I saw that too... One of the guys at ESPN apparently forgot we joined the SBC.
The only reason I disagree would be because of ESPN... All they care about is TV viewers, and that game has the worst possible time slot of any bowl. Marshall will draw more eyes than most G5 programs, so I think ESPN will look to put us on a Friday after 5 p.m. or on a Saturday.
Duke is not well respected at least not in football
I saw the Lending Tree Bowl vs Toledump along with the MBB and Cure Bowl you listed.
It is what it is. We're more than likely going to always get another G5 opponent. The downfall of playing in three different conferences like we have, it makes it tough to draw a unique opponent. These games are usually chosen regionally and trying to maximize attendance. They're usually a reward to the players which is why we have played in Florida bowls so much so most of the families could attend.
I think you're confusing success with respect... I've never heard anyone say a bad word about Duke football. They have a quality program, at least since Cutcliffe took over and now with Mike Elko, and are one of the nation's premiere universities.
Of the teams I've seen mentioned, Duke would be the most formidable opponent, and also a P5 program with a decent sized fanbase (with money). They're also having a decent year. I believe they're also 8-4.
You never hear anyone say a bad word about Duke football because no one thinks about Duke football. When people think Duke they think basketball.
What do you honestly think people think when they hear Marshall? I know the answer.
Took you a couple decades, but you're finally right for once.
Has nothing to do with Duke. Duke's football program is irrelevant. Just because you can point to another program that is also irrelevant doesn't change anything. They are not an "incredibly well respected" football program. Us playing/beating Duke would not elevate us all that much.
I live in SEC/ACC country in South Carolina, everyone I work with would say Marshall is a great program, all the Clemson and SC fans I know have never said anything negative — all respect. Know what they all say after the feel goods about MU? How shitty WVU is and the fans and the neighbors they now have with WVU flags are obnoxious.
Wrong. Kate Mara was the correct answer.
When you live out of state, and everybody you know says good things about your team, then you know you're irrelevant. If they talk crap about you, then you know you're the shit. Go to Georgia, and listen to them talk crap about Alabama.
Among sports fans, outside of WV:
Probably spot on. You believe what you are programmed to believe. I have some acquaintances in the northeast who believe West Virginia is exactly like that horror movie Wrong Turn.
I would add that this is dependent on the location of the random person you ask... Down here in Western North Carolina, a lot of people at least have some basic knowledge of Marshall due to being in close proximity to App State and other current/former SoCon teams. When I wear my Marshall shirts, hats, etc I get a lot of "Did you go to Marshall?" followed by "I remember when we played you guys back in ____"
Same thing in Eastern Carolina, on my move here I was surprised how knowledgeable many folks here were about Marshall. ECU obviously plays apart in that.
Duke is the best game I see listed for us. Duke is a quality and tough opponent for Marshall.
Duke 7 ACC Championships in Football
And Marshall has one conference football title since 2002. Neither team has a lot to brag about.
Would Marshall's coach leave for the job at Duke? I am not even a Duke fan but, sometimes we overinflate where we stand. Wouldn't we much rather play ACC team that Ohio? Or NM State? Hell if we want s to play Ohio then schedule the game with them. They are 90 miles up the road from Huntington.
Absolutely, 100 percent, no questions asked.
That’d be the worst bowl matchup we’ve had ever
