HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Oh, brother!

The brother of a star NFL quarterback and a couple of brothers facing each other for the first time awaits the Marshall Thundering Herd when they visit the Virginia Tech Hokies Saturday.

The third-ranked Hokies (5-0) feature quarterback Marcus Vick, younger brother of the Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick. Herd coach Mark Snyder said Marcus Vick presents major problems for his defense.

&#8221I think he's pretty good. He's been a model of consistency,“ Snyder said. &#8221I'm still marveling at his performance against West Virginia, something like 15 of 17. he's had one interception this year.

&#8221The closest quarterback that I have coached against would be (Indiana's) Antwaan Randel El, but Antwaan did not throw the ball with the consistency that this kid is right now.“

Besides the Vick brothers, Marshall defensive back Chris Royal will play against Tech's Eddie Royal, a wide receiver. A younger sister, Christina, also attends Virginia Tech.

&#8221I'm sure Chris is really excited. For the first time his mom gets both sons on the same field, so it will be a neat experience for the whole family. I just hope Chris can catch Eddie,“ Snyder said.

Marshall (2-2) is a heavy underdog against the Hokies. The Herd is 0-3 at Blacksburg, Va., including a 47-21 loss

in 2002 with Byron Leftwich as the Herd quarterback.

This time the Herd will have Bernie Morris at quarterback. Last week, Morris led Marshall to a 16-13 overtime win over SMU.

Morris was 34-of-60 passing for 314 yards and ran for 63 yards on 15 carries including the game-winner in overtime.

&#8221I would like to see (Morris) continue to get better and continue to take reps and eliminate mistakes, just like Virginia

Tech has done with Marcus, and be consistent,“ Snyder said.

But the Herd will need more than Morris playing well. The offense will have to finish drives and control the clock in order to keep Vick off the field.

Snyder said playing in Lane Stadium will make the task even more difficult.

&#8221I've heard it's extremely loud and I'm looking forward to comparing it to some of the places I've been. Whatever the noise factor is, it's going to be disturbing for us. It is a concern, especially after (Central Florida) when it kind of caught us off guard a little bit,“ Snyder said.

Despite having the odds stacked against the Herd, Snyder doesn't plan on his team going into Blacksburg with a defeated attitude.

&#8221Any

time you go against the number three team in the country, it's big. It's been our history around here that we've played very well, except the last time we went to Blacksburg,“ Snyder said.

&#8221Besides that game, historically we've gone into some big places and played extremely well. Hopefully that will continue.“