Grades from Marshall's Second Game: 2nd Half Surge for the Herd

Offense

Quarterback: A-

Running Backs: C

Wide Receivers: B+

Offensive Line: C+

Negatives on Offense: The offensive line still needs to be more consistent with run blocking.  Marshall needs another receiver to dominate opposite of Aaron Dobson, and the receivers need to come out of their breaks a little quicker. 

The running backs need to make more big plays by breaking initial tackles and helping out in pass protection.  Rakeem Cato should view the entire field before making a decision and never tip off where the ball is going by staring down a potential receiver.  

Positives on Offense: Cato is proving the necessary leadership from the quarterback position. Simply, the young man wants to be the vocal point of the Herd offense, and that is vital in the success of any football team. 

The route running from the receivers was sufficient throughout the afternoon, and adequate blocking on the perimeter provided some assistance in the running game.

Defense

Defensive Line: A+

Linebackers: B-

Secondary: C

Negatives on Defense: Marshall needs better underneath pass coverage from the linebackers, who should cause a lot more confusion for the opposition's quarterback. 

Tackling in the secondary needs to improve on the perimeter and down field, and they need to improve third down defense.

Positives on Defense: The game ball should go to the entire defensive line for smothering Southern Mississpppi's running game, penetrating through the offensive line and getting to Austin Davis all day long. 

The linebackers also played a huge roll in Marshall's run defense, with solid open-field tackling and forcing and recovering fumbles. 

Special Teams

 Punting: A

Kase Whitehead average 42.5 yards per punt on eight punts, placing five deep inside Southern Miss territory, with one leading to a Marshall safety. 

Teams that block a punt win the game 90 percent of the time.

Player(s) of the Game:  

P Kase Whitehead and DE Vinny Curry