Marshall Basketball: Herd sunk by Pirates in OT, 69-68

Plagued by 20 turnovers Marshall was downed by East Carolina 69-68 in overtime Wednesday night. Senior point guard Damier Pitts was the biggest offender, turning over the ball seven times while only distributing two assist.

During his final home game ECU senior forward Darrius Morrow had an impressive night, punishing Marshall with 27 points and eight rebounds.

The Thundering Herd returns to action this Saturday, closing out the regular season in Huntington against Southern Miss, tip off is scheduled for 2pm. Marshall's three seniors Dago Pena, Shaquille Johnson, and Pitts will be honored in a pregame ceremony.

For more on tonight's loss to ECU follow these links:

1) Game recap via the Herald Dispatch.

2) Box score.

C-USA basketball: Midweek preview, 2/29/12

Memphis kicked off Conference USA’s mid-week games last night with a 84-55 drubbing of UCF. Five more league matchups tip-off tonight including Marshall’s game at ECU. Thundering Herd fans should pay special attention to Tulsa at UAB. The Blazers are tied with Marshall at fifth in the conference standings while Tulsa has already secured a bye in next weeks C-USA tournament. A Golden Hurricanes win coupled with a Marshall victory would lock the Thundering Herd in a forth place tie with UCF as each school approaches it’s last regular season game this Saturday.

For a full preview of every C-USA game tonight click here.

Standings
1) Memphis: 22-8, 12-3
2) Southern Miss: 23-6, 10-4
3) Tulsa: 17-11, 10-4
4) UCF: 20-9, 9-6
5) Marshall: 17-11, 8-6
6) UAB: 13-14, 8-6
7) Rice: 16-13, 7-7
8) UTEP: 14-14, 7-7
9) Houston: 13-14, 5-9
10) Tulane: 15-13, 3-11
11) ECU: 12-15, 3-11
12) SMU: 12-17, 3-11

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/29/12

The Charleston Gazette

Will Herd rebound, or denigrate at ECU?

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Game-day throwdown: ECU II

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall basketball: ECU a threat inside and outside

The MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

Conference shuffle: SDSU, Boise State, and the Big East

Dago said what?...and other things

The Herald Dispatch

Herd has business before tourney

Chuck Landon: Opinions light fire under Memphis fans

MU women golfers compete in S.C tourney

Marshall Baseball: Herd alums start spring training

It is that time of year again as major league baseball teams open spring training. Marshall won’t have any former players in the majors but, a group of seven alumni will working their way up the minor league ladder. You will find their position, organization, and 2010 season review below.

1. Arik Sikula, RP, Toronto Blue Jays (Bluefield Blue Jays/Rookie Appalachian League)

In his first taste of professional baseball Airk Sikula appeared in 18 games for the Bluefield Blue Jays pitching 30.1 innings with a 2.97 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and only 9 walks. Sikula also registered one save.

Total minor league stats.

2. Ian Kadish, RP, Toronto Blue Jays (Bluefield Blue Jays/Rookie Appalachian League)

In the same Bluefield bullpen as Sikula, Ian Kadish saved seven games in 30.1 innings pitched. Kadish posted a 2.67 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 11 walks.

Total minor league stats.

3. Greg Williams, RP, Texas Rangers (Spokane Indians/Class A Short Season Northwest League)

Greg Williams spent his first minor league season with two teams. Williams initial stop was the Arizona rookie league where he pitched 23.2 innings with a 3.42 ERA and 20 strikeouts to six walks. Briefly called up to the Northwest League, Williams made one appearance for the Spokane Indians, striking out one batter while issuing three base on balls but, no runs.

Total minor league stats.

4. Rhett Stafford, OF, Oakland Athletics (AZL Athletics/Arizona Rookie League)

In a impressive minor league debut Rhett Stafford finished second on the Arizona rookie league Athletics in homeruns (six) and RBI (29). Besides the power numbers Stafford played in 41 games registering 151 at-bats with a .265 batting average. Stafford made a brief two game appearance in the California league but did not record a hit in five plate appearances.

Total minor league stats.

5. Kenny Socorro, SS, Chicago Cubs (Peoria Chiefs/Class A Midwest League)

Kenny Socorro played on multiple minor league teams during his first season of professional baseball. Socorro spent the majority of his summer with the Boise Hawks (Class A Short Season Northwest League) where he batted .200 in 75 at-bats with six RBI. He also played ten games with the Peoria Chiefs (Class A Mid-West League), registering ten hits and two walks during 38 plate appearances.

Total minor league stats.

6. Shane Farrell, P, Toronto Blue Jays (GCL Blue Jays/Rookie Gulf Coast League)

Did not registered any stats, was drafted in the 46th round of last June’s MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Son of current Blue Jays manager John Farrell.

7. Dan Straily, SP, Oakland Athletics (Stockton Ports/Class A Advanced California League)

Playing in his third minor league season Dan Straily put together a solid year for the Stockton Ports. In 26 starts Straily struck out 154 batters and only gave up 40 walks while posting a 3.87 ERA.

Full minor league stats

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/28/12

The Charleston Gazette

State ask Marshall to reconsider razing arena

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Monday: NIT, C-USA projection

The Herald Dispatch

Seniors hope to go out winning

Combine results to focus on future

Chuck Landon: Conference shuffling isn’t quite over yet

Jules gets runner-up track finish

Marshall Football: Curry runs combine gauntlet today

Vinny Curry and his fellow defensive line prospects will be put through the NFL combine ringer later today. We will update you on the former Marshall defensive ends performance throughout the day.

In the mean time, check out the first three articles in a four part series on Curry’s challenge at the NFL Combine, from the Herald Dispatch:

Part one - Personality, background may enhance Curry's chances

Part two - Curry has position dilemma

Part three - One performance down, one to go ...

Spillman inks new deal with 49ers, Moss willing to play without guarantee

Two Marshall related notes from the NFL:

1) Former Marshall and current San Francisco 49ers safety C.J Spillman signed a new three year deal with the team last Friday. The new contract is worth $6 million over three seasons with a $1.8 million guarantee. Spillman lean the 49ers with 19 special team tackles last year.

2) According to a report, recently unretired wide receiver Randy Moss is willing to sign a un-guaranteed contract in his return to the NFL. It has also been reported that Moss could be visiting prospective teams later this week.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/27/12

The Charleston Gazette

Herd still hanging on to NIT home game

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

NIT column

The Charleston Daily Mail

Herd NCAA tourney hopes fading fast

The Herald Dispatch

Herd seeking consolation prize

Pirates steal win from MU women

Marshall baseball wins on the road

Herdzone.com

Video: Interview with Vinny Curry from the NFL Combine

Marshall Basketball: Tigers rip Herd 87-67

Undone by untimely mistakes and poor defense Marshall lost to Memphis 87-67 at the Cam Henderson Center Saturday afternoon. Thundering Herd guard DeAndre Kane was called for a flagrant and technical foul while also committing five turnovers. As a team Marshall allowed Memphis to shoot over 50% from the field and let Tigers forward Trevor Black covert on all eight of his field goal attempts.

For more on the game follow these links:

1) Box score.

2) Game write-up via the Charleston Gazette.

Marshall Football: Price expected to be named defensive line coach

Per the Twitter account of Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon, Doc Holliday is expected name James Madison assistant JC Price as his new defensive line coach. Price has been at JMU since 2004, coaching the teams defensive lineman while also serving as defensive run-game coordinator. He has also been JMU’s lead recruiter in Baltimore and Southern Maryland. A Virginia Tech graduate, Price was a four year letterman for the Hokies at defensive end from 1992-1995.

Notes on the C-USA/MWC merger

Two notes on the Mountain West/Conference USA merger:

1) The Las Vegas Review Journal speculates that the new associations T.V contract might make Boise State and San Diego State think twice about leaving for the Big East.

2) University of New Mexico President David Schmidly tells the Albuquerque Journal that TV interest in the new league is high and he expects a broadcast agreement to be finalized in May.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/24/12

The Charleston Gazette

Johnson poised to make history vs. Memphis

The Charleston Daily Mail

Memphis gives Herd another shot at signature win

The Herald Dispatch

Tigers come to town Saturday

Herd women fall at So.Miss

The WV Metro News

New WVU Ballpark is good for Marshall

Al.com

Coaches, family honor Druid High players killed in Marshall plane crash

Marshall Basketball: Herd downs Cougars at home 65-58

Despite trailing by eight at the break, Marshall used an impressive second half to top Houston 65-58 at home Wednesday evening. The Herd was lead by senior point guard Damir Pitts who scored 15 points and distributed six assist while avoiding any turnovers. Three other Marshall players, DeAndre Kane (14), Dago Pena (14), and Dennis Tinnon (10) also scored in double figures.

With the win and UCF's loss to Rice, Marshall moved into a tie for fourth place in Conference USA's standings.

For more on tonight's game follow these links:

1) Box score.

2) Game recap via the Herald Dispatch.

Report: Temple to join Big East in 2012

Per a report by Bret McMurphy of CBS Sports, Temple is close to joining the Big East for all sports in 2012.

Earlier this month it was reported Temple was considering a move to place it’s football program with the Mountain West/Conference USA merger.

Read McMurphy’s article here.

Marshall Football: Fred Tate named Defensive Line Coach at Texas Tech

Per a official press release by Texas Tech, Marshall assistant Fred Tate has been named the new Red Raiders defensive line coach. Tate has spent the past two years at Marshall, working with safeties in 2010 and the defensive line last season.

Read the official release here.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/22/12

The Charleston Gazette

Houston brings out best in MU back court

Inside Marshal sports with Doug Smock

Game day throw down

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall basketball: Herd taking it one day at a time

Big Dance chances still alive for WVU, Marshall

The MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

Spring football schedule (tentative)

The Herald Dispatch

Herrion: Memphis can wait

Holliday sets his practice schedule

Marshall golfers struggle

Chuck Landon: Goff runs afoul of national rankings

Marshall Football: Tentative spring practice schedule

Tuesday, March 27: 2:30-6 p.m.

Thursday, March 29: 2:30-6 p.m.

Saturday, March 31: 8:45 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, April 3: 2:30-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 5: 2:30-6 p.m.

Friday, April 6: 2:30-6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10: 2:30-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 12: 2:30-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 14: 8:45 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, April 17: 2:30-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 19: 2:30-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 21: 8:45 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, April 24: 2:30-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 26: 2:30-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 28: 2 p.m. Green-White Spring Game

Marshall Basketball: Recruits Nationwide interviews Herd commitment Kareem Canty

Point guard Kareem Canty is one of three signees in Marshall’s 2012 recruiting class. A prep school player Canty transferred from Arizona's Westwind Prep to Faith Baptist Christian School in Brandon Florida earlier this month.

Prior to his transfer, recruitsnationwide.com had a chance to interview the future Marshall guard. You can see the interview here.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/21/12

The Charleston Gazette

Houston heading to Huntington after big win

Questions remain about MWC/C-USA marriage

The Herald Dispatch

Herd focused on one thing, winning

Chuck Landon: Coaching legend to ride off into the sunset

Herd takes home C-USA awards

The Tuscaloosa News

Officials, classmates to remember players at ‘Marshall' screening

Off Today, 2/20/12

The Marshall Thundering Blog will not be updated today, Monday February 20th. We will return to regularly scheduled posting tomorrow.

Marshall Basketball: Herd wins at SMU, 73-68

Behind 20 points by senior point guard Damier Pitts Marshall beat SMU 73-68 in Dallas Saturday afternoon.

For the first time this season the Thundering Herd failed to meet both parameters on the McGill Matrix and still managed to win. Marshall shot above 42.5% but lost the rebounding battle 32-31.

For further details on Marshall' win over SMU follow these links:

1) Box score.

2) Game story via the Associated Press.

Marshall Football: Tate targeted for Texas Tech vacancy

According to a report by Lubbock Texas radio station 1340 The Fan, Marshall University defensive line coach Fred Tate is a front runner for the same position at Texas Tech.

Read the report here.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/17/12

The Charleston Gazette

Slumping SMU up next for Herd

The Charleston Daily Mail

Herd heads to Dallas for date with light scoring SMU

Conference merger fueled by need for stability

The Herald Dispatch

Former football player released from custody

Cold shooting SMU awaits Herd

Marshall woman top Memphis

Herd’s baseball team set to start

Landau Eugene Murphy to sing for MU fans

The WV Metro News

Brown & Johnson Preparing for the Future

C-USA Basketball: SMU scores 28 points in loss to UAB

SMU might be leaving for the Big East but they now hold a dubious Conference USA basketball record. The Mustangs only converted 11 field goal attempts last night in a 47-28 loss to UAB. SMU’s 28 points represent the lowest ever scored by a C-USA team. To put that in perspective, the Mustangs football team scored at least 28 points seven times last season.

Here is the stat line for SMU’s performance last night, FG% .174, 3PT% .103, and they were out rebounded by UAB 46-27.

Marshall travels to SMU on Saturday for the Herds lone game this week, tipoff is scheduled for 3pm EST.

Marshall Basketball: Whiteside makes second NBA appearance

Former Marshall and current Sacramento Kings center Hassan Whiteside made his 2012 NBA debut last night, playing four minutes and blocking one shot in Sacramento’s 100-85 loss at New York. Whiteside was recently called back up to Sacramento after being optioned to the NBA Developmental leagues Reno Big Horns in January.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/16/12

The Charleston Daily Mail

Lessons to be learned from Lin’s fast ascent

The Herald Dispatch

C-USA tourney berths on line

Executing late is key for Marshall women

Marshall women compete in C-USA swimming and diving

NFL Network's Mike Mayock on Vinny Curry

The Parthenon

Former basketball player finds success in fashion

C-USA/MWC merger & TV revenue

Conference realignment has been driven by one thing, money, and most of that money is earned through T.V contracts. With that in mind, what kind of broadcast agreement will the new Conference USA/Mountain West merger need to produce in order for their partnership to be worthwhile?

By dissolving both leagues, C-USA and the Mountain West will forfeit their T.V contracts. C-USA signed a new broadcast agreement in 2011 with two primary partners, CBS College Sports and FOX, that paid around $14 million per year. In 2006 the Mountain West inked a ten year, $120 million contract with Versus (now NBC Sports) and CBS College sports. The Mountain West also operated it’s own network, The Mountain, that will not be part of the new mega conference.

Assuming C-USA’s T.V contract paid $14 million per year and the revenue was equally divided among 12 university’s, each school would have earned just over a million dollars every twelve months. When the MWC signed their broadcast agreement in 2006 the league had eight members. On a package that paid $12 million per year that equals out to $1.5 million for each school.

Looking at the numbers above, Mountain West members had a better television contract than their C-USA brothers. I am sure current MWC schools have no intention of moving backwards on the revenue train. In my mind, the new league needs to earn at least $1.5 million per member, per year, in T.V money to be considered a success.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/15/12

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Some SuperDuper CUSA notes

The MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

The Rookie

The Herald Dispatch

Pitts hears clock ticking

Chuck Landon: Conference not as far flung as writers say

The Parthenon

Herd using week off to rest

Merging the Mountain West & Conference USA

We know the Mountain West and Conference USA are joining forces but, many questions remain. The new league offered hints on it's structure like a football playoff, expansion (18-24 members), and regular season scheduling divisions but, what will that look like?

