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BLACKSBURG—Saturday’s Virginia Tech–Marshall clash will serve as both the Hokies’ homecoming game and a family reunion for the Royals.

Sophomore Eddie Royal, one of Virginia Tech’s starting wide receivers, will square off for the first time in an organized sporting event against his brother Chris, a senior free safety at Marshall.

The Royals’ mother will be in the stands at Lane Stadium, as will their three other brothers and two sisters—including Christina, who is the Regimental Commanding Officer for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

Coming off his best game of the season, a six-catch, 71-yard performance that included a 15-yard touchdown, Eddie Royal couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.

“I’ve always been the underdog because I was smaller, but I think I have the upper hand now,” Royal said yesterday. “He was always the one I wanted to beat. It would be great if I could catch a deep ball against him.”

Obviously, Eddie will be surrounded by a better supporting cast. Virginia Tech (5–0) remained No. 3 in the national rankings this week after throttling West Virginia 34–17 on Saturday, while Marshall escaped with a 16–13 overtime victory over Southern Methodist that leveled its record at 2–2.

But Eddie said he’d never even think about asking his coaches and teammates to have mercy on Marshall just because his brother plays there.

“I’d love to bury him because that’s what he did to me growing up,” he added with a laugh. “Every bruise I have on my body is from him. Hopefully, I’ll get some payback Saturday.”

As the baby of his family, Eddie recalled always being the last one picked for any game. When it was Chris’ turn to clean the house, he made Eddie do it. His brothers were older and bigger, and they reminded Eddie every chance they had.

The Royals have always looked out for each other, though. So when Marshall offered a scholarship to Eddie, then the Group AAA state player of the year as a senior at Westfield High School, Chris told his brother to take his time and weigh his options carefully.

Eddie wound up waiting until national signing day before he picked Virginia Tech.

“I was real serious about Marshall. When I first got their offer, I almost committed then,” Eddie said. “Then when I signed with Virginia Tech, Chris was real happy for me.”