No Updates Today 4/31/11

The Marshall Thundering Blog will not be updated today. We will return tomorrow Friday April 1st.

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/30/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd QB Battle Begins

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103291018

From the Charleston Gazette, Quick Practice Observations

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/29/quick-practice-observations/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, QB race takes center stage as Herd opens spring practice

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103291100

From the Herald Dispatch, Easy does it on first day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678503361/Easy-does-it-on-first-day

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Absence of Jones an unfortunate distraction

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678503357/Absence-of-Jones-an-unfortunate-distraction

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd rallies late to defeat Eastern Ky.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678503359/Herd-rallies-late-to-defeat-Eastern-Ky

From the Herald Dispatch, Andrew Ramspacher: Jones to wait for OK from NCAA

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678503363/Jones-to-wait-for-OK-from-NCAA

Bernard Morris Placed on IR

Former Marshall University and current Pittsburgh Power quarterback Bernard Morris has been placed on injured reserve by the Arena Football team.

Morris pulled a muscle in his throwing shoulder during the Powers week two game against Iowa. For the season Morris has passed for 378 yards, with 7 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.

Read more about Morris’s injury here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11082/1134426-139.stm

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/29/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall moves spring practice opener to today

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103281769

From the Charleston Gaazette, Items on eve of spring footy

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/28/items-on-eve-of-spring-footy/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall football: Quarterback competition primary focus for Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103281536

From the Herald Dispatch, Harvey visits kids at hospital

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27444826/Harvey-visits-kids-at-hospital

From the Herald Dispatch, Doc's back in the house

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27444834/Docs-back-in-the-house

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Both sides win when MU-WVU continues

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27444830/Both-sides-win-when-MU-WVU-continues

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/28/11

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall baseball: Infielder opts for success over sweets

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103270767

From the Herald Dispatch, Mental errors costly in Marshall's 2-1 loss to the Blazers

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678502915/Mental-errors-costly-in-Marshalls-2-1-loss-to-the-Blazers

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd softball rallies past Ball State, 8-6

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678502911/Thundering-Herd-softball-rallies-past-Ball-State-8-6

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/25/11

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall's next quarterback needs to have confidence

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103241183

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd glad to be back in Power

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678502261/Herd-glad-to-be-back-in-Power

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd softball playing old MAC rivals in Miami (Ohio) tournament

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678502263/Herd-softball-playing-old-MAC-rivals-in-Miam-Ohio-tournament

From the Charleston Gazette, Slow-starting Herd back in town

http://wvgazette.com/Sports/201103241348

From GoHerd.com, Marshall's Chris Parker, Michael Payton On 2011 College Football Hall Of Fame Ballot

http://www.goherd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=454:chris-parker-michael-payton-on-2011-college-football-hall-of-fame-ballot&catid=13:featured-news&Itemid=135

Marshall Football: 2011 Spring Practice Schedule

*All Times are TBD.

1 — Wednesday, March 30
2 — Friday, April 1
3 — Saturday, April 2
4 — Tuesday, April 5
5 — Wednesday, April 6
6 — Friday, April 8
7 — Saturday, April 9
8 — Tuesday, April 12
9 — Wednesday, April 13
10 — Friday, April 15
11 — Saturday, April 16
12 — Tuesday, April 19
13 — Wednesday, April 20
14 — Friday, April 22
15 — Saturday, April 23 (Spring Game)

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/24/11

From the Herald Dispatch, Tinnon to play at Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27443526/MU-recruit-juggles-family-fatherhood-and-basketball

From the Herald Dispatch, Photo Gallery: Marshall vs. WV Tech 9/1/84

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27443344/Gallery-Do-you-remember-1984-Marshall-vs-West-Virginia-Tech-March-23-2011

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall following VCU's blueprint

http://dailymail.com/Sports/chuckmcgill/201103230904

Yahoo’s Dr. Saturday Takes a Look at Marshall

On Monday, Yahoo.com’s college football blog “Dr. Saturday”, profiled the Thundering Herd heading into spring practice.

For a Huntington outsider, Dr. Saturday’s Matt Hinton does a good job breaking down the Herd.

Read it here: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/First-Glance-Marshall-grasps-for-a-new-way-forw?urn=ncaaf-wp219&active_dimension=carousel_ept_sports_ncaaf_experts&ysp_frm_woah=1

Marshall Football: Herd Offers Scholarship to Dominique Gibson

Per the twitter account of Herald Dispatch writer Grant Taylor, Marshall has offered a scholarship to Belle Glade (FL) Linebacker Dominique Gibson. Standing at 5’10, 190 pounds, Gibson projects as a safety in college but could bulk up and remain at linebacker. Already a highly sought after recruit Gibson currently holds offers from Kentucky, TCU, and ECU.

For much more on Gibson follow the links below:

Grant Taylors Twitter page: http://twitter.com/#!/GrantTraylor

Gibson’s Rivals.com page: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Dominique-Gibson-108275

Gibson’s 247Sports.com page: http://247sports.com/Recruit/Dominique-Gibson-881

Gibson’s Scout.com page: http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=5357073

Article, EliteScoutingServices.com: http://elitescoutingservices.com/2011/01/10/rising-star-dominique-gibson-linebacker-class-of-2012/

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOkNq3Tcstk

College Basketball: Providence Hires Ed Cooley

Providence College has selected Ed Cooley to lead their men’s basketball program. A Providence native, Cooley has spent the past five years as Fairfield’s head coach, posting a 92-69 record.

When former Providence coach Keno Davis was fired many speculated that Marshall’s Tom Herrion would be a candidate to replace him.

Read about Cooley’s hire here: http://www.projo.com/pc/content/PC_Friars_Cooley_Keno_Davis_Dris_03-23-11_7FN_v2.1417572.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/23/11

From the Herald Dispatch, Eagles first, Herd third in Ocala Spring golf

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442974/Eagles-first-Herd-third-in-Ocala-Spring-golf

From the Herald Dispatch, Conference USA's SMU, UCF still going

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442982/Conference-USAs-SMU-UCF-still-going

From the Beckley Register Herald, Steelers Legursky to make stop in Beckley

http://www.register-herald.com/todayssportsfront/x1728494707/Steelers-Legursky-to-make-stop-in-Beckley

Marshall Alum Michael Payton up for Hall of Fame

Former Marshall University quarterback Michael Payton is among 26 candidates who could be voted into the College Football Hall of Fame this May. If elected Payton would join fellow Marshall wide receiver Troy Brown and coach Jim Donna in the Hall’s Football Championship Subdivision wing.

During his time at Marshall Payton won a national championship in 1992 and received the Walter Payton Award (1-AA MVP).

PennLive.com’s Stephanie Loh conducted an interview with Peyton, read it here: http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/03/qna_cd_east_grad_and_former_ma.html

Ex – Marshall Football Coach George Chomp Hired at Central Dauphin East (PA) High School

After an eight year run at Harrisburg High (PA) were he accumulated a record of 62-29 former Marshall football coach George Chomp has been hired at Central Dauphin East H.S (PA).

Chomp is best known for leading Marshall to its first ever division 1-AA championship game in 1987, a 43 – 42 loss to Northeast Louisiana.

Read about Chomp’s hire here: http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/6395830475465183019/by-hiring-george-chaump-east-proves-its-serious/

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/22/11

From the Herald Dispatch, McConaughey's line wins accolade

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442746/Line-from-We-Are-Marshall-named-second-best-ever-in-a-sports-movie

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Big East Chuck-ed reputation by losing

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442742/Big-East-Chuck-ed-reputation-by-losing

From the Herald Dispatch, Women golfers 4th in Florida tourney

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442730/Women-golfers-4th-in-Florida-tourney

Lexington Herald Goes In-Depth on Marshall Plane Scare

In Gerad Parker's line of work, air travel is a must.

Nevertheless, the ex-University of Kentucky wide receiver is still weighing how he feels about stepping on an airplane again.

Along with another former UK football player, Mike Cassity, Parker was among the Marshall University assistant football coaches whose March 9 Comair flight from Atlanta to Charleston, W.Va., was diverted to Lexington for a potential emergency landing after the pilot could not get the plane's front landing gear to deploy……..

Read the whole article here: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/03/20/1677695/mark-story-plane-scare-emotional.html#ixzz1HF8k44bq

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/21/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herrion’s Status Among Questions Facing Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103201659

From the Charleston Gazette, Huntington native Walker enjoying life with Knicks

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/201103201577

From the Herald Dispatch, Gamby's homer powers Herd past Pirates in softball

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442534/Gambys-homer-powers-Herd-past-Pirates-in-softball

From the Herald Dispatch, Gray helps Bonnies beat Herd in baseball

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27442532/Gray-helps-Bonnies-beat-Herd-in-baseball

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herd chases top QB

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x27441938/QB-Ducks-threw-away-might-come-here-to-play

Marshall University Big Green Washington D.C Chapter

Greater Washington D.C Marshall Alumni,

Marshall University’s Big Green Scholarship Foundation is starting to form a Washington D.C chapter. Stay up to date on the chapters latest news by “liking” us on Facebook. Visit the chapters Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Marshall-University-Big-Green-Washington-DC-Chapter/116567951754803

Today's Marshall Sports News 1/18/11

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd recruit leads team to state title in North Carolina

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678500525/Herd-recruit-leads-team-to-state-title-in-North-Carolina

From the Herald Dispatch, Tennis team plays Winthrop at home

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678500527/Tennis-team-plays-Winthrop-at-home

From the Herald Dispatch, Hammer, Drillers set to kick off

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678500517/Hammer-Drillers-set-to-kick-off

From HerdZone.com, Baseball Hosts Three-Game Series vs. Bonnies in Beckley Starting Friday

http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/031711aaa.html

Marshall Football: Randy Moss Notes

Two articles on former Marshall receiver Randy Moss.

Story from the Associated Press on Moss’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Team:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gyvRSVHo5COT_CmiGvbfSPLB5Cbw?docId=6267314

Yesterday Moss spoke with Minneapolis radio station KFAN about his desire to be a New England Patriot again:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Randy-Moss-wants-return-to-Patriots?urn=nfl-334680

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/17/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herrion looking ahead after CIT loss

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103160870

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball: Obstacles didn't get in Herd's way

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103160764

From the Herald Dispatch, Herrion ends 1st season with 22 wins

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27441134/Herrion-ends-his-inaugural-season-with-22-wins

From the Herald Dispatch, Harvey is speedy during pro day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27441136/Harvey-is-speedy-during-pro-day

From the Herald Dispatch, Hammer QB finds his groove in new formation

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27441126/Hammer-QB-finds-his-groove-in-new-formation

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Shoddy officiating aside, MU beat itself

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27441132/Chuck-Landon-Shoddy-officiating-aside-MU-beat-itself

Marshall Basketball: Tom Herrion to Providence Becoming Less Likely

As the search for Providence's next head basketball coach continues it is becoming less likely that Marshall’s Tom Herrion is being considered.

According to a cbssprots.com article Fairfield coach Ed Cooley and former Ohio State head coach Jim O’Brien are the front runners to replace Keno Davis. The report also indicated that Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins and Boston University coach Pat Chambers are being considered but did not mention Herrion.

Read the report here: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/14816985/exbuckeyes-coach-obrien-among-frontrunners-for-providence-job

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/16/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall Makes Quick CIT Exit

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103150758

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd flat in CIT defeat to Ohio

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103150765

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd bows out of CIT

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440678/Herd-bows-out

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Next time, let's just skip this tournament

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440676/Next-time-lets-just-skip-this-tournament

From the Herald Dispatch, Vikings score 4 in fourth to defeat Marshall, 7-2

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440670/Vikings-score-4-in-fourth-to-defeat-Marshall-7-2

From the Herald Dispatch, OU's Keely takes second chance

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440684/Keely-takes-second-chance

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall gives up points in the paint

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440682/Marshall-gives-up-points-in-the-paint

From the Herald Dispatch, Harvey eager for Marshall pro day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440680/Harvey-eager-for-Marshall-pro-day

Live Stream: Marshall vs. Ohio, CIT Round 1

A free live video stream of tonight’s first round CIT matchup of Marshall vs. Ohio can be viewed at:

http://www.b2livetv.com/partner_members.asp?id=379

It says, “this broadcast has been cancelled”, but it has not been cancelled. The Icon will be live at 7pm.

Marshall basketball: Update on Providence College Coaching Search

Yesterday I posted a couple of articles speculating that Marshall coach Tom Herrion might be under consideration for Providence’s head basketball job.

Today it appears that another schools head coach, Fairfield University’s Ed Cooley, is the front runner.

A Providence Journal story indicates that the Friars have been given permission to interview Cooley from Fairfield.

Read the article here: http://www.projo.com/pc/content/PC_Friars_Cooley_Keno_Davis_03-15-11_Q1N0QVH_v2.10a8a62.html

Marshall Basketball Commitment Wins State Championship

Marshall basketball commitment Devince Boykins lead East Rutherford High School to a 58 – 50 victory over Northwood in the North Carolina 2A championship game last week. The championship was the first in East Rutherford basketball history.

Boykins was huge down the stretch. With East Rutherfod down 44 – 47 with 5 minutes left he scored 8 of the teams final 14 points.

See a highlight video of the game here: http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/sports/local/videos/wlos_vid_1311.shtml

Read about the game here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/03/13/2136452/east-rutherford-claims-state-title.html

Basketball Alum Tyler Wilkerson Traded

Former Marshall basketball star Tyler Wilkerson has been traded from Gilboa/Galil to Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Super League. Wilkerson started his career in Israel this season, he is averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 25 minutes of court time in league play.

