(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
How the mighty have fallen.
At one time, Marshall University was the poster child for how to move up from FCS football and be successful in the FBS ranks.
Now, with their former coach retired from football, and a string of four consecutive losing seasons under current head coach Mark Snyder, the only thundering "heard" in Huntington has been the chorus of fans booing the lackluster product they have seen on the field since Bob Pruett left town.
Things might be looking up for the Marshall faithful this fall, however.
Marshall returns solid experience on the offensive and defensive lines this season. That will go a long way in defining how the season plays out for the Herd. The defensive line, especially, could really be something.
On offense, Marshall has playmakers in tight end Cody Slate and running back Darius Marshall. They are missing an experienced quarterback, and that could be the Achilles' heel of the team this fall. Darius Marshall may have 1,800 yards on the ground this season if they can't find some sort of rhythm in their passing game.
On defense, they have super-talented Albert McClellan back for his senior season, two years removed from a major injury. Defensive coordinator Rick Minter is back for his second full season as well, and that could pay big dividends for Marshall late when the conference schedule hits full stride.
Minter's influence on how Mario Harvey and the rest of the linebackers perform will be huge. Harvey will be the defensive quarterback for this team as he tries to get an otherwise inexperienced linebacking corps up to speed.
The bottom line for Marshall will be how their passing attack comes together. The learning curve for Mark Snyder is over. It is time to win, and he knows it. Fans can no longer cover for Snyder with the excuse of his inexperience as a head coach. He is entering his fifth season, and he must produce now. His job may depend on it.
Marshall predicted record: 6-6
I will say it right now: I am a fan of what Tommy West has been able to accomplish at Memphis. He hasn't set the world on fire, but in Memphis football lore, not many have. Prior to West's arrival in Memphis, the Tigers had been to one true bowl game in their history since the program's inception in 1912.
Since 2003, West has taken the Memphis Tigers to five bowl games, winning two of them. That is no small accomplishment considering the school's history, or lack thereof.
Unfortunately, this won't be the year Tommy makes his sixth bowl appearance with the Tigers. One returning starter on the offensive line and one returning starter on the defensive line is not a recipe for a successful season. Coach West knows this, too.
On the positive side, Memphis has talent and experience at the offensive skill positions. The running game was stellar last season, and the passing game was adequate. If the offensive line even pretends to show up for games, the ability is there to put some points on the board.
On the other side of the ball, what they lack in starting experience on the front line they make up for in time-in-rate. They have five seniors and three juniors rotating in their top eight. They should have the knowledge of what to do when they hit the field, but whether they do it or not remains to be seen.
The back seven of the defense should be a strength for the team. If the defensive line can do its job, the secondary and linebacking crew have the ability to do good things.
All in all, this looks like it might be a long season in Memphis. Although I believe the boosters have enough sense to keep Tommy West around for a long time, winning only makes the fans greedy for even more wins.
If the season turns out the way I think it will, Coach West may not need an electric blanket to keep him warm during the winter months. His seat may be hot enough to do the job for him—and John Calipari won't be the only coach being replaced in Memphis.
Memphis predicted record: 4-8
1 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete