Athlon Picks Marshall First In C-USA East

[Chris McLaughlin]

And has us losing to UAB in the CCG: https://athlonsports.com/college-football/conference-usa-football-2021-predictions

East Division​

1. Marshall
New coach Charles Huff steps into a good situation for 2021. Marshall finished 7-3 and earned a trip to the C-USA title game last fall and returns the best collection of talent in the East this season.

Previewing the Offense

Strength: The quarterback position is unsettled across Conference USA this year, but there’s a good chance Marshall has the best one in Grant Wells. The West Virginia native had a strong debut last season but needs to rebound after an uneven close to 2020. Wells returns three out of his top five receivers, while three starters are back along the offensive line.

Concern: Can Wells rebound after a disappointing close to the 2020 season? Standout guard Cain Madden transferred to Notre Dame this summer, leaving a significant void on the right side of the offensive line. Leading rusher Brenden Knox (887 yards in 2020) also must be replaced.

Incoming Transfers: OL Steven Faucheux; OL TyQaze Leggs; WR Jayden Harrison; OL Billy Ross

Previewing the Defense

Strength: Marshall paced Conference USA by limiting teams to 13 points a game and just 4.4 yards per snap. New coordinator Lance Guidry won’t have linebacker Tavante Beckett or end Darius Hodge, but eight returning starters provide a strong foundation.

Concern: Beckett and Hodge were two of Conference USA’s top defenders last season. Their production and presence aren’t going to be easy to replace. Is there any drop-off due to the shift in coaching staff or scheme tweaks?

Incoming Transfers: DL Shane Simmons; CB LeAnthony Williams; DL Charles Moore

 

[tomjack00]

I hope they are right

 

[TwolfHerdfan]

FAU has everyone back but a few. They played us tough without some starters and backups . Road game .

 

[Catfanatic1979v1]

Charles Moore is still here?

 

[Marshall-21]

I know this has been brought up many times, but Marshall needs to move to a better conference. Even if it was the AAC. Yes there would be more money involved, but we seem to always find away to do it. If were not growing then we will get past up ! And we should always want to grow and move forward as a University. Go Herd!🏈💪🏻

 

[Bayou Boiler]

I know this has been brought up many times, but Marshall needs to move to a better conference. Even if it was the AAC. Yes there would be more money involved, but we seem to always find away to do it. If were not growing then we will get past up ! And we should always want to grow and move forward as a University. Go Herd!🏈💪🏻

The hard part about moving to a better conference is that the conferences have little incentive to add someone like Marshall right now. There will likely be another realignment of sorts just before new media contacts go in to effect (around 2025 IIRC) and that will have a trickle down effect into the G5. Until then I don't think there is much of a chance here for The Herd unfortunately. There is no academic, financial nor exposure reason for a conference to add Marshall before a realignment happens to be honest. If a school or two leave the AAC then that might open up a window I guess but barring that, such an opportunity is likely still years away.

 

[wvkeeper(HN)]

If Marshall moved to the AAC it would be like when we moved to the watered-down C-USA.

 

[Marshall-21]

If Marshall moved to the AAC it would be like when we moved to the watered-down C-USA.

I do believe that the AAC is a little more athletic talent, better League per say for money.

 

[RhinoD]

The keys to MU winning the East will be the same as pretty much every year.

1. Quarterback play - Wells needs to bounce back and show he is ready to be the leader of the offense. Limiting turnovers is critical.

2. Offensive line - Keeping the starters healthy and building depth if someone does go down (which is almost inevitable).

3. Pass rush - With no Hodge/Becket someone has to step up and get in the backfield consistently.

4. Special teams - We have to be able to make a field goal longer than 40 yards.

 

[wvkeeper(HN)]

I do believe that the AAC is a little more athletic talent, better League per say for money.

The reference was to the fact that when we came into the C-USA it was after the bigger clubs in the league had moved on. At this point going into an AAC after another round of musical chairs would be like going into the C-USA when we did.

 

[GoHerdMarshallYes]

The reference was to the fact that when we came into the C-USA it was after the bigger clubs in the league had moved on. At this point going into an AAC after another round of musical chairs would be like going into the C-USA when we did.

When the Big 12 even mentioned the possibility of expansion, pretty much the entire AAC were willing to whore themselves out for inclusion.
The Big 12 added exactly ZERO schools.
It's doubtful the AAC has anyone leave.