Marshall Basketball: Herd no Match for Gamecocks

In a game marred by 58 fouls, Marshall (5-8, 0-0) could not keep up with host South Carolina (6-6, 0-0), falling to the Gamecocks 92-65. The 27 point defeat was the Thundering Herds worst of the season.

Marshall's difficult evening was exemplified by point guard Kareem Canty. The freshman committed 11 turnovers and missed all six of his three point attempts. Adding insult to injury, Canty only converted two of his 15 shots from the field.

The Herd was dominated on the glass by South Carolina with the Gamecocks holding a 44-27 rebounding advantage. Marshall also allowed South Carolina to shoot over 50% from the field (34-66, 51.5%) and three point range (6-12, 50%).

Losers of six of their last seven games, Marshall returns to action on Thursday at Akron.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

USA routs Herd, 92-65

HerdZone

South Carolina's Physicallity Too Much for Marshall
  

Marshall Basketball: Opponent Profile, South Carolina

After more than a week away from the hardwood, Marshall (5-7, 0-0) returns to competition tomorrow at South Carolina (5-6, 0-0).

The Gamecocks enter Monday's contest winners of three of their last four games including two victories over Akron. South Carolina first beat the Zips 69-59 on Christmas day in both teams final game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. Three days after returning from Hawaii, the Gamecocks hosted Akron and beat them again, 78-45.

South Carolina employs a balanced scoring attack with only two players averaging double-digit points per game. Eligible after sitting out last season, Villanova transfer Tyrone Johnson directs the Gamecocks offense. South Carolina's starting point guard, Johnson averages 10.6 points and 4 assist per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Mindaugas Kacinas leads the team in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and freshman shooting guard Sindarius Thornwell (11.7 ppg) is the Gamecocks leading scorer.

As a team, South Carolina has been woeful on offense. Their 68.5 points per game ranks 269th out of 345 division one basketball programs. Also, they barely shoot over 42 percent from the field.

Marshall and South Carolina have met five times but not since the 1980-1981 season. The Gamecocks hold a 3-2 advantage in the series. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow with television coverage provided by CSS. The game will also be streamed online by ESPN3.

South Carolina
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Marshall Football: Herd Sinks Maryland in Military Bowl, 31-20

No one panicked. Maryland had just completed a 17-play, 99-yard drive that gave the Terrapins a 20-17 lead, its first of the game. With the fourth quarter just underway, Marshall marched back down the field for a nine play drive capped by a seven yard touchdown run from Essray Taliaferro. The Thundering Herd added another late touchdown and did not allow Maryland to score again as Marshall won the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman 31-20.

The victory, Marshall's first over an ACC opponent since defeating Clemson in 1999, was also the Herds tenth of the season. Marshall last finished a season with double-digit wins in 2002.

Rakeem Cato was named the games MVP. The Thundering Herd quarterback completed 28 of his 44 pass attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdown receptions went to tight end Gator Hoskins, who caught six passes for 104 yards.

On defense, the Herd limited Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown to 197 passing yards. They also sacked Brown three times and held him to 38 rushing yards. Marshall safety A.J. Leggett intercepted a Brown pass late in the forth quarter, setting up the Herds final scoring drive.

Marshall did a good job in all three phases of the game. Punter Tyler Williams and the punt coverage unit downed the ball inside Maryland's 5-yard line three times.

With the win, Marshall moves to eight and three all-time in bowl games.

Stats

HerdZone

Herd Defeats Maryland in 2013 Military Bowl

BOGACZYK: Herd Has Many Reasons for Military Night

Huntington Herald Dispatch

A proper salute

Chuck Landon: Bowl win sets Herd ship back to right

Hoskins shows his heart

Maryland defense let Gator go free

Chuck Landon grade the Herd

Grant Traylor's game balls

Marshall Football: Herd to Face Rhode Island in 2014

The Providence Journal revealed today that the University of Rhode Island will fill the open date on Marshall's 2014 football schedule.

The Herd had been searching for an opponent since they agreed to move Louisville's visit to Joan C. Edwards Stadium from 2014 to 2016.

