Out This Week

There will be no new post this week. The Marshall Thundering Blog will return January 4th.

Out for Christmas

There will be no new post December 25th.

Todd McShay: Pizza Bowl NFL Prospects

This was put up on ESPN December 15th but I am happy to post it today. ESPN's Todd McShay profiles one Ohio and Marshall player as NFL prospects in this Saturday's pizza bowl, view here:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4745881

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl / Ohio Bobcat News

From the L.A Times, Ohio coach Solich adjusts to mid-major bowl games

http://www.latimes.com/sports/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-fbc-pizza-bowl-ohio,0,861665.story

From the Altoona Mirror, Area players competing in college football bowls

http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/525443.html?nav=751

From the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Solich right at home with OU

http://newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/524929.html?nav=5063

From the Detroit News, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl keeps football! football! going in Detroit

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091224/SPORTS0203/912240339/Pizza-Bowl-keeps-Football--Football--going

From the Detroit News, Key Bobcats healthy, rested, ready to go

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091223/SPORTS0203/912230422/1133/sports0203/Key-Bobcats-healthy--rested--ready-to-go

From the Youngstown Vindicator, Little Caesars Pizza game to feature 4 players from area

http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/dec/22/little-caesars-pizza-game-to-feature-4-players/?newswatch

From the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio quarterback lets his game speak for him

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/12/22/ohiou_12-22.ART_ART_12-22-09_C3_OFG2TIP.html?sid=101

From the Detroit News, Game revives longtime Ohio-Marshall rivalry

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091224/SPORTS0203/912240346/1133/sports0203/Game-revives-longtime-Ohio-Marshall-rivalry

From the Detroit News, Pizza Bowl: Breaking down Marshall

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091224/SPORTS0203/912240343/1133/sports0203/Pizza-Bowl--Breaking-down-Marshall

From the Detroit News, Pizza Bowl: Breaking down Ohio

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091224/SPORTS0203/912240345/1133/sports0203/Pizza-Bowl--Breaking-down-Ohio

From WVNSTV.com, Marshall, Ohio Continue Bowl Preparation in Detroit

http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=72471

From WVNSTV.COM, Ohio and Marshall practice pictures from Ford Field,

http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=72453&catid=3

From ESPN.com, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl preview

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/16252/little-caesars-bowl-marshall-6-6-ohio-9-4

From SI.com, Bowl Breakdown: Little Caesars

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cory_mccartney/12/23/marshall-ohio/

Gatski’s HOF Ring Returned

Great story about the return of Marshall great and NFL hall of famer Frank "Gunner" Gatski's hall of fame ring. The ring was stolen from Gatski's residance a decade ago and was returned to a Morgantown (WV) police staton with a anonymous letter last week. Read about it here:
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view/20091224late_nfl_greats_hall_of_fame_ring_returned/srvc=home&position=recent

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/24

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd defense looking for vindication

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912230770

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd likes the home of the NFL's Lions

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912240026

From the Herald Dispatch, Catch big games on big screens

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/entertainment/x300697792/Catch-bowl-games-on-the-big-screen-at-local-locations

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall back in Motown

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300698008/Marshall-back-in-Motown

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Smith's NFL audition

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1153714498/Chuck-Landon-Smiths-NFL-audition

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd to play Pizza Bowl following prescription from Dr. Lou

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300698010/Thundering-Herd-to-play-Pizza-Bowl-following-prescription-from-Dr-Lou

Steadman Short Update

Marshall’s lone men’s basketball recruit for 2010 is Steadman Short. After transferring from High Point Short is spending this season at Chipola junior college in Florida. You can see Short’s stats at Chipola here: http://www.njcaa.org/colleges_college_player.cfm?sid=4&collegeid=1356&category=Roster&slid=2&teamid=91788&athleteid=280774.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl News

Pretty slow day for the blog. Found two articles in Detroit news papers about the Pizza Bowl. One is a game preview and prediction while the other focuses on Ohio. Links Below:

Preview / Predication

http://www.freep.com/article/20091221/SPORTS08/91221044/1056/Little-Caesars-Pizza-Bowl-scouting-report-prediction

Ohio Bobcats

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091223/SPORTS0203/912230330/1133/sports0203/Ohio-U.-s-glory-days-are-now

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/23

From the Charleston Gazette, Catching up with Big East, Herd bosses

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/todayssportscolumn/200912220760

From the Charleston Gazette, UNC humbles Herd 98-61

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912220755

From the Charleston Gazette, Ohio U. likes to play takeaway

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912220752

From the Charleston Daily Mail, North Carolina routs Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallBasketball/200912230019

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd coach takes cues from former mentors

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912220686

From the Herald Dispatch, Tar Heels romp

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1153714381/Tar-Heels-romp

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd savors chance in bowl

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300697418/Thundering-Herd-savors-chance-in-bowl

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Herd let Carolina alter their style of play

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300697404/Herd-let-Carolina-alter-normal-style-of-play

Doc Holliday Interview

The West Virginia Metro News just released a interview with new Marshall football coach Doc Holliday. Not a lot of information, here are the highlights:

"This Saturday, Marshall will make its first bowl appearance in years with a matchup against Ohio University in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit, Michigan. Interim Coach Rick Minter will be leading the Herd.

Holliday will attend the game, but only as a spectator.

Questions about which, if any, of the current football staff members will be retained will be answered after the bowl game.

"They've done a nice job of holding this team together, getting ready for the bowl game, but we'll sit down with those guys after the bowl game or I'll sit down with them and make some decisions and get moving on," Holliday says of those staff members. "

http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=34266

Pizza Bowl Tickets

The Charleston Daily Mail offered up this interesting tidbit today:

"AS OF MONDAY afternoon, Marshall held a solid advantage in ticket sales over Ohio.
The Herd ticket office reported 1,635 tickets had been sold to the day-after-Christmas bowl. Ohio estimated its sales around 1,200."

Looks like the reports of Ohio selling out there ticket allotment and greatly outnumbering Herd fans in Detroit are not true.

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912210546?page=2&build=cache

Opponent Watch: UNC

From the New Observer, Marshall at No. 10 UNC men

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/story/251877.html

From the Herald Sun, Tar Heels focus on intensity after loss to No. 2 Longhorns

http://www.heraldsun.com/pages/full_story_sports/push?article-Tar+Heels+focus+on+intensity+after+loss+to+No-+2+Longhorns%20&id=5250662-Tar+Heels+focus+on+intensity+after+loss+to+No-+2+Longhorns&instance=main_article

From Tarheelblue.com, Marshall Game Guide

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122109aac.html

From Tarheelblue.com, Marshall Game Notes

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/unc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/weekly-release

D.C Area Herd Fans

Hello Everyone!

Just another reminder that Marshall takes on the UNC Tarheels tonight at 7:00pm!

The game will be shown @ Crystal City Sports Pub in Arllington, VA , our normal game watching location!

GO HERD!!

http://www.ccsportspub.com/

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/22

From the Charleston Gazette, UNC will give streaking Herd its first real test

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912210626

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd has final home football practice before bowl

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912210546

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marcus Goode

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2009/12/22/marcus-goode/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall tackles Tar Heels

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallBasketball/200912210542

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Bradshaw leads Giants to rout of Redskins

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/200912220011

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside, Pitts return home for important matchup

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300696850/Whiteside-Pitts-return-home-for-important-matchup

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd should fare better than last time against UNC

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300696844/Herd-should-fare-better-than-last-time-against-UNC

From the Herald Dispatch, Bowl week under way at MU

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x818842516/Bowl-week-underway-at-MU

Herd Zone Video

When you get a chance head over to herdzone.com and watch the splash page video. Kind of corny but a good way to get pumped up for Saturday's game.

http://herdzone.cstv.com/

Marshall in the NFL Week 15

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

First interior lineman off the bench during Pittsburgh’s 37 – 36 win over Green Bay.

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Caught 5 passes for 70 yards and one touchdown during New England's 17 - 10 win over Buffalo. Moss had a few choice words for the media after last weeks effort controversy, read about it here: http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/sp_fbn_jim_donaldson_21_12-21-09_Q2GS55K_v3.36196a2.html

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Punted 5 times for a 33.8 yard average, with one inside the twenty. New England beat Buffalo 17 – 10.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

Out for the season, St. Louis lost to Houston 16 – 13.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Missed yesterdays game with an ankle injury that could sideline him for another two weeks. Cincinnati lost to San Diego 27 - 24.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Was placed on IR on November 24th due to elbow soreness. Tampa Bay beat Seattle 24 - 7.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Inactive for the Chargers 27 - 24 win over Cincinnati.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Playing on MNF vs. Washington tonight.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Out for the season. Miami lost to Tennessee 27 - 24.

Jason Rader, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Inactive for the Falcons 10 - 7 win over New York (AFC).

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/21

From the Charleston Gazette, Whetting your appetite for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912200430

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd gets physical against High Point

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912200463

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Physical Herd takes charge

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912200486

From the Herald Dispatch, Handy's 14 lead Herd past UT-Martin, 65-48

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300696496/Handys-14-lead-Herd-past-UT-Martin-65-48

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd football remains focused on bowl game

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300696494/Herd-football-remains-focused-on-bowl-game

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd romps High Point, 109-76

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300696510/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Glory years of 100-point games have returned

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x300696492/Glory-years-of-100-point-games-have-returned

First Year Coaches Bowling

Found this on Yahoo / Rivals.com. Only eight first year coaches are going bowling this season. Out of the eight only two are from non-BCS conferences. Lets hope that Marshall and new coach Doc Holliday can buck the trend and lift our bowl streak to two next year.

Holliday Press Conference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZmKdO_PSq0

Steve Dunlap, Chris Beatty, Holliday buyout, IPF, Fundraising, Tony Peterson, Assistant coaches

Important information from today’s newspapers

Jack Bogaczyk reported these tidbits in his article today: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912170780

1. "Anyway, first, the word is out that Holliday could try to hire away two other WVU aides - fellow Hurricane native Steve Dunlap (who left Huntington in 2007) and Chris Beatty - as his Herd defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. With Marshall Athletic Director Mike Hamrick out raising funds to enhance assistant coaching salaries among other items, I don't think it's out of the question. "

2. "Then, there's the buyout in Holliday's new five-year, $600,000 annual contract, plus incentives like the usual bowl and conference title bonuses.
The buyout is $3 million - "huge," Hamrick said Thursday - each way for starters, reducing annually by Holliday's base and supplemental pay ($600,000). So, if Doc decides to leave Herdland after two seasons, the buyout is $1.8 million ... except a clause in the contract allows Hamrick to annually designate one school for which, if Holliday wants to go there, the coach's buyout remains locked at $3 million."

3. "In the last 10 days, while he was doing formal interviews with six coaching candidates - Butch Jones might have been the man, but Cincinnati gave him a $1.1 million annual deal for five years - Hamrick has raised about $1.5 million from 27 boosters for MU football.
The Marshall alumnus-AD said Thursday he is trying to find 40 Big Green Foundation members to pony up $10,000 annually over five years for a total of at least $2 million. He's three-fourths of the way there. Already, four or five contributors have pledged $100,000 in $20,000 increments."

"Holliday's hire is likely to bring more bucks on board. Hamrick said the football enhancement fund of at least $400,000 annually is to be used to "pay Doc's contract (about $200,000 more than former coach Mark Snyder was making annually), bring in the assistant coaches he wants and enhance the facilities we have."

4. "Hamrick's springtime intention is to launch a separate fundraising drive for an indoor practice facility - a much-needed addition for the northernmost C-USA program and one that retired Herd AD Bob Marcum tried to get off the ground more than five years ago.
Hamrick estimates a $5 million need for that."

Chuck Landon detailed a few potential developments in this story: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694876/Hamrick-is-gambling-in-choice-of-new-coach

1. "Hamrick is gambling that Holliday's plans to hire former Marshall star quarterback and ex-Herd assistant Tony Petersen as offensive coordinator will help bridge the gap with the Marshall faithful who perceive Doc as a WVU Mountaineer in Herd coaching clothing."

2. "According to knowledgeable sources, Holliday also plans on retaining current Marshall assistant Phil Ratliff, a former Herd All-American, as well as hiring two or three additional coaches with Marshall connections."

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/18

From the Charleston Gazette, Holliday has answers for critical Herd fans

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912170745

From the Charleston Gazette, Doc not a perfect hire, just a terrific one

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912170744

From the Charleston Gazette, Boost from the real McCoy

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912170741

From the Charleston Gazette, Holliday present for Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912170739

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall coach credits former Winfield boss as mentor

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912180040

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hurricane native in tears about opportunity to coach Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912180042

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hamrick has future staked in first hire

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912170780

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Hamrick is gambling in choice of new coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694876/Hamrick-is-gambling-in-choice-of-new-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Hamrick hires Holliday

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694878/Hamrick-hires-Holliday

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall women to take on Morehead

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694882/Marshall-women-to-take-on-Morehead

From the Herald Dispatch, Back home for the Hollidays

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694870/Back-home-for-the-Hollidays

Rick Minter to coach bowl game

The Herald Dispatch is reporting that Rick Minter will serve as head coach during the bowl game:

"Defensive coordinator Rick Minter will coach Marshall (6-6) in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl in Detroit on Dec. 26."

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homepage/x1153713831/Marshall-schedules-press-conference-for-2-p-m-today

Offical from Marshall: Doc Holliday Named Head Football Coach

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick introduced John "Doc" Holliday as the Thundering Herd's 29th head football coach Thursday.

Holliday, a Hurricane W.Va. native, is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation and he brings with him 31 years of collegiate coaching experience to Marshall that includes stops at Florida, N.C. State and West Virginia.

"This was an extensive search. I looked at a lot of head coaches, coordinators and others and I could not convince myself of anyone that was better for this job than Doc Holliday," Hamrick said. "He is a state native that understands and has a passion for this state and I am excited to have him as our head football coach."

During his coaching career, Holliday has coached in 20 bowl games, three national championship games and coached 11 players that have gone on to the National Football League. He has also coached four All-Americans and 16 student-athletes that have earned all-conference or All-East honors.

"My ultimate goal has always been to be a Division I head football coach at a major university and to have this opportunity at Marshall, a school rich in tradition and full of potential, is a dream come true," Holliday said.

Holliday comes to Marshall after serving as associate head coach at West Virginia for the past two seasons where he also served as the director of recruiting while coaching tight ends and fullbacks for the Mountaineers. Rivals.com has named him one of the Top 25 recruiters in the nation and he helped WVU amass a 2009 recruiting class that was nationally ranked No. 22 by Scout.com and No. 27 by Rivals.com.

Prior to that, he worked as the associate head coach and safeties coach at the University of Florida from 2005 to 2007 and as the associate head coach and wide receivers coach at North Carolina State University from 2000-04.

"I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Coach Doc Holliday, his wife Diana and his family on becoming the Head Football Coach at Marshall University," Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer said. "Coach Holliday was an integral part of our staff for three years including the 2006 BCS National Championship and his son Cade has been an outstanding part of our team for the past five years."

During his tenure at Florida, the Gators won the 2006 National Championship and the UF secondary led the SEC in interceptions in both 2005 and 2006. He also coached two All-SEC standouts Reggie Nelson and Major Wright. At N.C. State, he coached three of the top eight receivers in Wolfpack history (Koren Robinson, Bryan Peterson and Jerricho Cotchery) and the 2003 N.C. State team set six different school-records for passing including yards, yards per game, passing touchdowns and completion percentage.

He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1979 and went on to serve in a variety of coaching positions at his alma mater that included serving as the wide receivers coach from 1983-1989 and again from 1993-1999, the inside linebackers coach from 1990-92 and as the assistant head coach from 1995-99.

Holliday was a three-year letter-winner at linebacker at West Virginia (1976-78) and has earned both a bachelor's degree (1979) and a master's degree (1981) from WVU. He and his wife Diana have four children - Meghan, Cade, Chase and Cody.

http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121709aab.html

Momma Holliday Proud of Son

http://www.58wchs.com/includes/news_items/7/news_items_more.php?id=1957§ion_id=7

Doc Holliday Press Conference 2pm

Major Football Announcement at 2 p.m

Marshall University Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick will make a major announcement concerning the Marshall Football Program at 2 p.m. in the Marshall Memorial Student Center’s Alumni Lounge.

Big Green Scholarship Foundation members are encouraged to attend this important announcement when it is presented to members of the media

A live video feed of this announcement will be streamed to www.Herdzone.com.

Doc Holliday Florida Memories

Found a nice article that was posted on HerdNation.com about Doc Holliday’s time with the Florida Gators.

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=12537

Holliday Starting to Build Staff

Are Steve Dunlap and Chris Beatty coming to Huntington?

http://www.wvillustrated.com/football/topstory/id/359

WVU losing Florida recruits

The Sun Sentinel is reporting that WVU has already lost two Florida recruits after Doc Holliday accepted the Marshall job. Read here: http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/recruiting/blog/2009/12/dwyers_clark_swiches_commitmen.html

Congratulations Hassan Whiteside

Congratulations to center Hassan Whiteside who recorded the first triple double in Marshall basketball history last night. Whiteside also set the Marshall record for blocks in a game and tied the C-USA single game record with 11 rejections. For the night Whiteside scored 17 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and rejected 11 shots.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/17

From the Charleston Gazette, Manchin on Doc; WVU hoop recruits on display

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912160871

From the Charleston Gazette, Whiteside sets block record in Herd win

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912160872

From the Charleston Gazette, WVU's Holliday gets Herd football job

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912160812

From the Charleston Gazette, What's up with Doc gone?

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/200912160873

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall players eager to work with Hurricane native

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912170045

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Whiteside gets Marshall's first triple-double in win

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912170047

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall taps Doc Holliday

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912160762

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Score one for Hamrick, Herd in coaching hire

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912170046

From the Charleston Daily Mail, 'Biscuit bet' has a little more meaning with MU hire

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912170029

From the Charleston Daily Mail, MU hire garners mixed reaction on forums

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/200912160630

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside sets record for blocks

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694380/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Holliday is a Mountain State man

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694384/Holliday-is-a-Mountain-State-man

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Marshall beating up on softies

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300694378/Marshall-beating-up-on-softies

From the Registered Herald, Thundering Herd getting an early Holliday

http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_351000146.html?keyword=topstor

Holliday's Contract

Yahoo Sports / Rivals.com is reporting that Holliday's contract will be five years at $650,000 per season.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=td-newsflash121609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

WAC Officals in Pizza Bowl

Not a big deal but the Pizza Bowl will be officiated by a WAC crew:

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029190

Men's BBall: Marshall Hosts Brescia Tonight

Marshall will host Brescia (NAIA) tonight in the Cam Henderson Center, tip off is at 7pm.

Game Notes: http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121509aab.html

Doc Holliday Profile

http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?section=12968

I was right

Only posting this again because I hardly get things right. On December 3rd I posted that Butch Jones and Doc Holliday were the two lead candidates:

http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/lead-candidates.html

Offical? WVU's Doc Holliday heading to Marshall?

Mitch Vingle of the Charleston Daily Mail is reporting that WVU assistant head coach Doc Holliday has left a recruiting trip in Florida and is headed to Huntington WV to be named head coach at Marshall University.

http://www.wvgazette.com/latest/200912160348

Jonathan Hayes

Cincinnati Bengals Tight End coach Jonathan Hayes is a new candidate to most of us, read about him here:

http://www.bengals.com/team/coaches/Hayes_Jonathan/dfd4bc75-cb85-410b-94ef-2a8868c3ca7d

Marshall Coaching Candidates

This is what we know, Mike Hamrick told Chuck Landon he has interviewed five coaches (with one interview left) for Marshall’s head coaching vacancy but who are those six interviewees?

Interviewees:

1. Butch Jones, head coach, CMU – Hired by Cincinnati for there head coaching job.

2. Rick Trickett, O-line coach, FSU – It has been reported by multiple sources that Trickett interviewed last Friday.

3. Brad Lambert, D-Coordinator, Wake Forest – The Beckley Registered Herald reported that Lambert interviewed last Friday.

4. Doc Holliday, Assistant head coach, WVU – According to the Charleston Daily Mail Holliday has already interviewed and is widely believed to be a serious candidate.

5. Jonathan Hayes, TE coach, Cincinnati Bengals – The Charleston Daily Mail reported that Hayes interviewed Monday. Hayes is a former assistant at Oklahoma.

6. Rick Minter, interim head coach, Marshall – No one has confirmed an interview but this is too obvious. Minter has stated his interest in the job.

Others Receiving Interest:

Danny Rocco, head coach, Liberty – Herald Dispatch reported Hamrick’s interest in Rocco. The Charleston Daily Mail reported that Hamrick has contacted Rocco’s agent but no interview has occurred.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/16

From the Charleston Gazette, In charge, for now

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912150724

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall battles Brescia

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912150801

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Jones headed to Cincinnati; Marshall search continues

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912160049

From the Charleston Daily Mail, College coaching carousel continues

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912150633

From the Herald Dispatch, Jones likely heading to Cincy

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693816/Jones-likely-heading-to-Cincy

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herd hoopsters join in sleeve trend

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693785/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd rides 5-game win streak into Brescia bout

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693789/Herd-rides-5-game-win-streak-into-Brescia-bout

Offical: Butch Jones to Cincinnati

A source I trust, Kyle Warber, a CMU writer for MLive.com and scout.com says Butch Jones is Cinncinnati's new head coach.

http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2009/12/butch_jones_to_cincinnati.html

Butch Jones to Cincinnati?

Not that this is ground breaking or proof that Butch Jones is going to Cincy but Kyle Warber who covers CMU for MLive.com and Scout.com wrote this on his twitter page:

"Jones to Marshall cooling down, Jones to Cincy heating up. I want to get off this rollercoaster."

Warber has been a credible reported during our chase of Butch Jones, follow his Twitter account though the link below:

http://twitter.com/fireupchips

No coach until bowl game?

Can’t believe I missed this. According to the same Registered Herald story sited in my last post Marshall might not have a new coach until after the bowl game.

“Another source speculated earlier this week that a new coach would not be named until after the Thundering Herd meets Ohio University on Dec. 26 in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit. Defensive coordinator Rick Minter is Marshall’s interim coach for the bowl game.”

Please keep in mind this was published December 11th and it was speculation by a source.

http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_345235442.html?keyword=topstory

Brad Lambert interviewed Friday?

Can’t believe I missed this. According to the Registered Herald (Beckley WV) Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brad Lambert interviewed with Mike Hamrick Friday.

"Published reports have stated that Trickett and Central Michigan coach Butch Jones were set to interview Friday. According to the source, Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brad Lambert was scheduled to be interviewed the same day."

http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_345235442.html?keyword=topstory

Butch Jones / Cincinnati Updates

ESPN’s Joe Schad reports that Temple coach Al Golden has removed him self from Cincinnati’s head coaching search (http://twitter.com/schadjoe). It has also been reported by multiple outlets that Butch Jones is interviewing with Cincinnati today. Yesterday Jones was in Mobile Alabama for a GMAC bowl press conference (http://www.cmuchippewas.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10500&ATCLID=204848485).

Today's Marshall Sports News 11/15

From the Herald Dispatch, Freshman earns second C-USA award

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693245/Freshman-earns-second-C-USA-award

From the Herald Dispatch, Next head football coach still remains unnamed

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693247/Next-head-football-coach-still-remains-unnamed

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Minter relishes in coaching Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300693207/Minter-relishes-in-coaching-Marshall

Butch Jones Ultimatum?

WTRF ABC is quoting a source that says Marshall has given Butch Jones a deadline of Tuesday to accept or refuse the head coaching job.

http://twitter.com/FireUpChips

Butch Jones Team Meeting?

Contrary to previous reports Drew Ellis of the Morning Sun and Sun Sports Blog is reporting that Butch Jones has NOT scheduled a team meeting for this Wednesday to discuss his future at CMU:

"The players return to practice on Wednesday in preparation for the GMAC Bowl against Troy. There hasn't been any meeting schedule where Jones will announce his future to the players as others have reported. "

http://sunsportsblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/marshall-and-cincinnati-updates.html

Brady defends Moss

After members of the Carolina Panthers criticized Randy Moss for taking plays off on Sunday Patriot quarterback Tom Brady has come to his receivers defense:

"He's one of the top receivers in the league right now," Brady said in an interview on Boston sports radio station WEEI on Monday morning. "He is up there in yards and catches and touchdowns. Every game plan that the defense comes up with is trying to stop Randy Moss. ... It's not like they don't have respect for him when their game plan is built around stopping him."

"When guys play Randy, they want to show everyone what they can do. I guess they came out of the game pretty confident. Randy is one of the best players in the history of the NFL. When it doesn't go perfect out there, everyone wants to jump on Randy. It's all of us, and we all have to do a better job."

Patriot coach Bill Belichick also defended Moss:

"I have a lot of respect for Randy, I think he's one of our best players and I think if you watch other teams defend him and watch other teams play against him, they think the same way -- other than these two guys from Carolina after they lost another game. I guess they don't think that way. They haven't won a lot of games now."

Read the whole story here: http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4740924

Butch Jones to Interview at Cincy Tuesday

Yahoo.com Sports writer Tom Dienhart is reporting that Butch Jones will interview at Cincinnati on Tuesday. He also mentions ECU coach Skip Holtz as a candidate for the job.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=td-newsflash121409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Marshall in the NFL Week 14

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

First interior lineman off the bench during Pittsburgh’s 13 – 6 loss to Cleveland.

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Caught 1 pass for 16 which was fumbled. After the game Carolina players said Moss quit on a number of routes: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Did-Moss-shut-it-down-Panthers-say-he-did;_ylt=Asl646U8jro40R.Q17M_tcA5nYcB?urn=nfl,208367. New England beat Carolina 20 – 10.

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Punted 3 times for a 28.3 yard average, with one inside the twenty. New England beat Carolina 20 – 10.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

Out for the season, St. Louis lost to Tennessee 47 – 7.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

After being questionable to play Crocker re-aggravated an ankle injury during the first quarter and did not return. After the game Crocker could be seen wearing a walking boot, his status for next week in unknown. He registered one tackle before the injury, Cincinnati lost to Minnesota 30 – 10.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Was placed on IR on November 24th due to elbow soreness. Tampa Bay lost to New York (AFC) 26 - 3.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Missed a big tackle which resulted in a Cowboys touchdown, also registered one tackle. San Diego beat Dallas 20 – 17.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Rushed 14 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. Also collected 4 receptions for 46 yards. New York lost to Philadelphia 45 – 38.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Out for the season. Miami beat Jacksonville 14 - 10.

Jason Rader, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Inactive for the Falcons 26 - 23 loss to New Orleans.

Anatomy of Decline

Found a great article by Kyle Warber on MLive.com about why MAC football teams fall from grace. Marshall’s decline in national prominence mirrors what has happen to many MAC teams that were successful. Like I said it is a great read please take a look: http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2009/12/anatomy_of_decline_what_the_ch.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/14

From the Charleston Gazette, Petrino takes Illinois coordinator position

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912130499

From the Charleston Gazette, MU 'very impressed' by Jones

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912120478

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd starting to hit Jones' expectations

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912130436

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd accomplishes Donnie's goals

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x300692867/Herd-accomplishes-Donnies-goals

From the Herald Dispatch, Jones' dynamic offense has led Chippewas to success

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300692869/Jones-dynamic-offense-has-led-Chippewas-to-success

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Pruett wanted to return

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x300692009/Yes-Pruett-wanted-to-come-back-and-coach

Paul Petrino to Illinois

Rumored Marshall head coaching canidate Paul Petrino has been hired at Illinois as offensive coordinator: http://www.todaysthv.com/sports/hogzone/story.aspx?storyid=95880&catid=189

Great Place for Butch Jones News

Found a great place for Butch Jones news, http://twitter.com/FireUpChips

The twitter account is managed by Frenzo Chip who has CMU Blog on MLive.com, http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/index.html

News from his twitter feed http://twitter.com/FireUpChips:

Butch Jones has called a team only meeting for Wednesday, although ESPN is reporting Jones has aninterview with Cincy that day.

Also reporting that Marshall has told Paul Petrino there is no need for an interview.

BCS illegal?

Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post wrote a incredible article today about BCS injustice. The story does a great job going through the haves (BCS Conferences) and the have not’s (non BCS Conferences) of college football. Lets not forget a certain Marshall team in 1999 was denied inclusion into the BCS after a perfect regular season. When you get a chance check it out: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/11/AR2009121101891.html

Interviews Set

According to Anthony Hanshew at the Herald Dispatch CMU head coach Butch Jones is to be in Huntington at 7pm TONIGHT for a interview.

"According to multiple sources, both Jones and Trickett will interview with athletic director Mike Hamrick, again as early as Friday. A source from Michigan indicated that Jones is expected to arrive in Huntington by 7 p.m., Friday."

Read the whole story here: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/breaking/x1680433709/Interviews-set-for-Marshall-football-job

Butch Jones Interview? The plot thickens.

David Goricki, citing the Charleston Daily Mail, says Butch Jones will be in Huntington today. He also points out Hamrick is skipping a Little Caesars Pizza Bowl PR event at Ford Field Friday. He confirmed this with Jones secretary:

“When contacted by The Detroit News Thursday, Hamrick's secretary said Hamrick would not attend the luncheon, set for noon at Ford Field. She also said Hamrick would not comment on the job search.”

I don’t think Hamrick skipping Detroit means Jones is in Huntington. It has been confirmed that FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett is interviewing at Marshall today which could be limiting Hamrick’s travel. However, one might draw the conclusion that Hamrick could have been planning to interview Jones in Detroit after the PR event but had to call it off due to Trickett’s interview. Although that is pure speculation on my part. Either way I still have no idea if Jones is interviewing at Marshall today.

You can read Goricki's article here: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091211/SPORTS0203/912110416/1133/sports0203/Report--CMU-coach-Butch-Jones-interviewing-at-Marshall

Butch Jones rumored as Cincinnati Candidate

People have been predicting this for weeks. With Brian Kelly’s departure to Notre Dame Butch Jones has become a hot topic of conversation among Cincinnati fans. Looks like the competition is heating up for Marshall’s number one candidate.

Ticket Special for Marshall vs. Troy

Saturday’s night game (7pm tip off) features the Four 4 Fourty promotion. Fans can purchase four tickets, four hotdogs, four drinks, and four popcorns for $40. Tickets can be purchased at www.herdzone.com or 800-THE-HERD.

Marshall Football Academics Recognized

The American Football Coaches Association recognized 30 schools including Marshall University for graduating 75% of there 2002 recruiting classes. This year marks the second time the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate was used as a measuring stick.

Congratulations to Marshall Football for their hard work in the class room!

http://www.afca.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9300&ATCLID=204847136

*UPDATE* CMU reporter says Butch Jones interview not scheduled

Drew Ellis of the Morning Sun has reported that as of press time yesterday Butch Jones does not have an interview with Marshall Friday. He claims that the details of a potential interview are still being worked out.

“I can confirm from sources at CMU and at Marshall that this is not true. Jones has not pulled his name out of the running at Marshall. The buzz may have died down due to there not being an interview happening yet this week.

I can also confirm that an interview with Marshall has not yet been scheduled as of press time. Some media outlets are saying one is set for today, but sources close to the situation in Marshall have confirmed that is not the case, but a potential meeting is being worked on.”

So who is right, the multiple Huntington news outlets saying Jones is in West Virginia today or Dan Ellis in Central Michigan who says no meeting has been set? Only time will tell.

You can read Ellis’s full article here: http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/12/11/sports/srv0000007052995.txt

Trickett and Jones set to Interview Today

As has been reported by multiple outlets both Rick Trickett (FSU O-Line coach) and Butch Jones (CMU head coach) will be interviewing today in Huntington with Mike Hamrick.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/11

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Jones, Trickett to interview today for Herd post

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912100879

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Troy a tough matchup for Herd men

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallBasketball/200912100878

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside drawing national attention

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828642/Freshman-drawing-national-attention

From the Herald Dispatch, Burns to have busy day vs. Ohio

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828636/Burns-to-have-busy-day-vs-Ohio

Butch Jones Info

Rock Jock Talk, a Kansas University fan blog, has a nice post about Butch Jones. It dives into his coaching career and is the most comprehensive history about Jones I have been able to find. Not a bad read on a slow day: http://www.rockchalktalk.com/2009/12/10/1194443/get-to-know-a-coaching-candidate

P.S – This is the Marshall Thundering Blog’s 300th post, thanks for reading and please come back frequently!

Is Brad Lambert a Marshall Target?

Two Marshall beat writers, Doug Smock of the Charleston Daily Mail and Chuck Landon of the Herald Dispatch are reporting that Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brad Lambert has emerged as a candidate for MU’s head coaching vacancy. Lambert was a defensive assistant at Marshall during the Jim Donnan era. He followed Donnan to Georgia but eventually landed on Jim Grobe’s staff at Wake Forest. The past two seasons Lambert has been the Deacons defensive coordinator. During 2008 Lambert lead Wake to a top twenty defensive rating and coached star linebacker Aaron Curry to the Butkus award.

Landon is reporting that Lambert plans to bring a group of former Donnan and Bob Pruett staff members back to Marshall. He is also states that Lambert is getting strong endorsements from Grobe and Mike Hamrick confidant Ron Wellman, the Wake Forest athletic director.

You can see Lamberts Wake Forest profile here: http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lambert_brad00.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/10

From the Charleston Gazette, A word about Brad Lambert, etc.

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2009/12/10/a-word-about-brad-lambert-etc/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Could bowl be Minter's audition?

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912100035

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall running game back for bowl

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828052/Marshall-running-game-back-for-bowl

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: MU search turns to names other than Jones

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828048/MU-search-turns-to-names-other-than-Jones

From the Herald Dispatch, Houston's Keenum voted MVP

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828044/Houstons-Keenum-voted-MVP

From the Herald Dispatch, Conference USA teams climbing ladder toward Top 25

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456828042/Conference-USA-teams-climbing-ladder-toward-Top-25

Phil Steele honors Antavious Wilson

Besides being selected to the C-USA all freshman team Antavious Wilson was also selected by Phil Steele for his second team, nationwide all freshman team. Take a look here: http://www.philsteele.com/fbsinfo/FBSAllConf/2009allconf_freshman/2009main.html

Randy Moss Disciplined

Former Marshall standout and New England Patriot receiver Randy Moss was one of four players sent home from Wednesday’s practice for being late. Read about it here: http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4727483

Woman's Basketball Team

Congratulations to the woman’s basketball team who beat George Washington in D.C last night in front of twenty or so Washington area alumni. I was there and must say it was pretty entertaining. This coming from a guy who prior to last night would have rather watched paint dry than see woman’s basketball.

If you have not given Royce Chadwick’s bunch a look lately you can see the Herd back in Huntington on December 20th against Tennessee-Martin.

CMU Fighting to Keep Butch Jones

Over at Central Michigan Life it is being reported that CMU athletic director Dave Heeke is fighting to make Butch Jones the highest paid MAC coach, read the article here: http://www.cm-life.com/2009/12/09/cmu-ad-seeks-to-make-butch-jones-among-highest-paid-mac-coaches/

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/9

From the Charleston Gazette, MU's search, Big East rankings and celebrating good times

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912081045

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's other McClellan an All-CUSA pick

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912081053

From the Charleston Daily Mail, FSU's Rick Trickett to be interviewed for Marshall coach

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912080554

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Steele honors WVU, Marshall players

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912090038

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall puts 14 on All-C-USA team

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912090085

From the Herald Dispatch, Ohio rests while Herd practices

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456827454/Ohio-rests-while-Herd-practices-in-rain

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd players make All-C-USA

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456827432/Herd-puts-four-on-first-team

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Marshall relives past with trip to 'Pizza Bowl'

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456827450/Marshall-relives-past-with-trip-to-Pizza-Bowl

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall women beat George Washington for another road win

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456827458/Marshall-women-beat-George-Washington-for-another-road-win

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall's Wilson makes conference all-freshman team

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456827434/Marshalls-Wilson-makes-conference-all-freshman-team

All C-USA

Marshall University football players Cody Slate, Mario Harvey, Craig Ratanamorn and Sean McClellan were All-Conference USA first-team selections by league head coaches.

Marshall placed Darius Marshall, Daniel Baldridge and Albert McClellan on the second team.

Thundering Herd receiver Antavious Wilson earned a spot on the C-USA All-Freshman Team.

For a complete list of Marshall football players who made an all conference team click here:
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1680433451/MU-players-make-all-conference

FSU's Rick Trickett to be interviewed for Marshall coach

by Chuck McGill
Daily Mail sports writer
Advertiser

HUNTINGTON -- Rick Trickett, the assistant head coach and offensive line coach at Florida State, has emerged as serious candidate to succeed Mark Snyder as Marshall's football coach, the Daily Mail has learned.

