BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Let down or something to prove? The latter proved to be mood of the Virginia Tech Hokies on a cool, sunny Saturday afternoon as they rolled past Marshall, 52-10.

A week ago, No. 14 Virginia Tech absorbed a 34-24 loss to No. 4 Alabama, mustering just 155 total yards against the Crimson Tide's stout defense. It was role reversal Saturday as the Hokies ruled the lines of scrimmage and piled up big play after big play on the way to making the home fans, dressed in white to celebrate white-out day, head home happy and look forward to next Saturday's home game against Nebraska.

On offense, the Thundering Herd spent much of the day chasing Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor and redshirt freshman tailback Ryan Williams.

On defense, Virginia Tech, which saw Alabama roll up 494 total yards, limited Marshall to 142 first-half yards with 61 coming on the Herd's one big strike, a 61-yard TD run by Darius Marshall. The Thundering Herd's final total was 262.

On special teams, an area where the Hokies excel under coach Frank Beamer, Jayron Hosley had a 64-yard punt return for a TD early in the second period.

"We're coming off a four-quarter battle and the way we bounced back is something rewarding," Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said. "We needed to get over an obstacle. We have to sustain success. We need to show things are going in a positive direction."

Stinespring said the players knew the Alabama game might have created some doubts in Hokie Nation, but Saturday's effort should help alleviate some of the fears. His unit finished with 444 rushing yards (third best under Beamer) and 605 total yards (sixth-best output in school history).

"It's extremely significant to go out and do something positive," he said.

Linebacker Cam Martin and defensive back Rashad Carmichael said Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster came up with a solid game plan. Marshall tight end Cody Slate, a candidate for the John Mackey Award, had just three catches for 18 yards. Tailback Darius Marshall did have 109 yards, but got 61 on one attempt.

"We didn't change a whole lot. We just executed better," Martin said. "We did a good job with amnesia. That was a tough game last week. Forget it and bounce back. We wanted to jump on them early and we did."

"The defense played with a chip on its shoulder," Carmichael said. "We come out every day and it's tough. Coach Foster's plan. ... hit 'em. The win is good today and tonight and then it's over, too."

Beamer said the Hokies had plans for Marshall's key offensive threats in Slate and Marshall.

"We had some plans for the tight end," Beamer said. "He's a good athlete. You better rally to the football."

The Hokies proved some points Saturday at the expense of a Conference USA member, but Beamer knows that effort has to be repeated next week against Big 12 member Nebraska as well as the rest of the season as they seek to defend their Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

"Coming off last week, the question was could we get back up?" Beamer said. "How much did it hurt and mentally, could we come back? I think the kids and coaches responded today. We have to be like a buzzsaw every time.

"We needed this."

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