In depth information on the trade can be found here: http://www.sportando.net/eng/europe/israel/24195/tyler_wilkerson_to_maccabi_haifa_for_marco_killingsworth.html

Pittsburgh Power & Bernard Morris Fall in Inaugural Game

Despite a gritty comeback attempted that included three onside kicks Marshall alumni Bernard Morris and the Pittsburgh Power fell to the Philadelphia Soul 58-52 in overtime Friday night. Morris had a great first half, completing 7 of 8 passes with three touchdowns. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh’s offense sputtered down the stretch. After halftime Morris threw two more touchdown passes but was also picked off three times.

In over time Pittsburgh had the ball first but Morris was intercepted by Soul defensive back Mike Brown who returned the ball for a touchdown. The interception sealed Philadelphia’s 58 – 52 victory.

For the game Morris completed 24 passes on 37 attempts for 264 yards and 5 TD’s to 3 INT’s. He also rushed for 2 yards on 4 attempts.

Read about the game here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11070/1131516-139.stm

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/15/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd hopes to make best of CIT bid

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103140717

From the Charleston Daily Mail, 'First Four' needs some tweaking by NCAA committee

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103140549

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball: Earlier meeting offers little insight to Ohio

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103140554

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Pastner defends UAB on Jim Rome

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/15/pastner-defends-uab-on-jim-rome/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, It’s Gameday … CIT style

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/15/its-gameday-cit-style/

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall faces Ohio in CIT

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440320/Marshall-faces-Ohio-in-CIT

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Is Herrion one and done at Marshall?

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440318/Is-Herrion-one-and-done-at-Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd's Sikula gets C-USA pitching honor

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x678499647/Thundering-Herds-Sikula-gets-C-USA-pitching-honor

From the Herald Dispatch, Rick McCann: With win, Marshall has good shot at bye

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440316/With-win-Marshall-has-good-shot-at-bye

Did Marshall Deserve a NIT Bid?

When the NIT Tournament field was announced many Herd fans were disappointed Marshall was not listed. Lets take a clear look at the NIT’s last few at large selections and see how they stack up against Marshall.

*Quick note: This years NIT field included 14 automatic qualifiers, regular-season conference champions not selected to the NCAA Tournament. They include Bethune-Cookman, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Fairfield, Florida Atlantic, Kent State, Long Beach State, McNeese State, Milwaukee, Missouri State, Murray State, St. Mary’s, Texas Southern, and Vermont.

Out of the NIT’s at large selections these schools had the weakest tournament resumes:

New Mexico
Nebraska
Northwestern
Wichita State

Here are those four schools tournament resumes and Marshall’s:

Marshall
RPI: 54
Record: 22-11
SOS: 72
VS. Top 25: 1-1
VS. Top 50: 3-7
VS. Top 100: 7-10
Best Wins: WVU(21), Memphis(28)
Worst Losses: Chattanooga(199)

New Mexico
RPI: 66
Record: 21-12
SOS: 80
VS. Top 25: 2-5
VS Top 50: 2-5
VS Top 100: 5-8
Best Wins: BYU(twice 5), CSU(51), Colorado(65)
Worst Losses: Utah(118), Wyoming(263)

Nebraska
RPI:88
Record: 19-12
SOS: 66
VS Top 25: 1-4
VS. Top 50: 3-6
VS Top 100: 7-9
Best Wins: Texas(11), TA&M(29), Missouri(37)
Worst Losses: TT(116), Davidson(188)

Northwestern
RPI: 87
Record: 18-13
SOS: 71
VS Top 25: 0-6
VS Top 50: 1-11
VS Top 100: 5-13
Best Wins: Illinois(46), Michigan(53)
Worst Losses: Minnesota(84)

Wichita State
RPI: 59
Record: 24-8
SOS: 107
VS Top 25: 0-2
VS Top 50: 0-5
VS Top 100: 3-6
Best Wins: Tulsa(81), Indiana State(84)
Worst Losses: Southern Illinois(207)

I don’t think Marshall stacks up well with Nebraska and New Mexico. Even though the Cornhuskers RPI is 34 spots higher than Marshall’s they collected impressive victories over Texas, Texas A&M, and Missouri, all tournament teams. New Mexico and Marshall have similar resumes but NM plays in the Mountain West Conference. C-USA had a lot of quality teams this season but the Mountain West was better with BYU, San Diego State, and UNLV.

You can make a very good argument that Marshall has a better tournament resume than Northwestern and Wichita State. In fact, I can’t find a single measurement that makes Wichita State superior to Marshall. The Herd has a better RPI, SOS, and Record vs. top 100 competition. On top of that the Shockers best win came at home against Tulsa, 82-79. Marshall defeated Tulsa 79 – 61 in the Cam Henderson Center. Northwestern’s best attribute is the lack of a bad loss. Beyond that they don’t stack up with Marshall in top 50 wins or victories over quality opponents.

Yes Marshall fans, be angry, the Herd got snubbed.

Marshall Basketball: Tom Herrion Possible Candidate for Providence Job

When Providence fired men’s basketball coach Keno Davis the rumor mill immediately starter up on his replacement. Several publications have listed Marshall coach Tom Herrion as a possible candidate.

Herrion has previous experience at Providence, serving as a assistant coach on Pete Gillen’s Friars staff from 1994 – 1998. He also has additional Big East experience as a assistant at Pittsburgh from 2007 – 2009. In five seasons as a head coach at Marshall and the College of Charleston, Herrion sports a 102 – 49 record.

From the Providence Journal, Jim Donaldson: Here’s a dozen who may get a call from PC

http://www.projo.com/pc/content/Donaldson_PC_Friars_Keno_03-13-11_KNMVMVT_v2.ef2cdb.html

Tom Herrion, Marshall — Another former Friar assistant, he never had a losing season in four years as head coach at College of Charleston (2002-06) before he was dumped in favor of South Carolina legend Bobby Cremins, with whom the C of C administration was enamored. Now at Marshall after a stint as an assistant at Pitt, Herrion led the Thundering Herd to a victory over West Virginia this season. PC fans may recall that Keno Davis’ lads lost in Morgantown by 30, 93-63.

From ESPN.com, Thoughts on Coaching Vacancies

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6209840/thoughts-recent-coaching-vacancies

An early list of some candidates for the Providence job: ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla; former Boston College coach Al Skinner; Fairfield coach Ed Cooley; former PC assistant and current Marshall coach Tom Herrion; Duquesne coach Ron Everhart and Saint Peter's coach John Dunne. I wouldn't be surprised to see Wagner's Bobby Hurley (and brother Danny) in the mix.

Today's Marshall Sports News 1/14/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd staying home for CollegeInsider.com Tournament

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103130403

From the Charleston Gazette, A bad year to allow Memphis to win C-USA

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103130436

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall has to settle for CIT

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103130456

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd to face Ohio in CIT

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440034/Herd-back-in-CIT-this-time-to-face-OU

From the Herald Dispatch, Hammer holds on to defeat Saginaw, 38-37

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440038/Hammer-holds-on-to-defeat-Saginaw-38-37

From the Herald Dispatch, MU ties for 10th in golf tourney

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440036/MU-ties-for-10th-in-golf-tourney

From the Herald Dispatch, Tulsa uses strong first inning to beat Herd, 8-1

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440040/Tulsa-uses-strong-first-inning-to-beat-Herd-8-1

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall beats OU, 7-3

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27440032/Marshall-beats-OU-7-3

CIT: Ohio @ Marshall, Tuesday 7pm

Marshall will host rival Ohio University in a first round College Insider Tournament match up this Tuesday at 7pm.