For football the new league has 16 members and it will be expanding. According to various reports Temple has already been apart of discussions to bring the MWC and C-USA together. Lets assume that Temple and another east coast school, Florida International, clime on board boosting membership to 18 institutions. With 18 university's the new conference can split into three six team divisions:

East:
Marshall
Southern Miss
UAB
ECU
Temple
FIU

Central:
Tulane
Tulsa
Rice
UTEP
Colorado St.
Air Force

West:
Hawaii
Fresno St.
Nevada
UNLV
Wyoming
New Mexico

Two conferences, the ACC and Big 12 are moving from eight to nine game league schedules, it would not surprise me if the MWC/C-USA merger follows suit. Under a nine game format each division member would play one another and two schools from both of the other tables. The out of division games would rotate on a two year basis, giving each team a couple of home and away contest.

The already announced football semi-final games would be made up of the three division winners and one wild card team. The wild card slot would be determined by conference record and various tiebreakers.

Basketball is easier to put together and won't require additional schools beyond FIU. Two football only members, Hawaii and Temple, will not play MWC/C-USA basketball, leaving the new league with 16 schools for hoops. The Big East gives us a model for a 16 team basketball conference. Each school would play ten conference opponents once and three other league members home and away. In terms of a conference tournament all teams would participate with four schools receiving a first round bye and another four earning a second round bye.

This is just one man’s opinion. It is very possible the new league adds one west & east coast team for football and splits into two divisions, playing eight conference games and only crossing over for the playoffs. Either way it will be exciting to see how this all shakes out in the coming months.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/14/12

The Charleston Gazette

Herd’s Martin makes most of opportunity

Presidents on C-USA/MWC merger: Let’s do it

The Charleston Daily Mail

Conference USA, Mountain West to form new league

The Herald Dispatch

MU gets some much needed rest

Randy Moss says he wants to play football

Chuck Landon: Former MU players pay homage to Field House

C-USA, MWC forming new league

West Virginia Public Radio

Former Marshall football player chase dream

Press Release: C-USA/MWC to dissolve, join forces

Press release from all 16 current members of the Mountain West and Conference USA:

UNIVERSITIES ANNOUNCE PLANS TO FORM CONFERENCE

DALLAS, Texas – Presidents and chancellors from 16 universities met in Dallas Sunday to discuss future conference membership plans and agreed to work on forming a new intercollegiate athletic association that would begin competition in the 2013-14 academic year.

This presidentially led association will ensure stability and be built upon the principles of operating at the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship, enhancing the student-athlete academic and competitive experience, bringing fiscal discipline into athletics and ensuring competitive fairness.

Universities involved in the discussions were the United States Air Force Academy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Colorado State University, East Carolina University, Fresno State, University of Hawaii, Marshall University, University of Nevada-Reno, University of New Mexico, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Rice University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Texas at El Paso, Tulane University, The University of Tulsa and University of Wyoming. With the exception of Hawaii as a football only member, the participation would involve all sports.

The structure of the new conference will likely include:
* Membership of 18 to 24 universities
* National scope from the Atlantic Seaboard to Hawaii
* Championship football game format that includes semifinal match-ups
* Championship basketball tournament
* Regular season scheduling in divisions
* NCAA FBS affiliation
* Mechanisms to emphasize and improve academic standards and fiscal responsibility

The presidents and chancellors will have follow-up meetings over the next six months to fully develop the operational issues essential to the formation of the association.

*Update* Report: C-USA/MWC tentatively join forces

Per the Twitter account of Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon, the Mountain West and Conference USA have reached a tentative agreement to dissolve and reemerge as a new league for all sports. Landon also reports that Temple has interest in joining the new conference as a football only member.

For full details check out Landon’s Twitter account here.

*Update*

Landon’s tweets have been confirmed by CBS Sports Bret McMurphy, read his report here.

C-USA Basketball: Saturday wrap up, 2/13/12

Southern Miss aided Marshall’s bid to reclaim one of the top four spots in Conference USA Saturday, beating UCF 78-74. The lose coupled with a Thundering Herd victory over ECU shrank Central Florida’s lead for the last bye in March’s conference tournament to one game.

For a full review of all six C-USA basketball games played last Saturday click this link.

Standings
1) Southern Miss: 22-3, 8-2
2) Memphis: 18-7, 8-2
3) Tulsa: 15-10, 8-3
4) UCF: 18-7, 7-4
5) Marshall: 15-10, 6-5
6) Rice: 15-11, 6-5
7) UTEP: 12-13, 5-6
8) UAB: 10-14, 5-6
9) Tulane: 15-9, 3-7
10) ECU: 12-12, 3-8
11) Houston: 11-13, 3-8
12) SMU: 10-14, 2-8

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/13/12

The Charleston Gazette

Herd’s Martin makes most of opportunity

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

C-USA projected standings

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall, Pitts hope Herd can continue winning

The Herald Dispatch

MU’s Martin has 9 points, 3 assists

MU Hall of Famers talk Herd

East Carolina slips past Marshall woman, 61-57

Marshall softball falls to Costal Carolina, 7-3

Marshall Basketball: Herd sinks Pirates 78-68

In front of an all star home crowd including Huntington native and NBA hall of famer Hal Greer, Marshall took down East Carolina 78-68 Saturday night. The Herd was lead by senior point guard Damier Pitts who scored a season high 27 points.

As with every victory this season Marshall reached both parameters of the McGill Matrix, shooting above 42.5% and out rebounding ECU by one.

For all the details on Marshall's win over ECU follow these links:

Box score.

