Marshall Football: Is Aaron Dobson Going to Play Against WCU?

Marshall has some quality receivers. Several in fact, including the tight ends.But Aaron Dobson is the key receiver that opens it up for the others. Rakeem Cato is becoming an excellent quarterback, but Dobson makes him even better.

Against WVU, Dobson "only" had four catches for 72 yards and no touchdown. But Dobson's speed and athleticism helped 12 others catch 34 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns.

In the first half, Dobson was Marshall's MVP. But he suffered a hip  pointer and was unable to finish a game that had already been decided.  Without Dobson in the lineup, Cato was sacked and had an interception.

Dobson is the receiver opponents are afraid not to cover on every potential pass play. The 6'3", 210-pound senior from Dunbar, WV is the defensive back magnet that helps the other receivers get open.

If only for a couple of seconds, one of the other receivers is open because a safety and cornerback have to account for Dobson as they switch off on coverage. That's all the time Cato needs to find another open receiver.

Eric Frohnapfel caught six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown against West Virginia University. Tommy Shuler had five catches for 47 yards and another touchdown. Thirteen players caught at least one pass in the game.

If Marshall were playing Ohio University this weekend, Dobson would be needed. But against WCU, the team will be just fine without him. It's not like he needs the playing time to get better.

I would be very surprised if Coach Doc Holliday even lets Dobson dress for Satuday's game. As far as I know, the Doc hasn't shown his lineup for WCU yet, but I would be very surprised if it included Aaron Dobson.

The Herd is going to need him healthy next week.

Comments welcome and appreciated!