Multiple sources said Trickett, 61, will interview with Athletic Director Mike Hamrick on Friday at an undisclosed, neutral location.

Trickett has 36 years of college football coaching experience on his resume, which includes the last three seasons with the Seminoles under out-going Coach Bobby Bowden.

A native of Masontown, W.Va., Trickett has strong ties in the Mountain State; he was an all-conference strong safety at Glenville and spent two separate stints as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.

Trickett, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach under Rich Rodriguez from 2001-06. He has coached at Southern Mississippi, New Mexico, Memphis, Mississippi State, Auburn and LSU, and has coached four first-round NFL draft picks and six All-Americans -- all offensive linemen.

A source familiar with the search indicated Central Michigan Coach Butch Jones, Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brad Lambert and Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino as the other primary candidates for head gig at Marshall.

Snyder resigned Nov. 29 after compiling a 22-37 record in five seasons at his alma mater. The Thundering Herd finished 6-6 this season and earned an invitation to face Ohio in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Dec. 26 at Ford Field in Detroit.

Marshall defensive coordinator Rick Minter has been named the interim coach for the bowl game.

http://www.dailymail.com/News/breakingnews/200912080554

Don’t Watch the Pizza Bowl?

Yahoo Sports got a panel of “experts” including former NFL running back Eddie George to discuss which non-BCS bowl games people should avoid. George was not very kind to the Pizza Bowl, watch here: http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-football/worst-non-bcs-bowl-games-58099

Marshall Woman's Basketball

We are not getting Marshall's bowl game but you can still support the Herd in Washington!

If you are in the D.C area PLEASE consider going to the Smith Center (George Washington University) tonight and watch our woman’s basketball team take on GW. Tip is at 7pm.

Verbal Commitment Watch

This will be the last verbal commitment watch until new recruits commit to Marshall. All of our current commitments have finished there seasons.

*I have no information if the coaching change has affected these recruits status with Marshall. Athletic Director Mike Hammrick told the Charleston Gazette that all accepted scholarship offers would be honored. Please note they have only verbally committed, none have inked a letter of intent which occurs in February.*

DE/TE Jamie Onufrak, Out Door Academy:

Out Door Academy lost to Glades Day 48 – 20 which ended their season in the class 1B Florida state semifinal game. Glades Day freshman running back Kelvin Taylor (son of NFL running back Fred Taylor) rushed for 366 yards and 5 touchdowns during the victory. Onufrak caught one pass for 9 yards. For the season Onufrak had 24 receptions for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Read about the loss here: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091205/ARTICLE/312059995/2579/sports0515?Title=ODA-is-Taylor-made-for-Glades-Day

TE/LS James Powers, Myrtle Beach High School:

Myrtle Beach High School lost to Clinton in the South Carolina AAA state championship game 35 – 26 this past Saturday. Powers does not appear in the game story but you can read it here: http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1201187.html

DE A.J Scott, Robert E Lee High School:

On Friday November 21st Robert E Lee lost to Liberty High 35 - 28 to end there season. There is a short note about Scott in this game story: http://www.newsleader.com/article/20091122/HSSPORTS01/91121008/1006/SPORTS/Robert-E.-Lee-falls-short-against-Liberty-Bedford

WR Raheem Waiters, Riverside High School:

After tearing his ACL during the football season Waiters is not playing basketball or running track for Riverside this year. Waiters spoke with the Charleston Daily Mail on December 2nd about Marshall’s coaching change and his status with MU, read here: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912010782

LB Trevor Black, Hargrave Military Academy:

Black has qualified academically and was planning to enroll at Marshall this spring before coach Snyder resigned. There has been no word of those plans changing.

DE Darien Moody, Gahanna Lincoln High School:

Gahanna Lincoln finished there season on October 30th with a 35 – 28 win over Groveport. Lincoln closed out the year with a 4 - 6 record. Here is a story that covers all of Lincoln’s season, Moody is mentioned briefly: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/gahanna/stories/2009/11/11/sports/1112rffb_sp.html?sid=104

Butch Jones, the view from CMU

Drew Ellis of the Morning Sun wrote and interesting article about Marshall’s pursuit of CMU coach Butch Jones. Click here to read: http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/12/08/sports/doc4b1db08169fe4261643483.txt

“I don’t envy the position Jones is in. It is easy for fans to discredit Marshall and call a jump there “a lateral move”, but I think it is also fair to say that any of us would like to make more money than we currently do.

You can’t fault Jones for at least listening to what Marshall has to say.”

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/8

From the Charleston Gazette, Wilkerson leads Herd to win

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912070943

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall tops Binghamton

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallBasketball/200912080024

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Pennington distancing himself from coach search

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456826912/Pennington-distancing-himself-from-coach-search

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd women playing well on the road

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456826920/Herd-women-playing-well-on-the-road

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside shoots MU to win

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1680433241/Whiteside-shoots-MU-to-win

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd applauds bowl selection

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x500094613/Herd-applauds-bowl-selection

Butch Jones will interview at Marshall

Butch Jones will interview at Marshall, Rivals.com has learned. Jones has coached Central Michigan the past three seasons, posting a 26-13 record. He led the Chippewas to a second MAC title this season and has CMU making a third consecutive bowl appearance, this time a trip to the GMAC Bowl against Troy.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=td-newsflash120709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Chad Pennington Statement

“Amidst speculation and rumors concerning my involvement with the search for the next head football coach of Marshall University, I want to clarify that I am not part of a search committee. I have received numerous phone calls from potential candidates and have merely passed the information along to Athletic Director Mike Hamrick. Mike and I have been in contact, and I want to thank him for respecting my opinion concerning our football program. However, because of my relationship with former coaches and my strong belief in Coach Bob Pruett, I cannot objectively give my input in this process. This crucial decision must be handled by the key decision makers of our university including Mike Hamrick and President Stephen Kopp. I will continue to support our university as well as our football program in the future. My hope is that our leaders will choose the right candidate to lead our football program.”

Does this mean coach Pruett is a candidate?

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2009/12/07/chad-pennington-speaks/

Marshall at Binghamton

This looked like a good game a few months ago, then Binghamton kicked six players off the team, athletic director Joel Thirer resigned, and head coach Kevin Broadus was placed on an indefinite leave of absence. You can read about the situation here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4520327

Although Binghamton is the defending American East conference champion they are with out many players that made up last years squad. This season the Bearcats are 3 - 5 and are coming off a 64 – 60 win over Bucknell. Binghamton’s leading scorer is junior forward Greer Wright at 12.6 ppg. While Greer is the only Bearcat who averages double figures guard Dylan Talley and forward Moussa Camara average over 9ppg.

Game time is 7pm in New York.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Info

Bowl Web Site:

http://www.littlecaesarspizzabowl.com/

Tickets THROUGH MARSHAHLL:

http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMARSHALL%3AF09%3ALCB%3A&linkID=marshall&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=

Bowl preferred hotels:

http://www.littlecaesarspizzabowl.com/FanInfo/FanHotels/tabid/82/Default.aspx

Directions from the Joan:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1pn=Joan+C+Edwards+Stadium&1c=Huntington&1s=WV&1a=2001+3rd+Ave&1z=25703&1y=US&1l=38.425583&1g=-82.423242&1v=ADDRESS&1id=21845201&2pn=Ford+Field&2c=Detroit&2s=MI&2a=2000+Brush+St&2z=48226&2y=US&2l=42.33881&2g=-83.046639&2v=ADDRESS&2id=22752183#b/maps/l:Joan+C+Edwards+Stadium:2001+3rd+Ave:Huntington:WV:25703:US:38.425583:-82.423242:address::1:::21845201/l:Ford+Field:2000+Brush+St:Detroit:MI:48226:US:42.33881:-83.046639:address::1:::22752183/io:1:::::f:::/e

Marshall in the NFL Week 13

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

First interior lineman off the bench during Pittsburgh’s 27 – 24 loss to Oakland

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Caught 2 passes for 66 yards during New England’s 22 – 21 loss to Miami .