From the Charleston Gazette

"We did this for DeAndre"

From the Herald Dispatch

Herd downs East Carolina, 78-68

Absent Kane, Pitts inspired

Chuck Landon: Defense got stops when it mattered

C-USA/MWC continue talks in Dallas this weekend

For the second time in a month, university presidents representing the Mountain West and Conference USA will meet in Dallas to continue talks on a proposed partnership. Both leagues announced in October that they would create a football only association for scheduling purposes. Shortly after rumors of a full sports merger began to surface.

Details on tomorrows meeting can be found in this Hattiesburg American article.

Marshall Football: Pennington likely to retire

Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, former Marshall quarterback Chad Pennington indicated he is likely to retire from the NFL after spending last season broadcasting games for FOX. During a 11 year career Pennington passed for 17,823 yards, 102 TD’s and 64 interceptions. He leads the NFL with a career completion percentage of 66%.

Read Pennington’s interview here.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/10/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Greer back for Field House finale

From the Charleston Daily Mail

Herd has opportunity ahead

From the MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

DeAndre Kane update

From the Herald Dispatch

Basketball legend returns home

Stretch run awaits Herd

MU women fall to UTEP

Rick McCann: Field House memories began first night in town

From the WV Metro News

Russell Lee Will Always have a Piece of Old Arena

Marshall Basketball: Shooting and 2-pt defense killing Herd

Marshall basketball is in a tail spin. Tom Herrion’s Herd has lost six of their last seven games, five of them to conference opponents. Looking at the Thundering Herd’s team stats it is clear this group has two major deficiencies.

221, that is how many schools shoot better than Marshall’s 42.5%. Focusing on Conference USA games the Herd’s field goal percentage plummets to 40.6, good for last in the league. As we have been over multiple times, the Herd has not won a single game this season when they have shot below 42.5%.

Marshall’s second glaring weakness is on defense, specifically stopping opposing teams chances inside the arch. The Herd is allowing opponents to convert on 55.2% of their two point field goal attempts which ranks second to last in C-USA and 289th overall. Marshall’s stellar defense from three point range, they rank 62nd in the nation, can not make up for this deficiency.

More than any thing, field goal percentage and defensive two point field goal percentage, are killing the Thundering Herd.

C-USA Basketball: Wednesday wrap up, 2/9/12

UAB used 27 points and 12 rebounds from Conference USA preseason player of the year Cameron Moore to defeat Southern Mississippi 71-61 last night. With the loss and a Memphis win over ECU the Tigers tied USM atop C-USA's standings.

For a full review of last night’s action in C-USA basketball, including Marshall’s 67-60 loss to UCF, click here.

Standings
1) Southern Miss: 21-3, 7-2
2) Memphis: 17-7, 6-2
3) UCF: 18-6, 7-3
4) Tulsa: 14-10, 7-3
5) Marshall: 14-10, 5-5
6) Rice: 14-11, 5-5
7) UAB: 10-13, 5-5
8) UTEP: 11-13, 4-6
9) Tulane: 15-8, 3-6
10) ECU: 12-11, 3-7
11) Houston: 11-12, 3-7
12) SMU: 10-13, 2-7

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/9/12

From the Charleston Gazette

UCF holds off Herd 67-60

Holiday adds two to Herd staff

From the Charleston Daily Mail

Clanton, UCF top Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch

Chuck Landon: C-USA is beating Big East to the punch

Herd falls to UCF

Marshall adds Pollard, Wade to football staff

Marshall Basketball: Late rally can't save Herd, fall at UCF 67-60

Down 14 with a little over three minutes left Marshall went on a 16 to 9 point run but fell short at UCF Wednesday night 67-60.

Returning to the team after his fathers death early Tuesday morning MU sophomore DeAndre Kane scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds. The Herd was lead by point guard Damier Pitts who scored 18 points, distributed seven assist, and pulled down four rebounds all whitout a turnover.

As a team Marshall failed to reach either parameter of the McGill Matrix, shooting below 42.5% while allowing UCF to win the rebounding battle 40-36.

Further details on Marshall's 67-60 loss to UCF can be found below:

1) Game story via the Herald Dispatch.

2) Box score.

Marshall Basketball: Kane available vs. UCF

According to the Twitter account of WSAZ sportscaster Keith Morehouse, Marshall shooting guard DeAndre Kane is in Orlando and available for tonight’s game against UCF. Kane’s status was doubtful after his father, Calvin Kane, passed away in Pittsburgh Tuesday morning.

C-USA contacts Temple about membership

According to Brett McMurphy of CBS Sports, Conference USA has contacted Temple about joining the league as a football only member. McMurphy writes that Temple was stunned Memphis was invited to the Big East instead of them.

For all the details, including updates on C-USA’s merger with the Mountain West, click here.

What’s left of C-USA?

With Memphis’s impending exit from Conference USA I wanted to take a step back and list the remaining C-USA schools beyond 2013:

1)Southern Miss
2)Tulsa
3)Marshall
4)Rice
5)UAB
6)Tulane
7)ECU
8)UTEP

You also have to take into account the Mountain West, who at a minimum, will be partnering with C-USA to create a new football league. Beyond 2013 the Mountain West will include these members for football:

1)Colorado State
2)UNLV
3)Air Force
4)Wyoming
5)Nevada
6)Fresno State
7)Hawaii
8)New Mexico

It has been widely reported that the Mountain West and C-USA are headed for an all sports merger with the possible addition of new schools to boost membership. Looking at time zones, Marshall and ECU are on an island, the only two under eastern standard time. When this mega conference comes to fruition look for a few schools from the east, either FIU, FAU, or Temple to come aboard.

