Let me preface this article by saying that I believe the top three or four teams in this football preview have an equal and legitimate chance of winning the conference championship.
That needed to be said to avoid any passionate fans from becoming too testy.
Moving on...
Stampeding into a solid 3rd place are the Thundering Herd of Marshall.
The epitome of success
Would you believe me if I said since 2005, Marshall has only appeared in two C-USA Championship games (1-1)? Would you believe me if I said, since 2005, Marshall has had six losing seasons? Probably not.
Under head coach Doc Holliday, Marshall has managed to erase our memory of any "pre-Doc" struggles and losing seasons. Since the hiring of Holliday in 2010, the Herd has gone 50-28 (64%), appeared in and won four bowl games, appeared in two C-USA Championship games, and were C-USA Champions in 2014. Since 2013, Marshall has gone 33-8 (80.5%) with an average record of 11-2.66666667. Now that sounds like the Marshall that turns many foes green with envy.
Especially over the course of Holliday's tenure, Marshall is the team to beat. If you can hang with Marshall, then you are probably the top four or five in the conference. Holliday and the Herd (sounds like a band name) seem to do things the right way: having signed the #1 recruiting class for four-straight seasons, replacing Rakeem Cato with standout freshman (now sophomore) Chase Litton, ending as #23 in the nation for the 2014 season, and the list goes on and on.
Expectations are high for the 2016 campaign. With Louisville, Pittsburgh, MTSU, WKU, and Southern Miss. on the schedule, Marshall has their work cut out for themselves. Can they sustain their recent high-caliber success? Or do all good things come to an end?
On Offense
It is without question that quarterback Chase Litton is the poster boy for Marshall Football (or at least that is what fans are pushing). Not only did Litton end up starting as a true freshman, but he had quite the impressive season with 2,605 passing yards and 23 touchdowns: something many experienced college quarterbacks cannot boast. Litton's freshman year was a solid audition. Fans were able to breathe a collective sigh of relief as they realized Litton was an adequate replacement for Cato. Now, before Herd fans get ahead of themselves and say "Litton for Heisman," the kid has - as do all players have - room for improvement. Although Litton put up the numbers, he needs to work on his accuracy...especially on the road and against stiffer competition. However, road games are difficult for everyone. The only question left is: will Litton make the necessary strides to excel [even more] in 2016, or will complacency set in?
The run game seems a little questionable heading into the 2016 campaign. In 2014, fans got a taste of Devon Johnson's potential: running for 1,767 yards and 17 touchdowns. Things were looking up for the Herd in 2015 until Johnson's mid-season back injury. Due to injuries and inconsistencies, Marshall was forced to utilize slot receiver Hyleck Foster in the backfield. Although Foster was not a game changer, he definitely provided relief in a desperate situation. For 2016, Foster is, now, listed as a running back. Joining Foster are the likes of Keion Davis, Tony Pittman, Delvin Weems, and JaQua Daniels. Should everyone remain healthy, someone is bound to make an impact.
For 2016, Litton has lost two of his favorite targets: wide receivers Davonte Allen and Deandre Reaves. However, the Herd will return receivers Deon-Tay McManus, Justin Hunt, Michael Clark, and tight ends Ryan Yurachek and Emmanuel Byrd. Aside from Allen and Reaves, the wide receivers were, at best, average in 2015. Should the wide receivers fail to produce or meet expectations, look for Yurachek to take a larger role in the passing game. Marshall will need to continue to look for a deep-threat or big-play option that they lacked in 2015.
Bottom line: The Herd will return right tackle Clint Van Horn, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility, along with guard Michael Selby. The two combined have 52 starts. The experience of the offensive line with Litton's improved decision-making and awareness could prove to be a high-powered offense that fans have come to expect.
On Defense
If the offense can avoid turnovers and provide enough cushion, the Herd's defense should continue to stifle opponents. Marshall ended 2015 as #48 in total defense: allowing only 18.4 points per game and 373 total yards per game. Returning impact players are 3 linemen, 2 linebackers, and some solid secondary options. No need for a total revamp on D. BUT (bigggggg "but") key contributor and C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Evan McKelvey, is one big hole that will need to be filled.
Although three of the top four tacklers on the line return, it should be noted that all three are defensive ends while the top three tackles are gone. Returning tackles are Jason Smith, Tomell One, and Nyquan Harris. This is a position that needs more depth, otherwise, teams like MTSU, Southern Miss., and WKU will find holes and run all over the defense.
Despite losing safety Taj Letman and corner Corey Tindal, the aggressive secondary should still be able to make some noise. The Herd will return safeties Kendall Gant and Tiquan Lang. In 2015, Gant accumulated 39 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 pass break up. Lang racked up 91 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass break ups. Unfortunately, the secondary is now without nickel Antavis Rowe who announced, early August, he would not be rejoining the Herd for the 2016 season. Should this departure be felt, defense may take two steps forward and one step back.
Bottom line: With a couple of depth issues here and there, Marshall's defense may take a step back but will continue to be a top three or four C-USA defense.
On Special Teams
Fun fact: In 2015, Marshall led the nation in special teams efficiency.
This could be the area of most concern. The Herd lost four-year starters Tyler Williams (punter) Matt Cincotta (long-snapper), and C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year, Deandre Reaves (also WR). However, Marshall returns kickers Nick Smith and Amoreto Curraj. Smith and Curraj must improve their game to ensure the Herd's special teams do not fall too far from the top. Some missed field goals, a couple of bad punts, and short yardage on returns could quickly put the Herd in some tight situations.
Reloading, not rebuilding
With some key contributor departures sprinkled across the team, the Herd may have to reload some positions but they will not be rebuilding. Under the direction of Holliday, Marshall will probably not find themselves too far removed from their recent success. The Herd has plenty of opportunities to make a statement, especially since Louisville, WKU, and MTSU must face Marshall at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. This is a team that could easily see another 10+ win season, or step on their own "hooves" (yes, I am cheesy) and have a disappointing season. My bet is on a solid season.
Schedule and Prediction
Sept. 10 Morgan State
Sept. 17 Akron
Sept. 24 Louisville
Oct. 1 @ Pitt
Oct. 8 @ North Texas
Oct. 15 FAU
Oct. 22 Charlotte
Oct. 29 @ Southern Miss.
Nov. 5 @ Old Dominion
Nov. 12 MTSU
Nov. 19 @ FIU
Nov. 26 WKU
Prediction: 9-3 with wins over Morgan State, Akron, Pitt, North Texas, FAU, Charlotte, Southern Miss, Old Dominion, and FIU.
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