Fellow C-USA schools East Carolina (hosting Jacksonville at 8pm Tuesday) and Southern Methodist (hosting Oral Roberts at 8pm Wednesday) accepted CIT bids.

See the whole CIT schedule here: http://www.collegeinsider.com/tournament/results.html

Marshall Basketball: No NIT Bid

Looks like Marshall lost out on a NIT bid. Stay tuned for the Herd's first round CIT matchup, should know soon.

NIT: Harvard @ Marshall?

Per Herald Dispatch reporter Chuck Landon's Twitter account rumors are flying that Marshall will host Harvard in the NIT's first round.

See Landon's Twitter page here: http://twitter.com/#!/Chuckonsports

You can watch the official NIT Tournament Selection Show on ESPNU at 9pm tonight.

Arena Football Season Set to Kickoff with Marshall Alumni

The Arena Football League starts their 2011 season tonight. Lets take a looks at the Marshall alumni doting AFL rosters.

The Pittsburgh Power sport two former Thundering Herd players, quarterback Bernard Morris and offensive/defensive lineman Chris Terrell.

Morris had limited experience under center with the AFL’s Jacksonville Sharks in 2010. Backing up AFL legend Aaron Garcia, Morris passed for 567 yards and record a passer rating of 113.9. Morris enters the season as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback.

This will be Terrell’s first foray into Arena football. Terrell spent last season with the Southern Indoor Football League Columbus Lions. Even though he played defensive tackle at Marshall, Terrell protected the quarterback as an offensive lineman in Columbus.

The NFL Network will be broadcasting tonight’s Pittsburgh Power game against the Philadelphia Soul. Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm.

Former Marshall wide receiver John Cooper has found a home with the Utah Blaze. Cooper has extensive indoor football experience with the Ohio Valley Greyhounds, Lexington Horseman, and Bloomington Extreme. Last year in Bloomington Cooper caught 54 passes for 552 yards and 8 TD’s.

NIT Bracketology

After Marshall was eliminated from the C-USA tournament last night we can start talking NIT Bracketology.

There are two websites that are dedicated to this unusual pursuit, they are:

The Bracket Project – NIT: WWW.bracketproject.50webs.com/nit.html

&

Chicago College Basketball: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-college-basketball/

I personally think the Bracket Project does a better job but both are good resources.

With last nights loss Marshall is right on the NIT bubble. The Herd has a few things working for and against them.

Positives: RPI of 54, strength of schedule 69, 1 – 1 record against teams with a top 25 RPI ranking, 7 – 10 record against the RPI top 100, signature wins over WVU and Memphis, and only one bad loss to Chattanooga.

Negatives: Marshall finished 6th in C-USA. With C-USA looking like a one bid NCAA Tournament league four other schools from the same conference will be fighting for NIT spots. Even though Marshall has an impressive resume the NIT selection committee might be hard pressed to select MU over other C-USA schools who finished with superior conference records.

The NIT Tournament selection show will take place this Sunday at 9pm on ESPNU.

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/11/11

From the Charleston Gazette, UTEP Feels Right at Home in Win Over Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103101474

From the Charleston Gazette, UAB's tournament woes continue

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103101442

From the Charleston Daily Mail, C-USA Tournament: Herd can't dig itself out of hole against UTEP

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103110044

From the Charleston Daily Mail, C-USA Tournament: East Carolina stuns UAB in overtime

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103101258

From the Charleston Daily Mail, House officials pass 'Coal Bowl' resolution

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103101243

From the Herald Dispatch, UTEP Stops Thundering Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1859919511/UTEP-stops-Thundering-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Rick McCann: Pirates pull biggest upset of tourney

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1752232388/Pirates-pull-biggest-upset-of-tourney

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: UTEP had home court advantage

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27439171/UTEP-had-home-court-advantage

From the Herald Dispatch, Hammer Add Four to Roster

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27439161/Hammer-adds-four-to-roster

Marshall Basketball: C-USA Tournament Bye not Necessarily a Good Thing

Since C-USA realignment first round bye teams are 12 – 9 in quarterfinal games. That includes ECU’s just completed 75 – 70 win over number one tournament seed UAB. Keep in mind that four of those victories belong to John Calipari led Memphis teams.

Marshall Basketball: The Last Time Marshall met UTEP

Below I have re-linked the Charleston Daily Mail, Charleston Gazette, and Herald Dispatch game write ups for Marshall ‘s March 2nd game at UTEP. I have also included a box score.

From the Charleston Gazette, Culpepper leads UTEP past Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103021205

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall loses at UTEP, win streak snapped

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103030004

From the Herald Dispatch, Culpepper, UTEP too much for Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x461675690/Culpepper-UTEP-too-much-for-Herd

Box Score, via ESPN

http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=310612638

For those who can not recall the Herd lost 82 – 74. Marshall won the rebounding battle big 43 – 29, but let UTEP shoot almost 60% from the field. After letting opposing teams shoot a combined 58% (61 – 104) on the Miners home floor Marshall needs to improve it’s leaky El Paso defense tonight.

Charleston Daily Mail: Chuck McGill live chat 3/10/11, 1pm

Follow the link below for Chuck McGill’s live Marshall chat starting at 1pm. McGill covers Marshall athletics for the Charleston Daily Mail and is in El Paso covering the C-USA tournament.

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/10/quarterfinals-live-chat-breakfast-enchiladas/

3/10/11, Today’s C-USA Men’s Tournament Schedule

(1) UAB vs. (8) East Carolina, 1 p.m.

(4) Memphis vs. (5) Southern Miss, 3 p.m.

(3) UTEP vs. (6) Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

(2) Tulsa vs. (7) Rice, 10 p.m.

Marshall Football: Video of Yesterday’s Crash Landing w/Marshall Coaching Staff on Board

As reported by multiple outlets a potentially deadly situation was averted Wednesday after a plane carrying all nine Marshall University football coaches made an emergency landing at Bluegrass International Airport.