C-USA Basketball: Wednesday Preview, 2/8/12

Conference USA boast five league matchups tonight while SMU host TCU from the Mountain West.

For a full run down on tonight’s C-USA basketball action click this link.

Standings
1) Southern Miss: 21-2, 7-1
2) Tulsa: 14-9, 7-2
3) Memphis: 16-7, 6-2
4) UCF: 17-6, 6-3
5) Marshall: 14-9, 5-4
6) Rice: 13-11, 4-5
7) UAB: 9-13, 4-5
8) Tulane: 15-8, 3-6
9) ECU: 12-10, 3-6
10) Houston: 11-11, 3-6
11) UTEP: 10-13, 3-6
12) SMU: 10-13, 2-7

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/8/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Herd traveling with heavy hearts

Memphis set to join Big East

From Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Congrats to the Big East

From the Charleston Daily Mail

MU’s Kane uncertain after fathers death

From the Herald Dispatch

Marshall travels to UCF

Chuck Landon: Herd can still land good spot in tourney

Kane’s father passes away in Pittsburgh

C-USA: Memphis to join Big East in 2013

According to various reports Memphis will leave Conference USA after 2012 and join the Big East. Three other C-USA school, UCF, SMU, and Houston are scheduled to join the Big East for the 2013-2014 scholastic year.

For all the details on Memphis’s move read this report from CBS Sports Bret McMurphy.

Our Condolences

Per a release from Marshall’s athletic department the father of Herd basketball player DeAndre Kane, Calvin Kane, has passed away. At this time DeAndre’s availability for tomorrow’s game at UCF is not known.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family during their time of need.

Marshall Football: Curry invited to NFL Combine

Considered a forgone conclusion by many former Marshall defensive lineman Vinny Curry has been invited to February’s NFL Combine. Considered one of the top defensive ends available in this years draft, Curry recently participated in the Senior Bowl and recorded two sacks after an impressive week of practice.

As a senior Curry won Conference USA’s defensive player of the year award, tallying 72 tackles, 11 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, three blocked kicks and a safety.

The NFL Combine begins on February 22nd in Indianapolis Ind., the NFL Network will provide live coverage.

Share Your Veterans Memorial Field House Memories

As you know Marshall University will be hosting it’s final event at Huntington’s Veterans Memorial Field House this Friday. Before the old gal is torn down I would like to hear your memories of the once grand facility at the corner of 5th Avenue and 26th Street.

If you have a moment please email us at MarshallThunderingBlog@yahoo.com with your Field House memories. We will post the best submissions on Friday so we can honor Marshall’s basketball home from 1950 to 1981 in our own little way.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/7/12

From the Charleston Gazette

UCF out to kick sand in MU’s face

From the Herald Dispatch

Herd hits bump in road

Marshall promotes Miday to head strength and conditioning coach

Farewell planned at Field House

From the WV Metro News

New Facilities Add to Recruiting Ammo

Marshall Football: Miday named head S&C coach

Marshall football coach Doc Holliday has promoted Joe Miday to head strength and conditioning coach. Miday had taken over the lead role on a interim basis after James Townsend resigned in September.

First reported by Chuck Landon in January, former Marshall linebacker Scott Wilks will join Miday’s staff as assistant strength and conditioning coach. Wilks comes to Marshall after spending the last two years as Hofstra University’s head strength and conditioning coach.

Marshall Football: Former Herd RB leads Super Bowl in rushing

Former Marshall running back Ahmad Bradshaw lead the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in rushing last night, accumulating 72 yards on 17 carries with the games winning touchdown. As a rookie Bradshaw gained 45 yards on nine carries in New York’s 17-14 win over New England in Super Bowl XLII.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/6/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Bidding adieu to the Field House

From the Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Basketball: Travel issues arise again for Herd

From the Herald Dispatch

Herd a victim of Tulsa’s streak

UAB squeaks past MU women

Marshall Basketball: Herd Notes, 2/5/12

Two notes on Marshall's basketball team, both provided by the Charleston Daily Mail's Chuck McGill:

1) The flight carrying Marshall's basketball team from Tulsa to Huntington made an unexpected emergency landing in Memphis Sunday morning. The plane landed safely but, unable to find another flight home the Thundering Herd rented six conversion vans to finish their trip.

2) Always good at digging up interesting statistics, McGill pointed out that the Herd is only 9-9 since beating Cincinnati Thanksgiving weekend.

Marshall Basketball: Herd falls on the road to Tulsa, 79-70

Marshall (14-9, 5-4) dropped it's third conference game on the road Saturday night, losing at Tulsa (14-9, 7-2) 79-70. The Thundering Herd failed to meet either parameter of the McGill Matrix, only shooting 40% while allowing UT to win the rebounding battle 34-30.

For more on Saturday night's game follow these links:

1) Associated Press game recap.

2) Box score.

Marshall Basketball: Whiteside returns to Kings

Former Marshall basketball player Hassan Whiteside has been promoted from the NBA Developmental League's Reno Big Horns to the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings sent Whiteside to the D-League on January 1st where he played 11 games, averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3 blocks and 18.9 minutes per contest.

