While the offense certainly had its fair share of struggles, the Marshall Thundering Herd were able to claim a 28-14 victory over Connecticut, ultimately allowing Marshall to claim victories in each of its last five contests and seven out of its last nine to end the year with a 9-4 overall record.

QUARTERBACK:

In its two-touchdown victory against Connecticut, Cam Fancher struggled to throw vertically for much of the outing, posting his worst performance of the last five games by going just 10-of-20 through the air for 93 yards.

Fancher, however, did salvage part of his performance by throwing for two touchdowns -- a nine-yard touchdown pass to Corey Gammage and a 10-yard strike to Devin Miller. His grade, however, ultimately was a very bad 36.5 PFF and his quarterback rating a putrid six. He was saved in large part due to the Marshall defense picking off three passes from Zion Turner, who went just 9-for-27 through the air himself.

RUNNING BACKS:

The performance out of the running back room, however, was much, much better. In fact, the running backs who played -- Khalan Laborn, Rasheen Ali and Ethan Payne -- posted the three best PFF grades on the entire offense as the trio grinded out exactly 200 tough yards and a touchdown on 39 carries in the affair.

Ali, who posted a 70 PFF grade, ran for 92 yards on 15 carries in the contest with a touchdown, while Laborn added in 90 yards on 21 carries and a 75.8 PFF. Payne, who was again productive in his limited reps, got 18 yards on three carries en route to a team-best 78.8 PFF.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Due to Fancher's struggles, the wide receiver room, outside of Gammage, wasn't able to make much of an impact.

Gammage's 50 yards and a touchdown on three catches led to a 68.8 PFF for the senior, but outside of the big-bodied wideout, the remaining receivers caught just seven passes for 43 yards. Stone Scarcelle (58 PFF), Jayden Harrison (57.9 PFF), Caleb McMillan (56.8 PFF), Caleb Coombs (56.7 PFF), Shadeed Ahmed (56.4 PFF), EJ Horton (56.3 PFF) and Charles Montgomery (54.6 PFF) rounded out the receiver room.

TIGHT ENDS:

From a tight end standpoint, Marshall was able to get Devin Miller involved in the passing game for the second contest in a row to end the year. Miller notched 17 yards and a touchdown on a pair of catches and notched a respectable 65.2 PFF to claim a 60.2 PFF. with Miller notching 22 yards on two catches for a 56.3 PFF overall grade. Stacey Marshall, Jr. posted a 36.1 overall PFF mark in 18 snaps, while Toby Payne saw two snaps as a tight end as an extra blocker in offensive packages, and notched a 59.9 PFF grade.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Up front, Marshall's offensive line was led by Trent Holler (65.2 PFF) and Ethan Driskell (62.3 PFF). Dalton Tucker (59.3 PFF), Logan Osburn (55.6 PFF), Kendrick Sartor (54.1 PFF) and Cedrice Paillant (53.1 PFF) rounded out the grades for the line.

Overall, the grades seem rather low, especially considering the running backs' high grades as well as how the O-Line performed in pass protection according to PFF. Only Osburn graded below a 75.9 grade in pass protection, with Driskell (84.1 PFF in pass pro), Paillant (82.6 PFF in pass pro), Tucker (81.5 PFF in pass pro), and Holler (80.2 grade in pass pro) performing really well against pass rushing defenders.

Sartor's 75.9 pass pro grade and Osburn's 65.2 mark against pass rushers rounded out the performance from the offensive line.

So far it looks like Immanuel Bush and Jack Murphy (other than Zamora).

Cerdrice Paillant declared for the draft.

When you're stuck at home with an ear infection and the flu, all you have is your thoughts..


This year, the Marshall Thundering Herd earned a. B- for the 2022 season.

This grade was earned by the way they closed out the season. They found ways to win, the entire group (coaches, players, trainers, everyone) did what they could collectively to get better. You know, some people at first compared this season to 2016, which to most was the worst campaign in recent years. This was far from that for 3 main reasons: 1: Despite some of the coaches shortcomings with play calling they were able to overcome it. 2: The on - field leaders in place refused to let the season die. They were able to lead in ways that inspired their teammates and notched some in the win column. 3. They didn't buy in to the "toxic work environment" talk that many of us discussed after week 3.

