Coming off its loss to Ohio University last week, the Marshall University football team looks to improve in many aspects Saturday against Norfolk State University.

The primary scene in Saturday’s home contest will take place under center.

Head coach Doc Holliday said his top-two quarterbacks on the depth chart will have their chance in the spotlight.

“We have to work extremely well this week on becoming a better football team,” Holliday said. “So the plan is to play both (Michael) Birdsong and Chase Litton in this game. We’ll play two quarterbacks.”

Following one of its most prolific seasons in program history, Marshall is looking to reignite its offensive flame, and Litton may be the solution.

Standing at 6 feet, 6 inches, the true freshman will provide arm strength that will test the secondary of Norfolk State University.

Along with a powerful arm, Holliday said Litton surely does not lack confidence.

“He’s been on me every day since last year,” Holliday said. “Telling me he’s the guy and that he can play.”

With the Spartans giving up an average of 43.5 points per game over its first two games this season, Marshall may have picked the perfect time to shake things up.

Holliday said he does not feel his decision to play both quarterbacks will weigh on starting quarterback Michael Birdsong much.

“If Birdsong’s the kind of player that I think he is, he’ll welcome that and he’ll compete,” Holliday said.

If there is an advantage toward Birdsong heading into Saturday’s contest, it may be that he is rather familiar with a member of Norfolk State’s coaching staff.

During Birdsong’s previous stint with James Madison University, current Norfolk State head coach Latrell Scott served as an assistant coach.

“They’ve got a great head coach,” Birdsong said. “He’s coached me at the collegiate level, he’s a very intelligent guy. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Ishmael Witten can be contacted at [email protected].