Read Sacramento's official press release on Whiteside's return here.

Marshall Basketball: C-USA Saturday Preview, 2/4/12

For a full preview of Saturday’s Conference USA basketball action including Marshall’s trip to Tulsa and a exciting non-league matchup pitting Memphis against Xavier click here.

Standings
1) Southern Miss: 20-3, 7-1
2) Memphis: 15-7, 6-2
3) Tulsa: 13-9, 6-2
4) UCF: 16-6, 5-3
5) Marshall: 14-8, 5-3
6) Rice: 13-10, 4-4
7) Houston: 12-10, 4-5
8) UTEP: 10-12, 3-5
9) UAB: 8-13, 3-5
10) ECU: 11-10, 2-6
11) SMU: 10-12, 2-6
12) Tulane: 14-9, 2-7

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/3/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Blowout gave Shaq time to rest

From Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Signing day, Wednesday in C-USA

From the Charleston Daily Mail

MU recruiting class heavy on offensive line

Herd hopes to win second straight

From the Marshall Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

Football: Cam Dees’s Signing Day & new assistant

From the Herald Dispatch

Marshall women stop skid

Herd has headway to make

From the Chattanooga Free Press

UTC Mocs’ Geep Wade leaving for Marshall staff

Marshall Football: Ex-quarterback Eddie Sullivan transfers to Western Carolina

In January Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post reported that former Marshall quarterback Eddie Sullivan was transferring to a junior college but, it appears his plans have changed. Yesterday, 2012 Thundering Herd opponent Western Carolina announced that Sullivan was part of their recruiting class.

Sullivan will be eligible to play right away at the FCS level but, that does not guarantee him a starting spot. Rising junior Brandon Pechloff returns to Western Carolina after appearing in eight games last season, passing for 1,660 yards with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Two freshman quarterbacks dot the Catamounts 2011 roster and, their most recent recruiting class boats six players listed as QB/ATH.

Either way it looks like Sullivan will return to Joan C. Edwards Stadium in 2012, we just don’t know in what capacity.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 2/2/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Herd bullish on the boards in 63-44 win over Tulane

Herd signing class brings quantity, quality

Capsule bios of Marshall signees

From the Charleston Daily Mail

National Signing Day: Not many surprises for Holliday, Marshall

Nationals Signing Day: Marshall signing day class of 2012 capsules

Marshall Basketball: Defense sets tone as Herd puts end to four game skid

From the Herald Dispatch

Herd gets back on track

Holliday brings them in

Chuck Landon: Dominate defense pulls Herd out of hole

Midland’s Riedel home with Herd

Herd looks to bounce back vs. Rice

From the WV Metro News

Video: Doc Holliday signing day presser

Boys of summer prepping for 2012

From the Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Dream realized

C-USA Basketball: Wednesday recap, 2/1/12

Southern Mississippi snapped a 18 game losing streak to Memphis last night, defeating the Tigers 75-72 in Hattiesburg. The win earned USM sole possession of first place in Conference USA’s basketball standings.

For a full recap of last nights action in C-USA basketball click here.

Standings
1) Southern Miss: 20-3, 7-1
2) Memphis: 15-7, 6-2
3) Tulsa: 13-9, 6-2
4) UCF: 16-6, 5-3
5) Marshall: 14-8, 5-3
6) Rice: 13-10, 4-4
7) Houston: 12-10, 4-5
8) UTEP: 10-12, 3-5
9) UAB: 8-13, 3-5
10) ECU: 11-10, 2-6
11) SMU: 10-12, 2-6
12) Tulane: 14-9, 2-7

Thank You

I want to thank all my readers for making February 1st 2012 the biggest traffic day in Marshall Thundering Blog history. I sincerely appreciate your time reading this blog and I encourage you to come back often!

Marshall Basketball: Herd breaks streak, beats Tulane 63-44

Marshall broke it's four game losing streak Wednesday night, downing Tulane 63-44 inside the Cam Henderson Center. Sophomore guard DeAndre Kane lead four Thundering Herd players in double figures with 13 points.

For a full recap of Marshall's win over Tulane follow these links:

1) Game recap from the Herald Dispatch.

2) Box score.

Marshall Football: Commitment list, class of 2012

Marshall secured 15 letters of intent from high school football prospects today but, that only tells half of the story. Beyond the newest members of the Thundering Herd family 15 other players will be counted against this class. They include junior college enrollees like defensive tackle Ken Smith and props from last years class like Steward Butler.

Below, I have complied a list of 30 players who should be considered part of Marshall’s 2012 recruiting haul.