To that point, none of us will ever really know why Coach Morrissey left when he did. Some people have their theories, some people have their insight, but the fact is that there are really only two people that know the how and why: Charles Huff and Eddy Morrissey. There are two sides to every story, and somewhere in the middle is the truth. Either way, everyone involved with this year's team deserves some credit for not letting this divide the locker room and give us a terrible first season in the Sun Belt.

When the University first announced that they were going to the Sun Belt, we were all pretty excited about it. Regional rivalries. Games that matter. Like-minded institutions that understood that having a solid football conference would lead to bigger and better things down the road.

Our Coach came under fire for what transpired in the middle of the season, and rightfully so. The team wasn't playing up to it's capability, certain units and individuals looked out of place, and there were self inflicted wounds that cost us an opportunity to change the outcome. With that being said, he pushed the right buttons, got the team to believe in themselves, and do what they do best in order to win.

We all said that we wanted to play for championships and we didn't this year. That in of itself is disappointing, but here's the thing: we might be closer than what we think. The culture, the belief, the mojo is working, and the end of the year proved it. You can say what you want about the idiosyncrasies, the catch phrases, and the unwavering confidence. All that matters is he and his staff pulled this thing together when it could have blown up. His player leadership group also had a huge part to play in the successes they experienced in 2022. Yes, we lose a lot heading into next year, but some of our conference mates lose just as much or more. If he returns in 2023, then we should expect a championship. Now, does he need to look at personnel within the staff and on the field to better the team? Yes.
Does he need to improve upon his knowledge and understanding of situational football? Yes. (It was better from Year 1 to Year 2). Is he as incompetent as some make him out to be? No. Did he make some decisions that altered the course of this season and stuck with them because in his mind, he knew what was best for the team? Yes.

Cam Fancher wasn't supposed to start in 2022. But he did. And he improved from his first start against JMU to his last start in the bowl. That was not his best effort in Myrtle, but he tossed a couple touchdowns. His teammates seemed to respond well to his leadership. He should have a case to start in 2023. I do think they should bring in someone to push him.. His best game came against App State, where you really saw him grow and mature as a quarterback. The three best plays he made this year were as follows and two of them were with his arm: The touchdown to Gammage against JMU and the throw to him against App State. He threw with confidence, timing, and touch. The other was a defensive play when he prevented the Coastal Carolina player from scoring after a fumble. That's what I mean when I say the team didn't quit. Teams and guys with less mental fortitude would have let them score and mailed it in. In fact, some would have mailed it in during Week 6, given what transpired, but not this group. It's a group of competitors. Guys you want on your team. All in all, it adds up to a B-


Thank you, and Go Herd.

Any word on the head coaches for both sports and any word on players for both sports comeing? just find it odd that Marshall adds new sports teams and there isnt any word on them at all.

Colin Parachek This kid's film actually looks pretty danged good. Hes got some elusiveness as well as the ability to make the throws on the run. Not sure the caliber of competition, but he certainly looks like a decent player, not sure how he ends up at Morehead and then as a walk on at Marshall. Login to view embedded media

I am sure my older Herd brethren have already had this experience, and I am sure my younger brethren will have the unfortunate experience in the coming years, but boy does it suck to experience the death of your heroes.

Growing up, a child of the 70s and 80s, I had two professional teams I followed, and a third because I was captivated by this weird offense. And, with kids being as fickle as they can be, it was not that unusual for kids to follow three or four teams from a specific sport. I have followed the Packers since consciousness - simply because it was a birth right and the Old Man grew up a Lombardi Packer fan a generation before. But, I also needed a team - one in the AFC and one that had a pulse. My cousin was an older brother that I did not have and was a Steelers fan - and since they were televised at least 8-10 times per year on NBC at 1pm, it was easy to latch on to that bandwagon. Later, I needed a 4pm team - and Air Coryell and the San Diego Chargers filled the bill.