Video of the flights crash landing can be found here from WSAZ.com:

http://www.wsaz.com/sports/headlines/Plane_Carrying_MU_Football_Coaches_Makes_Emergency_Landing_in_Lexington_117707123.html

Marshall Basketball: News From El Paso

With Marshall set to take on tournament host UTEP at 7:30pm tonight lets take a look at what El Paso’s media is saying about the game:

From the El Paso Times, UTEP men's basketball: Miners face roadblock in tough Marshall

http://www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_17579622

From the El Paso Times, C-USA men's tournament: Marshall thunders past Houston, will face UTEP today

http://www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_17574732

From the El Paso Times, Conference USA men's notebook: From hospital to Haskins Center

http://www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_17579637

From the El Paso Times, Miner basketball strategy, i.e. abra kadabra

http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/utepsports/2011/03/miner-basketball-strategy-ie-abra-kadabra.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/10/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd Runs Past Houston

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103090932

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall gets another crack at UTEP in quarterfinals

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

From the Charleston Gazette, The battle for Dago Pena

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/09/the-battle-for-dago-pena/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Pena's 3s the difference for Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103100022

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd wins date with UTEP

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/09/marshall-wins-date-with-utep/

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall shoots down Houston

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880187/Pena-ignites-64-point-outburst-in-second-half

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd football staff lands safely after scare

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880191/Herd-football-staff-lands-safely-after-scare
From the Herald Dispatch, Herd-OU baseball series moved

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880193/Herd-OU-baseball-series-moved

From the Herald Dispatch, Women lose in 1st round to UAB

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880195/Women-lose-in-1st-round-to-UAB

From the Herald Dispatch, Rick McCann: Double-double in final game fits Crook's prolific career

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880171/Double-double-in-final-game-fits-Crooks-prolific-career

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Marshall no longer 'winless in El Paso'

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001880167/Marshall-no-longer-Winless-in-El-Paso

West Virginia House of Delegates Recognizes Importance of Coal Bowl

In a unprecedented resolution the West Virginia House of Delegates has recognized the importance of Marshall and WVU continuing their football series.

West Virginia House Resolution No. 25

That the House of Delegates hereby recognizes the importance of the annual Marshall - WVU football game and urges the continuation of the series; and, be it. Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor and the Presidents of Marshall University and West Virginia University.

The resolution was introduced by delegates Jim Morgan (Cabell), Dale Stephens (Cabell), Kevin Craig (Cabell) Carol Miller (Cabell), Kelli Sobonya (Cabell), Don Perdue (Wayne), and Doug Reynolds (Cabell).

Read the whole resolution here: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/resolution.cfm?billdoc=hr25%20intr.htm&yr=2011&sesstype=rs&i=25

Report: Dago Pena Feeling Better

Charleston Daily Mail reporter Chuck McGill disclosed during his online chat that Marshall basketball guard/forward Dago Pena is feeling better after battling a illness yesterday:

McGill: Was just told that Dago Pena is feeling much better today.

Pena skipped Marshall’s practice in El Paso Tuesday and was taken to the hospital where he received an IV. At this time it is not known if Pena will play tonight.

See a transcript of McGill’s chat here: http://www.coveritlive.com/index.php?option=com_altcaster&task=siteviewaltcast&altcast_code=776c765d64&height=550&width=470

Marshall Basketball: Mike Cheatham to JUCO/Prep School?

Last week it was revealed that Baltimore City College guard Mike Cheatham verbally committed to Marshall. In two separate reports it appears that Cheatham’s arrival in Huntington might be delayed.

In his online chat Charleston Daily Mail reporter Chuck McGill indicated that Cheatham might attend a junior college before enrolling at Marshall:

Q: New B-Ball commit? (Mike Cheatham) How do we have space?

McGill: JUCO

Q: so, Cheatham will go juco next year, then come to MU the following year? will that leave him 3?, or will he have to do two years at juco. if so, we still looking for PG to replace pitts?

McGill: Not sure what will happen to Cheatham once he goes JUCO ... he's not bound to Marshall or anything. Boykins can handle the point ... and Herrion will definitely bring in a PG in 2012.

In another report Baltimore Sun recruiting reporter Matt Bracken floated the idea of Cheatham attending a prep school:

Cheatham may do a year of prep school before matriculating to Huntingtown, but that won’t be determined for another few months.

See a transcript of McGill’s chat here: http://www.coveritlive.com/index.php?option=com_altcaster&task=siteviewaltcast&altcast_code=776c765d64&height=550&width=470

See the Baltimore Sun report here: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/recruiting/2011/03/mike_cheatham_marshall.html

Today’s C-USA Tournament Schedule

*All times eastern

(8) East Carolina vs. (9) UCF, 1 p.m, winner plays (1) UAB

(5) Southern Miss vs. (12) Tulane, 3:30 p.m, winner plays (4) Memphis

(6) Marshall vs. (11) Houston, 7:30 p.m, winner plays (3) UTPEP

(7) SMU vs. (10) Rice, 10 p.m, winner plays (2) Tulsa

C-USA Tournament: Houston Cougar Notes

Two University of Houston news items from the Houston Chronicle.

First article is a short preview of Houston’s chances in the C-USA tournament, no ground breaking information:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkc/men/7463358.html

The second article is about Houston’s fall from a college basketball powerhouse to their current situation. A very good read:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/houston/7463326.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/9/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Time for memory loss

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103080715

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's Kane is C-USA freshman of the year

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103080726

From the Charleston Gazette, Now the real work begins for league teams

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103080803

From the Charleston Gazette, MU's Payton, Parker among Hall candidates

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103080730

From the Charleston Gazette, Congratulations again to Mr.Kane

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/08/congratulations-again-mr-kane/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd coach not thinking about Houston's record

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103080905

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Bob Pruett almost landed UC football job

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103080585

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herrion and riding the bull, feeling the flow

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/08/herrion-and-riding-the-bull-feeling-the-flow/

From the Herald Dispatch, C-USA names Kane top freshman

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879903/Kane-best-freshman

From the Herald Dispatch, Rick McCann: Chance meeting of Kane, Flowers yields humorous exchange

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879897/Chance-meeting-of-Kane-Flowers-yields-humorous-exchange

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Marshall has genuine shot to win tournament

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879901/Marshall-has-genuine-shot-to-win-tournament

From the Herald Dispatch, C-USA snub offers Crook motivation

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879907/C-USA-snub-offers-Crook-motivation

From the Herald Dispatch, Baseball team falls narrowly to Virginia

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879905/Baseball-team-falls-narrowly-to-Virginia

Marshall Basketball: DeAndre Kane named C-USA Freshman of Year

From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x222027352/MUs-DeAndre-Kane-named-C-USA-Freshman-of-Year

Marshall guard DeAndre Kane was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year on Tuesday, as voted on by coaches and league media.

The announcement comes one day after Kane was named as an All-Conference USA third-team selection.

Kane averaged 15.1 points per game, placing him in the top five nationally among freshman scorers.

Marshall Baseball: Herd Takes on Virginia at 3pm Today

Marshall University’s baseball team travels to Charlottesville (VA) for a mid week match-up against Virginia today at 3pm. Virginia (12-1), ranked 6th in the nation, will send right hander Will Roberts (1-0, 1.93 ERA) to the hill. Marshall (5-5) will counter with senior Arik Sikula (0-2, 9.58 ERA).

Check this WVMetronews.com article for a full pre-game report: http://www.wvmetronews.com/sports.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=43775

You can follow today’s game through game tracker at: www.HerdZone.com

Marshall Basketball: Houston’s Adam Brown Reinstated for Tournament

Houston head coach James Dickey has reinstated senior guard Adam Brown to the team. Brown was suspended for the regular seasons final three games due to a violation of team rules.

Brown is Houston’s second leading scorer, averaging 13 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. During Marshall’s game at UH on February 1st Brown scored 9 points, grabbed 1 rebound, and recorded 3 assist to 5 turnovers.

