Today at No. 40: Marshall
Coach: Doc Holliday (61-42, entering ninth season, 61-42 overall)
2017 record: 8-5, 4-4 in Conference USA; tied for third in East Division
Look back: Marshall quickly moved on from its 3-9 mark in 2016, winning six of its first seven games during the 2017 season. The team then suffered losses to much improved FIU and FAU. Marshall scored a win over Western Kentucky, but the Herd closed the regular season with disappointing setbacks against UTSA and
Southern Miss. Marshall set a more positive tone for the offseason with a dramatic 31-28 win over
Colorado State in the
New Mexico Bowl.
Offensive starters returning: 9
Offensive starters lost: 2
Defensive starters returning: 9
Defensive starters lost: 2
Key losses: QB Chase Litton
, TE Ryan Yurachek, P Kaare Vedvik
Top returnees: WR Tyre Brady, OL
Levi Brown, LB Chase Hancock, DL Ryan Bee, DB Chris Jackson, DB Malik Gant, KR/RB Keion Davis
Strengths: Marshall returns nine starters on offense, including a solid offensive line and numerous receivers with big-play potential led by Miami transfer Tyre Brady. While it's hard to match the 2014 team's prolific offensive production, the Herd have the potential to put elite numbers.
The defense, once a problem early in Holliday's Marshall tenure, improved last season and also returns nine starters. Defensive tackles Ryan Bee and Channing Hames are back after combining for 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss. The cornerback unit might be the team's strongest area, led by Chris Jackson.
Keion Davis is a threat on special teams after returning two kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Weaknesses: Isaiah Green, Garet Morrell and Wagner graduate transfer Alex Thomson will fight for the starting quarterback job during preseason camp after Chase Litton left early to pursue a spot in the NFL.
Yahoo! Sports highlighted Thomson’s talent, with former NFL star Phil Simms saying, “[Thomson] can play at any level. There’s no question. If things fall right [with his college situation], I definitely think he’s a pro prospect. I don’t even have to hesitate to say that.”
The quarterbacks can all move the football, but the team needs to quickly identify someone who can avoid game-changing mistakes.
The defense is loaded, but Marshall lost defensive coordinator Chuck Heater to Maryland. Former Chattanooga coordinator Adam Fuller takes over a talented group, but he has to avoid communication issues that sometimes crop up following coaching changes.
Outlook: If Marshall can find a strong starting quarterback, the Herd could challenge defending C-USA champion FAU for the East Division crown.