Franco Harris was one of the visual images of my childhood. The Steelers became the Team of the 70s, winning four Super Bowls in six seasons. A running back that was 6'2" and 230 lbs with deceptive quickness and speed, a prototypical running back for the 70s into the 80s, Harris's abilities made him into one of the most popular Steelers - as evidenced by Franco's Italian Army. Harris became part of a distinctive one-two punch in the Steeler backfield with Vietnam War veteran Rocky Blier, a teammate that he needed to share carries and opportunities with to exploit all their talents. And although the Steeler offense could be dynamic with Bradshaw throwing to Swann, Stallworth, JT Smith, and Bennie Cunningham, there was no question that the running toughness of Harris and Blier was the engine that made the Steeler offense go.

Unfortunately, Harris was incorrectly tagged as being a "soft" running back because of his intelligence - when contact was almost inevitable, Harris found a way to get down and/or out of bounds to avoid big hits and collisions. That intelligence that extended his playing career beyond that of the great runners before him (Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Jim Taylor) was used as a cudgel to demean his career and his playing style, esp. as he creeped closer to eclipsing Jim Brown on the running list. As great as Brown was - arguably the greatest - Brown had a powerful and influential voice and often used it to slam later stars like Harris as "not tough". In 1983 or so, Brown used his position and the bully pulpit of Sports Illustrated to demean Harris and his stats. Despite those efforts, Harris remained above the criticism and simply plowed forward.

Off the field, Harris was a beloved ex-Steeler and Pennsylvanian. His commitment to serving the state and his communities is well chronicled and remembered (as Steeler Coach Mike Tomlin coincidentally discussed yesterday). Harris was quite involved with community improvement, esp. with an interest in helping the youth achieve. Harris was always available to help - using his fame and popularity to create opportunities for others.

Football was the first sport I fell in love with (quickly followed by all the others, of course), and the Steelers were my backdrop. The cards; the bed sheets; the mini helmets; the stickers. And in this region, Steeler swag was everywhere (sorry to Bengal and Brown fans). Bradshaw, Harris, Swann, Stallworth, Mean Joe, LC, Lambert, Ham, Shell and Blount. But for a couple of injuries, the Steelers might have won six championships in a row and would be the undisputed dynasty of NFL football. It is such an odd coincidence that he dies on the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. As ESPN and NFL Films grew in importance, Super Bowl Sunday (and later, Super Bowl Weekend) in which the 30-min or 60-min versions of those four Super Bowls became part of the pre-game festivities and grew the myth of the black-and-gold. And it is still a joy to watch those clips and reminisce. Pittsburgh-Oakland; Pittsburgh-Miami; Pittsburgh-Dallas -- all were must see tv before that became NBC's Thursday Night mantra.

I cooled on the Steelers esp. after the poor treatment of Bradshaw at the tail end of his career and the dumping of Harris - but those Steelers are a considerable part of my childhood; wonderful memories.

RIP, Franco.

The FDA is now admitting there are issues with the vaccine. Between this study and the effect on the elderly and others on the impact on the heart on young people why in the hell are there agencies still running around trying to shame and coerce people to take more shots till we can get additional info. Maybe it is time to hit the pulse button on this I say.

https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https://www...ine-linked-to-blood-clotting-fda_4930377.html

We will bend over and just give them more billions of dollars.

What what they are covering up foe the Bidens over there?

I think I have read here on OF that Danny schedules the basketball games. Is that accurate? I was thinking the AD normally did that. Why would that be the case instead of having the AD oversee that? Just curious

has signed with an agent and will enter the NFL Draft.

Marshall has offered former Dartmouth OL Michael Flores.

Flores’ brother John Paul (UVA) was also been offered by Marshall earlier this week.

Behind another strong collective effort by the defense that included a pick-six that was returned for a score by Damion Barber to go along with two additional interceptions and 13 quarterback hurries, the Marshall Thundering Herd pitched a first half shutout and took a 28-0 advantage before coasting home to a 28-14 victory in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

The defense's performance is highlighted below in the latest PFF grades!

DEFENSIVE LINE

From a PFF standpoint, the defensive line rotation continued to kill it as Marshall's effective pressure was evident in the defensive line's performance -- which was the best of all three position groups.