Sent in a letter of intent today, fully qualified:

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School (KY)

2) Matt Cincotta, LS, Charlotte Catholic High School (NC)

3) Josh Muriel, OL, Port St. Lucie High School (FL)

4) Deyonte Henderson, LB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

5) Andre Scott, DB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

6) Devon Johnson, LB, Richlands High School (VA)

7) A.J Leggett, DB, South Miami High School (FL)

8) Billy Rone, OL, Glendale Community College (AZ)

9) Gunnar Holcombe, QB, University School (FL)

10) Eric Ansley, OL, Drew Charter School (GA)

11) Marcus Gilchrist, DE, Port Charlotte High School (FL)

12) Ryan Riedel, LB, Cabell Midland High School (WV)

13) Chris Hall, TE/QB, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)

14) Cameron Dees, OL, Armwood High School (FL)

15) Gary Thompson, LB, Helix Charter High School (CA)

Enrolled this January, 2nd semester of 2011-2012:

1) Gage Niemeyer, OL, Mount San Jacinto Community College (CA)*

2) Ken Smith, DT, Blinn Community College (TX)*

3) Joe Massaquoi, DE, T.C Williams High School (VA)*

4) Chris Alston, WR, Fairfield Central High School (SC)*

5) Rakim Reed, TE, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)*

6) Deontae West, DB, Hialeah High School (FL)*

7) Corey Tindal, DB, Atlanta Sports Academy (GA)**

8) Kent Turene, LB Atlanta Sports Academy (GA)**

*On campus, fully qualified.
**On campus as props, will not be eligible for 2012 season.

Enrolled in August of 2011, put on scholarship with 2012 recruiting class:

1) Kevin Grooms, RB/DB, South Broward High School (FL)

2) Shawn Samuels, DB, Bainbridge High School (GA)

3) Steve Dillon, DL, Palmdale High School (CA)\

4) DeAndre Reaves, RB/LB, Dominion High School (VA)

5) Steward Butler, RB, Lakeland High School (FL)

6) Clinton Van Horn, OL, Woodrow Wilson High School (WV)

7) Stefone Grace, DB, Milford Academy (NY)

Marshall Football: Letter of intent update, 12:30pm

The following high school football players have faxed their letter of intent into Marshall University:

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School (KY)

2) Matt Cincotta, LS, Charlotte Catholic High School (NC)

3) Josh Muriel, OL, Port St. Lucie High School (FL)

4) Deyonte Henderson, LB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

5) Andre Scott, DB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

6) Devon Johnson, LB, Richlands High School (VA)

7) A.J Leggett, DB, South Miami High School (FL)

8) Billy Rone, OL, Glendale Community College (AZ)

9) Gunnar Holcombe, QB, University School (FL)

10) Eric Ansley, OL, Drew Charter School (GA)

11) Marcus Gilchrist, DE, Port Charlotte High School (FL)

12) Ryan Riedel, LB, Cabell Midland High School (WV)

13) Chris Hall, TE/QB, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)

14) Cameron Dees, OL, Armwood High School (FL)

Marshall Football: Letter of intent update, 10:30am

The following high school football players have faxed their letter of intent into Marshall University

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School (KY)

2) Matt Cincotta, LS, Charlotte Catholic High School (NC)

3) Josh Muriel, OL, Port St. Lucie High School (FL)

4) Deyonte Henderson, LB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

5) Andre Scott, DB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

6) Devon Johnson, LB, Richlands High School (VA)

7) A.J Leggett, DB, South Miami High School (FL)

8) Billy Rone, OL, Glendale Community College (AZ)

9) Gunnar Holcombe, QB, University School (FL)

10) Eric Ansley, OL, Drew Charter School (GA)

11) Marcus Gilchrist, DE, Port Charlotte High School (FL)

Marshall Football: Eric Ansley signs LOI with Herd

Marshall’s first surprise commitment of 2012 is Drew Charter School (GA) offensive lineman Eric Ansley. Weighing in at 6’7, 270 lbs, Ansley took an official visit to Marshall in mid-January and chose the Herd over offers from Ohio, Memphis, Troy, and Western Kentucky

Additional information about Ansley is scant but, last year as a high school senior (Drew Charter is a prep school) he was named a Southern Crescent All Second Team selection.

For more on Ansley follow the links bellow:

1) Rivals.com profile.

2) Ncaasports.org profile (w/video).

Marshall Football: A.J Legget signs with Herd

A.J Leggett, Rivals 9th best defensive back prospect for the class of 2012 has sent a letter of intent to Marshall University. After giving a verbal pledge to the Thundering Herd in mid-January Leggett’s recruitment was thrown into doubt when he took an official visit to Tennessee last weekend.

Marshall Football: Letter of intent update, 9:50am

The following high school football players have faxed their letter of intent into Marshall University

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School (KY)

2) Matt Cincotta, LS, Charlotte Catholic High School (NC)

3) Josh Muriel, OL, Port St. Lucie High School (FL)

4) Deyonte Henderson, LB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

5) Andre Scott, DB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

6) Devon Johnson, LB, Richlands High School (VA)

7) A.J Leggett, DB, South Miami High School (FL)

8) Billy Rone, OL, Glendale Community College (AZ)

Marshall Football: Jeremi Powell signs LOI with Florida

As we expected, four star linebacker Jeremi Powell signed a letter of intent with Florida. Powell's verbal commitment to UF was cast in doubt last weekend when he took an official visit to Marshall but, he chose to sign with the Gators.

Today’s Marshall University Athletics News, 2/1/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Greer coming back for Field House finale

Herd taping Salmons connections for recruiting

Herd hopes to end 4-game slide tonight vs. Tulane

From the Charleston Daily Mail

Herd’s RPI dropping with losing streak

Waugh makes Marshall recruiting a little bit easier

From the Marshall Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

Live from the Shewey Building: National Signing Day

From the Herald Dispatch

Shaq shows leadership

Intrigue surrounds Marshall signing day

Chuck Landon: Either beat Tulane or season runs off the rails

Hal Greer will attend Field House farewell