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Punted 5 times for a 50 yard average, one inside the twenty and one touchback. New England lost to Miami 22 – 21.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

Out for the season, St. Louis lost to Chicago 17 – 9.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Registered 1 assisted tackle during Cincinnati’s 23 – 13 win over Detriot.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Was placed on IR on November 24th due to elbow soreness. Tampa Bay lost to Carolina 16 - 6.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Had a great special teams tackle on Brown’s returner Josh Cribbs. For the game Spillman registered 4 tackles and one assisted tackle. San Diego beat Cleveland 30 – 23.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Rushed 7 times for 47 yards and lost a fumble during New York’s 31 – 24 win over Dallas.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Out for the season. Miami beat New England 22 - 21.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/7

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's Class of 2005 had a few hits, plenty of misses

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912060555

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall headed to Detroit for bowl

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912060390

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd looking to solve road woes against Binghamton

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912060554

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Ring the Bell: Marshall to face Ohio in Little Caesars Bowl

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912060467

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd faces Binghamton team recovering from trouble

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x500094533/Herd-faces-Binghamton-team-recovering-from-trouble

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Big dollars at stake in search for MU coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456826048/Big-dollars-at-stake-in-search-for-MU-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, MU, Ohio in Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1680433099/MU-Ohio-expected-to-meet-in-Little-Caesars-Pizza-Bowl

Welcome to Detroit

It was announced Sunday night that Marshall will face Ohio University in the Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, formerly known as the Motor City Bowl. The postseason clash kicks off at 1 p.m. at Ford Field in Detroit.

C-USA Championship Game

ECU beat Houston 38 - 32 in the C-USA championship game today.

This is good news for Herd fans as ECU will now play in the Liberty Bowl. It was rumored that if Houston won ECU would be a popular pick for the Eagle Bank Bowl in Washington D.C, which Marshall hopes to play in.

MAC Championship

If you get a chance watch the MAC Championship game tonight at 8pm on ESPN 2. One sideline will be occupied by Herd head coach target Butch Jones (Central Michigan). The other sideline will contain Ohio University, a Marshall opponent next year.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/4

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd sets record, gets 300th Cam win

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912031077

From the Charleston Gazette, MU search, WVU perch, matchup in a lurch

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912031057

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd AD giving coach search its 'due diligence'

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912030924

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd cruises past overmatched Division II team

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallBasketball/200912031076

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd goes back to work

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456824951/Thundering-Herd-goes-back-to-work

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd romps by 84 points

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456824947/Herd-makes-history

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Fans get excited for this Herd team

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x456824941/Fans-get-excited-for-this-Herd-team

Lead Candidates?

It looks to me (just me, no sources) that we have two leading candidates for our head coaching vacancy. Butch Jones and John “Doc” Holliday have been mentioned consistently through out the search process by multiple sources. Both coaches would bring there own strengths and weaknesses to Marshall.

Butch Jones is the head coach at Central Michigan University. Prior to arriving at CMU Jones spent two years at WVU as wide receivers coach. Since coming to CMU Jones has compiled a record 25 – 13 with a MAC championship in 2007. This year Central Michigan has gone 9 – 2 and earned a spot in the MAC Championship game.

Concerns about Jones coaching ability center on his lack of success against BCS opponents and sustainability. While at CMU Jones has lost to Boston College 31 – 10 (2009), Georgia 56 – 17 (2008), and Kansas 52 – 7 (2007). Although, this season Central did beat Michigan State 29 – 27. Some people will argue that Jones is succeeding at CMU with Brain Kelly’s (current Cincinnati coach) recruits including star quarterback Dan LeFevor. This might be true Jones’s overall record at CMU is 25 – 13 while Kelly was only three games above .500 (19 – 16).

Doc Holliday was born in Hurricane WV and currently serves as associate head coach / recruiting coordinator at West Virginia University. During his coaching career Holliday has instructed many star athletes including Reggie Nelson (Florida), Koren Robinson (NC State) and Jerricho Cotchery (NC State). He is also know for being a great recruiter, especially in the state of Florida. Athletic Director Mike Hamrick is a good friend of Holiday’s and reportedly wanted to hire him at ECU instead of John Thompson.

Obviously hiring a WVU coach at MU would cause a strong reaction from many in Herd Nation. Concerns have also risen over Holliday’s coaching ability. Although he has coached on both sides on the ball Holliday has never been a coordinator.

In my eyes Jones is the prom queen in this chase. The only issue being he might be perused by BCS programs for there vacancies. Holliday would be a tough pick. Many could see his connection with Hamrick as a inside job. There is no denying Holliday would bring great recruits to Marshall but could he coach them once on campus?

I might be completely wrong about Holliday but I dare any one to say Jones is not Marshall’s top candidate. It will be interesting to see how things break down as we move forward.

Basketball Game Tonight

The Herd is taking on NAIA opponent Salem International in the Henderson Center at 7pm tonight.

Not only is Salem International a divison II, school they are also 0 – 4. Marshall should win by at least 30 tonight.

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/3

From the Charleston Gazette, Coaching speculation doesn't faze CMU's Jones

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912020995

From the Charleston Gazette, Records could fall when Herd faces Salem

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912020994

From the Charleston Gazette, Football, bowls, and basketball

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall, Jones look to build experience

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200912030064

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Look for Marshall to make a call to Doc

http://dailymail.com/Sports/JackBogaczyk/200912030098

From the Herald Dispatch, Miller expects overdue minutes

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x664154762/Miller-expects-overdue-minutes

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall rooting for Navy

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x664154764/Herd-has-rooting-interest-in-Army-Navy-game

From the Herald Dispatch, Hammond leads MU women to road victory

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x664154768/Hammond-leads-MU-women-to-road-victory

From the Herald Dispatch, AP bowl projections

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x664154746/No-Headline

Next Coach?

I have reason to believe (my own reasons no sources) Marshall’s next head football coach will be one of these gentleman:

Butch Jones, Head Coach Central Michigan University:

Seems to be the dream candidate. Also being pursued by Louisville and maybe Cincinnati if Brain Kelly leaves for Notre Dame. 26-13 in three years at CMU. Could he make A.J Graham into the next Dan LeFevour?

Bob Pruett, Former Head Coach Marshall University:

Could Marshall pull a Kansas State and bring the most successful coach in school history back for another round? Mitch Vingle at the Charleston Gazette says no, “And the first is Thundering Herd fans should not expect to see a return of Bob Pruett. They should not expect a return of Jim Donnan. That's just not the way this search engine is headed.”

Mickey Mathews, Head Coach James Madison University:

Jim Donnan's defensive coordinator in Huntington. Won a 1-AA national championship at James Madison.

Steve Kragthorpe, Former Head Coach Louisville:

Won a Conference USA championship while at Tulsa but had a 15 – 21 record while at Louisville. Could Kragthorpe get the magic back in C-USA?

John “Doc” Holliday, Associate Head Coach West Virginia:

Would the Thundering Herd faithful accept a career WVU man? Holliday is an excellent recruiter for the Mountaineers but questions remain about his coaching ability. Holliday has never been a coordinator but has coached many successful athletes on both sides of the ball. Athletic Director Mike Hamrick is a good friend of Holiday’s and reportedly wanted to hire him to replace Steve Logan at ECU instead of John Thompson.