Not surprisingly, Damion Barber, with a strong 93.9 PFF grade based off of his 34-yard interception return for a touchdown, graded out the highest of all of the defensive linemen. Barber was in on two tackles (one solo, one assisted) and had a batted pass in 17 snaps.

Immanuel Bush's 74.9 PFF grade and Esisas Carpenter's 67.9 mark were next on the defensive front. Bush posted two tackles and a quarterback hurry while Carpenter notched a tackle as the pair played 24 and seven snaps, respectively.

Anthony Watts (67.3 PFF), Owen Porter (66.3 PFF), Elijah Alston (65.8 PFF) and Koby Cumberlander (64.8 PFF) all posted solid grades as well, with Watts notching two tackles, two quarterback hurries and a tackle for loss, Porter posting six tackles and a tackle for a loss, Alston collecting a tackle and a quarterback hit and Cumberlander notching three tackles and four quarterback hurries.

Sam Burton (59.5 PFF), Isaiah Gibson (57.3 PFF) and Ty'Qaze Leggs (51.5 PFF) combined for four tackles, a sack, two quarterback hurries and a quarterback hit to round out the deep defensive line's efforts.

LINEBACKERS:

Charlie Gray, who posted five tackles -- all solo -- led Marshall's linebacking core with a 68.1 PFF grade while Eli Neal, who led the Thundering Herd with 10 tackles, a quarterback hurry and a quarterback hit, notched a 67.8 PFF grade. Abraham Beauplan's four tackles and 65.9 PFF rounded out the performance from the linebackers.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Andre Sam, who was one of only two players to play all 71 snaps in the Thundering Herd's two touchdown victory over the Huskies, posted seven tackles and a pass breakup to post the best grade of the entire secondary at a 73.6 PFF, while Joshua Bowers' 72.8 PFF and a 70.4 mark from Steven Gilmore -- who didn't allow a single reception in four passes thrown his way and made two tackles to boot -- joined up with Sam's performance to head up the back end.

Kerion Martin continued to build on a strong campaign for Marshall, making a pair of solo tackles in the secondary for a 68.4 PFF rating, while Daytione Smith continued to play well in extended reps as a freshman, notching a 67.7 PFF as a result of notching a pair of quarterback hurries to go along with a tackle.

D'Yoni Hill and Jacobie Henderson posted grades of 60.7 and 60.5 in their one snap on the field while Micah Abraham made two tackles and allowed just one catch in four balls thrown his way for 37 yards for a 59.5 PFF grade. Isaiah Norman's 55.7 PFF grade -- behind a pair of tackles and a quarterback hurry -- rounded out the secondary.

We will keep a running thread of all the day's happenings.

Having a bowl game two days before NSD has really thrown a wrench into things.

Couple things we've been told:

• Do not expect Marshall to announce any transfer commitments except Parachek.
• Expect at least 9 HS signees to be announced.

• NET 38
• RPI 68
• TOR 66 (Bart Torvik - has MU with best chance in SB to get auto bid at 31% and expects an 11.9 seed)
• SAG 85 (Sagarin)
• MAS 79 (Massey)
• NOL 88 (Warren Nolan ELO)
• POM 88 (Ken Pomeroy)
• MASCMP 77 (Massey Composite of 41+ computer ratings)

Queens is now a Quad 2 loss in NET, and surprisingly, a Quad 1 loss in RPI.

Alabama has 3 5* and 22 4* players. Texas signed 3 players ranked #1 in the nation at their position. Wow.

Marshall has offered Laney College OL Chinazo Obobi.

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Marshall has offered former Southeast Missouri OL Phillip Wilder.

Wilder has 3 years of eligibility left.

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Any idea what this means from Ali?

The footprints of Bruce Morris commemorating the longest shot in NCAA basketball history. Why? A beautiful new floor minus this piece of both Marshall and NCAA basketball history. Whomever made that decision should explain why to the fan base not to mention to Mr. Morris. Just my opinion.

Marshall has offered former Florida DL Christopher Thomas.

Mason Pierce has committed to Marshall.

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We're 10-2 fighting for our at large lives here and we're closing our Non-Con with Glenville fkn State lol
I mean FFS lol