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