Paul Petrino, Offensive Coordinator Arkansas:

It has been reported by multiple outlets that Petrino is very interested in the Marshall job. Petrino worked under his brother in Atlanta (NFL) as wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator while at Louisville. Has no Marshall ties but did coach in C-USA.

Gus Malzahn, Offensive Coordinator Auburn:

Would Malzahn give up his BCS dreams for Marshall? Malzahn is regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football and did a stint in C-USA at Tulsa during 2007.

Gunter Brewer, Co-Offensive Coordinator Oklahoma State:

Coached wide receivers at Marshall from 1996 – 1999. Is now head of a very successful offense at Oklahoma State. Son of former Ole Miss head coach Billy Brewer.

*UPDATE* Verbal Commitment Watch

From the Charleston Daily Mail:

"If we have made a scholarship offer and the kid has committed, then we will honor that offer," the first-year AD said Tuesday. "That's the right thing to do. That's the proper way we do business at Marshall. If Mark Snyder made an offer that was accepted, we will honor that."

From the statement above it appears Mike Hamrick will honor any scholarship extended to a high school football player by Mark Snyder.

Riverside High School wide receiver Raheem Waiters is still committed to Marshall football:

"They told me the recruits had nothing to worry about,"

"I got used to Coach Snyder and the coaching staff and it's sad I didn't get to play under them," Waiters said, "but it's still exciting to get to play at Marshall."

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/2

From the Charleston Gazette, Naming names for MU job, a nomination and an abomination

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912010961

From the Charleston Gazette, Southern Methodist, Central Florida clear up bowl picture

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912010986

From the Charleston Gazette, Tillis takes Herd big men under his own big wing

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200912010966

From the Charleston Gazette, Fun Stuff Tonight

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd recruits don't need to worry about scholarships

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912010782

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd AD hopes to hit home run with next hire

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200912010778

From the Herald Dispatch, Wilkerson wants to foul less, play more

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1863288474/Wilkerson-starts-fast-even-with-foul-trouble

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Herd needs to keep up with the Joneses

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1863288472/Herd-needs-to-keep-up-with-the-Joneses

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall ready to return to practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1863288476/Marshall-ready-to-return-to-practice

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall women on the road at Cleveland State

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1863288478/Marshall-women-on-the-road-at-Cleveland-State

Verbal Commitment Watch

*I have no information if the coaching change has affected these recruits status with Marshall. Please note they have only verbally commited, none have inked a letter of intent which occurs in Febuary.*

DE/TE Jamie Onufrak, Out Door Academy:

Out Door Academy beat Fort Myers Evangelical Christian 32 - 18 for the Class 1B-Region 3 championship. Onufrak caught one pass for 22 yards. Out Door Academy will play Glades Day in the 1B state semifinals at home this Friday. Read about the win here: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091128/ARTICLE/311289996/2123/SPORTS?Title=Thunder-too-Strong-for-Evangelical

TE/LS James Powers, Myrtle Beach High School:

Myrtle Beach High School won the South Carolina Lower State Championship over Marlboro County 40 - 13 last Friday. The Seahawks will play Clinton in the State Championship Saturday. Powers does not show up in the game story but you can read it here: http://www.thesunnews.com/940/story/1188534.html

DE A.J Scott, Robert E Lee High School:

On Friday November 21st Robert E Lee lost to Liberty High 35 - 28 to end there season. There is a short note about Scott in this game story: http://www.newsleader.com/article/20091122/HSSPORTS01/91121008/1006/SPORTS/Robert-E.-Lee-falls-short-against-Liberty-Bedford

WR Raheem Waiters, Riverside High School:

Out for the season with a torn ACL

LB Trevor Black, Hargrave Military Academy:

Black has qualified academically and will be enrolling at Marshall next semester so he can participate in spring practice. Marshall was Hargrave's last game of the season.

DE Darien Moody, Gahanna Lincoln High School:

Gahanna Lincoln finished there season on October 30th with a 35 – 28 win over Groveport. Lincoln closed out the year with a 4 - 6 record. Here is a story that covers all of Lincoln’s season, Moody is mentioned briefly: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/gahanna/stories/2009/11/11/sports/1112rffb_sp.html?sid=104

Hamrick wants quick hire

HUNTINGTON, W.V. — Thundering Herd fans shouldn’t have to wait very long.

The search for a new head football coach isn’t expected to last very long according to Marshall athletic spokesman Randy Burnside.

Burnside said first-year athletic director Mike Hamrick has not set a deadline but “is planning a thorough yet swift hiring process.”

Hamrick said he wants to keep the process fluid as he searches for a qualified coach who can win games, according to Burnside.

The new coach will replace Mark Snyder who resigned on Sunday after five seasons and a 21-37 record.

Burnside said Hamrick has a “long list” of potential candidates.

Snyder, who was an All-American safety on the 1987 Div. I-AA national runner-up team, returned to his alma mater after former coach Bob Pruett resigned right before the start of spring practices.

Snyder — who still holds the Herd single-season record with 10 interceptions — took over a program that lost 16 of its 22 starters from a 6-6 team, was penalized 16 scholarships due to an NCAA probation under Pruett, and made the move from the Mid-American Conference to Conference USA.

Marshall was 6-6 this past season and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2004. The Herd is expected to attend the Eagle Bank Bowl in Washington, D.C., provided Navy beats Army on Saturday.

http://www.irontontribune.com/news/2009/dec/01/hamrick-wants-quick-hire/

No Search Firm

From Chuck Landon of the Herald Dispatch:

Also, there are rumors swirling that head-hunter Bob Beaudine will conduct Marshall's head football coaching search.

Herd fans will remember Beaudine was hired by Marshall president Steve Kopp to handle the search for a new athletic director, culminating in Hamrick's hiring.

At the time, it was reported Beaudine's standard procedure was to do athletic job searches in pairs. If he did one for a college, he also did the next.

But that won't be the case in MU's head football coaching search.

"No, we're not going to be using a search firm," said Hamrick.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1186798217/Hamrick-was-hired-to-make-tough-decisions

Today's Marshall Sports News 12/1

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall's Whiteside earns C-USA honor

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200911300861

From the Charleston Gazette, MU selling tickets for Capital Classic

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200911300862

From the Charleston Gazette, Doug Smock coach speculation

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200911300862

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Search for Marshall football coach begins

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/200911300795

From the Herald Dispatch, Resignation marks 'new beginning' for program

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1186798231/Resignation-marks-new-beginning-for-program

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Hamrick was hired to make tough decisions

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1186798217/Hamrick-was-hired-to-make-tough-decisions

Marshall in the NFL Week 12

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

Undrafted free agent Ramon Foster was chosen to start at Left Guard over Doug Legursky during Pittsburgh's 20 - 17 over time loss to Baltimore.

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

New England is playing on Monday Night Football aginst New Orleans.

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

New England is playing on Monday Night Football aginst New Orleans.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

Out for the season, St. Louis lost to Seattle 27 – 17.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Registered 3 tackles with one assisted tackle duirng Cinncinnati's 16 - 7 win over Cleveland.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Was placed on IR on November 24th due to elbow soreness. Tampa Bay lost to Atlanta 20 - 17.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Was inactive during San Diego’s 43 – 17 win over Kansas City.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Out with a ankle injury during New Yorks 26 - 6 loss to Denver

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Out for the season. Miami loss to Buffalo 25 - 23.