HD Photo Gallery:1983 Marshall Football Green – White Game

When you get a chance head over to the Herald Dispatch and view their photo gallery of Marshall’s 1983 green – white game. Lots of great black and white pictures in old Fairfield Stadium.

See the photo album here: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/multimedia/galleries/x1001879551/Gallery-Do-you-remember-March-7-2011-Marshalls-1983-Green-White-Game

EL Paso Hoping for Return on C-USA Tournament Investment

From the El Paso Times:

After a day of brisk ticket sales, local officials are confident that the Conference USA tournament will make a $1 million profit, thus relieving the El Paso Sports Commission, city and county of any financial obligations.

However, that could depend on how far the Miners go in the tournament.

About 4,000 tickets were remaining for UTEP's quarterfinal game, slated for 5:30 p.m. Thursday against either Marshall or Houston..............

Read the whole article here: http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_17561007?source=pkg

Marshall Basketball: Dennis Tinnon breaks JC’s All Time Rebounding Record

Marshall University Basketball commitment Dennis Tinnon has becomes Kansas City Kansas Community College’s all time leading rebounder. As of last Wednesday Tinnon had 593 career rebounds and 316 this season.

Read more about Tinnon’s record breaking performance here:

http://www.kckcc.edu/newsEvents/newsDetails.aspx?Channel=%2fChannels%2fAdmissions+and+Campus+Wide&WorkflowItemID=1daf9dd3-3338-40a8-8c24-2711940e9833

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/8/11

From the Charleston Gazette, These are not your dad's Cougars

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103070732

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's Kane named 3rd-team All-CUSA

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103070715

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball: C-USA Tournament isn't Herrion's first rodeo

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103070656

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hello from EL Paso

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/07/hello-from-el-paso/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Question for you: Kane, Pitts or Baines?

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/07/question-for-you-kane-pitts-or-baines/

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd kept cool against UCF

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879643/Herd-kept-its-cool

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: MU players give annual All-C-USA selections

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879639/MU-players-give-annual-All-C-USA-selections

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd takes on No. 6 Virginia in baseball

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879659/Thundering-Herd-takes-on-No-6-Virginia-in-baseball

From the Herald Dispatch, Kane makes C-USA 3rd team

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879633/Kane-makes-C-USA-3rd-team

From the Herald Dispatch, Coaches defend C-USA against lack of recognition

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879637/Coaches-defend-C-USA-against-lack-of-recognition

Marshall Basketball: Mike Cheatham Verbally Commits to Herd

Per Scout.com and Recruitscoop.com 6’2, 175 pound guard Mike Cheatham has committed to Marshall. Cheatham currently plays for Baltimore City College High School (MD) and the Baltimore Elite AAU team. City College High was recently eliminated from the Maryland 2A High School playoff tournament on March 2nd with a 48 – 45 loss to Edmonson-Westside.

Cheatham is the forth members of Marshall’s 2011 recruiting class which includes shooting guard Devince Boykins, forward Jamir Hanner, and forward Dennis Tinnon.

For more on Cheatham follow the links below:

Scout.com profile: http://maryland.scout.com/a.z?s=174&p=9&c=2&cid=1053590&nid=5079344&fhn=1&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fmaryland.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d174%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d1053590%26nid%3d5079344%26fhn%3d1

Rivals.com profile: http://rivals.yahoo.com/mdhigh/basketball/recruiting/player-Mike-Cheatham-111436

ESPN.com profile: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/100610/mike-cheatham

Baltimore Sun Web Article: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/recruiting/2010/10/city_guard_mike_cheatham_raises_his_profile.html

Hoopniks.com article: http://hoopniks.com/marshall-adds-mike-cheatham-to-thundering-herd-uc-irvine-lands-local-pg

YouTube Video (1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKppZYxZRNQ

YouTube Video (2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqE74BiuKc

YouTube Video (3): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G774UY8JzzI

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/7/11

From the Charleston Gazette, C-USA not suspending Pena following ejection

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103060483

From the Charleston Gazette, Kane deserving of C-USA honors

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103060476

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball: Herd hopes to end dry spell

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103060390

From the Charleston Daily Mail, C-USA Tournament Schedule

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/06/conference-usa-tournament-schedule/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Dago Pena avoids suspension

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/06/dago-pena-avoids-suspension/

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd heads West to face Houston

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879375/Herd-heading-West

From the Herald Dispatch, MU women win slugfest against Kent State, 17-16

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879391/MU-women-win-slugfest-against-Kent-State-17-16

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Saturday's win among MU's most satisfying

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879373/Chuck-Landon-Saturdays-win-among-MUs-most-satisfying

From the Herald Dispatch, MU's Crook 2nd team selection on All-Conference USA team

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1001879371/MUs-Crook-2nd-team-selection-on-All-Conference-USA-team

No Blog Updates on Friday 3/4/11

I will not be updating the blog on Friday, 3/4/11, will return on Monday. Go Herd!

Marshall Football: Report, Todd Hartley to be Named Defensive Backs Coach

Per a report on Dogbytesonline.com, University of Georgia graduate assistant Todd Hartley will be named to Marshall’s coaching staff. It is safe to assume that Hartley will fill Fred Tate’s old job as secondary coach. Tate is now leading the defensive line after Sean Cronin’s departure.

Hartley started coaching in 2005 as a student assistant at Georgia where he worked with the offense and special teams until 2008. In 2008 Hartley moved to West Virginia University as offensive graduate assistant. At WVU Hartley helped coach running backs and slot receivers while also assisting in recruiting. He returned to Georgia in 2009 at his current position, defensive graduate assistant.

Dogbytesonline.com report: http://dogbytesonline.com/more-from-athletic-board-hope-impact-long-season-in-classroom-facility-upgrades-show-commitment-adams-says-42605/

Todd Hartley UGA profile: http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=3737965

NY Giants Place Tender on Ahmad Bradshaw

From the New York Post:

There’s a chance it will all mean nothing. But for the moment, the Giants have decided to try to add some measure of security to a possible free-agent mess later on by tendering several players who may or may not become restricted free agents.

The Giants have given second-round tenders to almost all of their key possible restricted free agents: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, DT Barry Cofield, TE Kevin Boss and DE Dave Tollefson. A second-round tender means a 2011 salary of $1.96 million, a figure that could change depending on the new CBA. It also means if a team signs one of these players they must forfeit a second-round draft pick.......

Read the whole article here: http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/giantsblog/giants_place_second_round_tender_raAo0jbzM9FQh6p0Zt7d6I

Marshall Football: Sebastian Johansson to Sign LOI with Herd

Per multiple news outlets Marshall recruiting target Sebastian Johansson will sign a letter of intent with the Herd today. Johansson a 6’5, 315 pound offensive lineman from Sweden (Yes, the country) will be part of Marshall’s 2010 recruiting class.

Johansson’s ability to sign a letter of intent was held up by a low ACT score. He has been in Huntington working to raise his grade and recently received a passing mark.

