchups with Big East opponents West Virginia and Louisville.

Marshall released the schedule on Thursday.

The Thundering Herd open the season Sept. 3 in Morgantown against the Mountaineers.

Marshall then gets an early start to the Conference USA schedule the following week at home against Southern Miss.

After Marshall plays at Ohio on Sept. 17, the Thundering Herd and Hokies meet on Sept. 24 in Huntington.

Marshall has only five home games this season. Other home opponents include Rice, UAB and East Carolina.

Other road games are at Central Florida, Houston, Tulsa and Memphis.

Thundering Herd

2011 Football Schedule

Sept. 3, at West Virginia

Sept. 10, Southern Miss

Sept. 17, at Ohio

Sept. 24, Virginia Tech

Oct. 1, at Louisville

Oct. 8, at Central Florida

Oct. 15, Rice

Oct. 22, at Houston

Oct. 29, UAB

Nov. 12, at Tulsa

Nov. 19, at Memphis

Nov. 26, East Carolina