Johansson’s football experience spans two continents. He became the first player in the history of Swedish football to move up to the senior national team as a junior. Johansson spent his senior year of high school in Raceland Kentucky. At Raceland High School Johansson caught the eye of Marshall assistant coach Phil Ratliff who offered a full scholarship.

Johansson will join the Herd for pre-season practice in August. He will not be eligible for spring ball.

For more on Johansson follow the links below:

From the Daily Independent: http://dailyindependent.com/localsports/x383283012/Big-day-for-Big-Swede

Rivals.com page: http://rivals.yahoo.com/marshall/football/recruiting/player-Sebastian-Johansson-116193

ESPN.com page: http://insider.espn.go.com/college-football/recruiting/player?id=117386&_slug_=sebastian-johansson&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fcollege-football%2frecruiting%2fplayer%3fid%3d117386%26_slug_%3dsebastian-johansson

Scout.com page: http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=48&p=8&c=1&nid=5062865

Bernard Morris Ready to Lead Pittsburgh Power

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Three years ago, quarterback Bernard Morris politely declined an offer from coach Chris Siegfried to join him in Little Rock, Ark., on the roster of the Twisters of arenafootball2. Morris was hoping to land a more prestigious job with the Predators of the Arena Football League.

The next day, Morris was watching ESPN when the bad news crawled across the bottom of his TV screen: The AFL was folding.
Oops.

Morris picked up his phone and called Siegfried to ask if the offer still stood. Luckily, it did.
"He took me out to Little Rock," Morris said, "and I have been in his back pocket ever since."

Read the whole article here: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_725537.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 2/3/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Culpepper leads UTEP past Herd

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103021205

From the Charleston Gazette, C-USA tiebreakers after Wednesday

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/03/1022/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall loses at UTEP, win streak snapped

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103030004

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Conference USA tournament projections

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/03/conference-usa-tournament-projections/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Live Chat — Thursday, 1 p.m.

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/03/03/live-chat-thursday-1-p-m-2/

From the Herald Dispatch, Culpepper, UTEP too much for Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x461675690/Culpepper-UTEP-too-much-for-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: MU's secret weapon is only 10 years old

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x461675688/Chuck-Landon-MUs-secret-weapon-is-only-10-years-old

From the Herald Dispatch, MU tennis heads into game at Oxford, Ohio, ranked No. 40

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x461675692/MU-tennis-heads-into-game-at-Oxford-Ohio-ranked-No-40

From the Herald Dispatch, Tynikki Crook to play in final home game Thursday

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x461675694/Tynikki-Crook-to-play-in-final-home-game-Thursday

Hassan Whiteside’s First NBA Season Comes to an End

From the Sacramento Bee:

Surgery set – Rookie center Hassan Whiteside will have surgery Friday on his injured left knee and miss four to six weeks, effectively ending his season......

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/02/3442103/kings-notes-garcia-returns-to.html#ixzz1FU2joHQZ

Marshall Basketball: Important C-USA Games Wednesday Night (3/2/11)

If you are like me and want Marshall to earn a bye in the Conference USA Tournament you should be rooting for the following outcomes tonight.

Memphis @ East Carolina: Memphis (9-5) is right above Marshall in the conference standings while ECU (7-7) is right below. Being tied with Memphis is better than the Tigers being a game up so root for ECU. If Marshall and Memphis finish with identical league marks the tiebreaker would be based on each schools record against the conference champion. Memphis would get the tiebreaker if UAB or Southern Miss win the championship while Marshall would benefit if Tulsa or UTEP grab the number one spot.

SMU @ UCF: Sorry folks but root for Central Florida again, a SMU loss coupled with a Marshall win would put the Mustangs two games behind MU.

UAB @ Southern Miss: Marshall is not going to catch UAB in the standings. Even if they lose tonight UAB has ECU at home Saturday, a near certain win. Besides, UAB holds a tiebreaker over Marshall. Root for Southern Miss to lose, a Golden Eagles loss coupled with a Marshall win puts both teams at 9-6 in conference. Southern Miss travels to Tulsa for a tough matchup Saturday so Marshall overtaking USM is a real possibility.

Tulsa @ Rice: Rice might be empty calories but an Owls victory would help Marshall. A Tulsa loss and Marshall win evens both schools conference record at 9-6. As mentioned above Tulsa host Southern Miss Saturday. If both schools lose tonight Saturday’s matchup becomes an elimination game. Who ever losses would finish below Marshall if the Herd wins out.

To review, hope for the following outcomes tonight:

East Carolina over Memphis

Central Florida over Southern Methodist

Alabama Birmingham over Southern Mississippi

Rice over Tulsa

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/2/11

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Defense must dig in vs. Miners

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201103011695

From the Charleston Gazette, UTEP items, UCF and Donnie Jones

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/03/01/utep-items-ucf-and-donnie-jones/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Conference USA seeking respect

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201103020051

From the Herald Dispatch, Shaq has Herrion's back

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1918057612/Shaq-has-his-coachs-back

From the Herald Dispatch, Website rates MU as NIT top seed

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1918057614/Website-rates-MU-as-NIT-top-seed

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herd fans don't fret, West is far from best

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1918057608/Herd-fans-dont-fret-West-is-far-from-best

NFL Draft: Interview with Ohio Safety Donovan Fletcher

First and foremost let me assure you this is still the Marshall Thundering Blog. Our focus will always be Marshall athletics but it is fun to step out of the box now and then.

Any way, through a mutual acquaintance I was able to interview former Ohio University safety Donovan Fletcher. Much like Marshall’s Mario Harvey and Lee Smith, Fletcher is preparing for the NFL Draft.

A Youngstown Ohio native Fletcher spent four years at Ohio as a reserve before busting onto the season this past season. Fletcher was voted a team captain in 2010 and started 12 of 13 games at safety. In those thirteen games Fletcher lead Ohio with five interceptions and 40 solo tackles. Two of Fletchers interceptions were thrown by Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. His impressive senior season earned Fletcher an all MAC second team selection.

The brother of St. Louis Rams defensive back Bradley Fletcher, Donovan has the bloodlines to succeed in the NFL. During private workouts Fletcher has record a 4.40 forty yard dash and 39 inch vertical leap.

Read my interview with Fletcher below. He has some interesting comments on his games against Marshall:

MTB: Tell us a little about yourself, how did you end up at Ohio University?

DF: From what I remember I got an offer roughly around basketball season/ right after the football season was over....On one of the weekends before signing day I made the visit out to Ohio University in the winter. Went through the normal routine of seeing the campus. Michael Mitchell was my host and he showed me around the people who ended up being my future teammates.


MTB: You played Marshall twice in a 10 month period. Can you provide a little insight to the Herd as an opposing player? How different were both games with Marshall’s coaching change?

DF: Both times we played them they started and ended the game on a physical level. The only difference was that one game was a bowl game and the other game was a regular season one.

MTB: What are you doing to prepare for the NFL draft?

DF: Training at ETS in Minnesota (Englebert Training Systems) Primarily working on all the techniques that comes with the drills of pro day held in March. I'm also following a strict diet that was prepared for me when I got here. Unfortunately McDonalds and Wendy’s was not on the list but I am feeling healthier then ever.

MTB: How has having a brother (St. Louis DB Bradley Fletcher) in the NFL helped you prepare for professional football?

DF: Having a brother in the NFL provided me with an extra insight to where hard work can lead someone. I was able to see him develop as a football player from his days in little league football to his current days with the Rams. His work ethic is one of the main things that I took from his career that I add towards mine.

MTB: You played behind a few talented safeties (Mike Mitchell, 2009 4th round pick by Oakland) before your senior year. How hard was it waiting for your chance to start at Ohio?

DF: The good part of playing behind talented safeties like Mike was what I learned from them. From watching film after film to applying what was learned in the film room to the field. Knowing the opportunities that I got to just be a part of a colligate program was a good experience for me. All I could do was handle what was in my control, which was to continue to work hard in the weight room and practice field, and continue to carry myself like a starter. Fortunately the opportunity came for me to start and play a significant amount and I did all I could to take advantage of the situation.

MTB: You picked off Ohio State quarterback Terelle Pryor twice last season, tell us about those plays.

DF: The defensive plays that were called both times placed me in position to make a play on the ball. Once the play was called and the ball was in the air, reacting to the play was all I could do after and both times Ohio University mangaged to come up with the turnovers.

MTB: During your time at Ohio you played a number of games against BCS schools. How would you describe the talent level between MAC and BCS programs you faced?

DF: Every team I played had fast speedy receivers, some faster then others, tall big strong lineman, some bigger and stronger than others and a talented coaching staff, some more talented then others. I've watched just as much film on offensive led teams by QB's like Dan Lefevour that I did on offensive teams led by QB's like Terelle Pryor. I'll leave the detailed comparing of BCS vs MAC programs to the commentators on ESPN.

MTB: How would you describe your game at safety? Do you like to play center field and provide coverage or do you prefer to play closer to the line?

DF: My main preference would be to change it up as much as the defensive coordinator can provide to keep the offense guessing. It feels comfortable to have 10 plus yards in a deep middle position just like it feels good to be man on a slot receiver. But there definitely isn’t any other feeling like being down in the box with pulling guards and other 330 pound lineman trying to pancake you. Football is a sport that gives adrenaline beyond measure. No matter where I'm at on the field I am feeling the love for the game.

MTB: What is the one thing you want NFL scouts to know about you?

DF: Well... Beyond how fast I can run, how high I can jump, or even how many bench reps I can get on pro day. I feel it boils down to three factors for them when looking for a player to add to their roster. The three main qualities being.... can this prospect do the work we intend for him to do at our program.... Will he provide the same motor and drive to play the game with passion each and every time he touches the field,... and will the program/franchise enjoy having him be a part of what their trying to build. I can answer yes to all three questions without a shadow of a doubt.

Marshall Basketball: Should Marshall be on the NCAA Tournament Bubble?

All over Herd country Marshall fans are speculating on MU’s post season destination. While many are following NIT projections I ask you this, should Marshall be on the NCAA tournament bubble?

I know what you are thinking, crazy blogger/ fan boy with thoughts of an NCAA bid dancing in his head. I understand that but lets take a look at schools most NCAA tournament pundits think are on the bubble. They are:

Gonzaga (20-9)
Butler (20-9)
Boston College (17-11)
Memphis (21-8)
Colorado (17-11)
Baylor (17-10)
Clemson (19-9)
Maryland (18-11)
Minnesota (17-11)
Michigan (17-12)
Penn State (15-12)
Southern Mississippi(18-7)
Texas-El Paso (20-8)
Colorado State (17-10)
Alabama (19-9)
UAB (20 – 7)

A quick look at that list revels that Marshall has already beat Memphis and Southern Miss. Yes, they have also beat Marshall but it shows MU does stack up with some other bubble teams. For Marshall to even be considered on the bubble they have to beat UTEP, another team listed above, tomorrow night.

Lets take a blind test. I am going to list three schools NCAA tournament criteria below without revealing who they are. One will be Marshall, one will be a bubble team from a BCS conference, and the other will be a mid-major bubble team. In my opinion the two teams listed who are not Marshall make the strongest case to make the Big Dance.

Out of the three teams below which belongs in the NCAA Tournament?

*Note that overall record only reflects games against division 1 competition.

Team A
Record: 18 – 9
RPI: 55
SOS: 78 (74 in Conference)
Vs. Top 25: 1-1
Vs. Top 50: 3-5
Vs. Top 100: 5-7
Best Wins: WVU(22), Memphis(33), Southern Miss(40)
Worst Losses: Chattanooga(192),ECU(118)
Road / Neutral Court: 7 - 6

Team B
Record: 21 – 9
RPI: 67
SOS: 98 (210 in Conference)
Vs. Top 25: 1-3
Vs. Top 50: 2-6
Vs. Top 100: 7-7
Best Wins: Xavier(23), St. Mary’s(49), Marquette(52)
Worst Losses: San Francisco(119), Santa Clara(165)
Road / Neutral Court: 7-5

Team C
Record: 19-9
RPI: 68
SOS: 97 (80 in Conference)
Vs. Top 25: 0-2
Vs. Top 50: 2-4
Vs. Top 100: 7-7
Best Wins: Boston College(47), FSU(48), C of C(75)
Worst Losses: South Carolina(116), Virginia(146)
Road / Neutral Court: 5-7

After a quick look I think you can throw team C out the window. Their RPI is the lowest while also lacking a victory against top 25 (RPI) competetion. That leaves us with teams A and B. I have a hard time picking between the two. The one big difference between A and B is RPI, team A is 12 spots better. With RPI as the only big difference I think team A is our winner.

So who are teams A, B, and C? As you might have guessed Marshall is team A, Gonzaga is team B, and Team C is Clemson.

Still think I am crazy for having Marshall on the NCAA tournament bubble?

I understand why most don’t consider Marshall on the tournament bubble. A quick look at the C-USA standings shows Marshall in 6th place and our conference is not getting six NCAA bids. But, if you peel back the numbers Marshall does stack up.

If Marshall manages to win out and get two victories at the C-USA tournament I think MU will find its self square on the bubble.

UTEP Suspends Two for Marshall Game

Tim Floyd has suspended freshman center John Bohannon and guard Michael Perez for Wednesday's game against Marshall. Both players were suspended one game for lack of academic performance.

Bohannon averages 19.6 minutes per game with 5.7 points and 5 rebounds.

Perez averages 10.6 minutes per game but has played little during C-USA contest.

For the full story visit this El Paso Times article: http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_17507610

Today's Marshall Sports News 3/1/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd to log grueling air miles

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201102281747

From the Charleston Gazette, C-USA Projections Entering March 2nd

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/02/28/1015/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall basketball: Shaq adjusts to new role

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201102281639

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall coach: Herd has shown character last couple weeks

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201101311387

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herd still in mix

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1643008856/Marshall-still-in-mix-for-bye-in-first-round