A football playing member of the Colonial Athletic Association, Rhode Island finished last season 3-9. They recently hired Central Florida defensive coordinator Jim Fleming as their new head coach after firing Joe Trainer.

With the addition of Rhode Island, Marshall's 2014 out of conference schedule is set. The Herds Conference USA slate will be announced by the league at a later date.

Marshall's 2014 Out of Conference Schedule
August 30th at Miami Ohio
September 13th Ohio
September 20th at Akron
September 27th Rhode Island

Marshall Football: Fast Facts, Maryland

Sixteen facts you need to know about the Maryland Terrapins before Friday's Military Bowl.

1) Arguably Maryland’s best offensive player, wide receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a season ending injury in October. Despite missing five of the Terrapins last 12 games, Diggs’ still leads the team with 587 receiving yards.

2) The Terps will be without another wide receiver, junior Deon Long. Like Diggs, Long missed Maryland's final five games. Despite the prolonged absence, Long ranks third on the team in receiving yards (489) and receptions (32).

3) With their top two receivers sidelined, one-time Marshall commitment Levern Jacobs has tried to fill the void. In the Terps last two games, Jacobs has caught 13 passes for 112 yards.

4) Maryland’s 2012 leader in carries, running back Wes Brown was suspended from the team in August after an altercation with police. In Brown’s absence, Brandon Ross has shouldered the load, running for a team high 660 yards on 146 attempts with four touchdowns.

5) In terms of quarterbacks Marshall has already faced this season, Maryland’s C.J. Brown reminds me of FAU’s Jaquez Johnson. Although Brown is smaller than Johnson, both players can create problems with their legs. Brown is second on the Terps with 538 rushing yards and he has scored a team high 12 rushing touchdowns. Brown has also completed just over 58% of his passes for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

6) Maryland is operating with a completely different offensive line than they envisioned when the season began. In October starting left tackle Mike Madaras exited the football program. His replacement, true freshman Moise Larose, suffered an injury during the Terps November loss to Syracuse which caused head coach Randy Edsall to reshuffle the entire unit. Right tackle Ryan Doyle was moved to left tackle, right guard Michael Dunn slid over to right tackle and sophomore Andrew Zeller was inserted into the starting lineup at right guard.

7) Maryland’s ACC Offensive Rankings:

Total Offense – 8^th (397 ypg)

Scoring Offense – 8^th (26.7 ppg)

Passing Offense – 5^th (252.4 ypg)

Rushing Offense – 11^th (144.58 ypg)

9) On defense lookout for talented true freshman cornerback Will Likely. The Florida native has broken up and team high five passes and recorded 62 tackles.

10) Maryland defensive coordinator Brian Stewart is familiar with Marshall. Serving as Houston’s defensive coordinator in 2011, Stewart’s unit limited the Herd to 28 points in a 68-28 Cougars win.

11) Marcus Whitfield has been a matchup problem for opposing offenses all season. Despite being listed as a linebacker, Whitfield can put his hand in the dirt and turn Maryland’s 3-4 defense into a 4-3. He leads the Terps with 14.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

12) The middle of Marshall’s offensive line will have his hands full with 6-foot-3, 310-pound Darius Kilgo. The junior nose tackle has tallied 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

13) Maryland’s ACC Defensive Rankings:

Total Defense – 6^th (366.9 ypg)

Scoring Defense – 7^th (24.8 ppg)

Passing Defense – 5^th (215.8 ypg)

Rushing Defense – 6^th (151.17 ypg)

14) Maryland place kicker Brad Craddock has only registered 12 touchbacks among his 64 kickoffs this season. On field goals, Craddock’s made 19 of 23 attempts with a long of 50 yards. He has missed just two kicks from within 49 yards this season.

15) Of the 14 ACC punters that have attempted at least 36 punts this season, Maryland’s Nathan Renfo ranks 10^th with a average of 40.9 yards per kick.

16) Besides playing corner, Likely also serves as the Terps punt and kick returner. He is averaging 12.8 yards per punt and 27 yards per kick return. He also returned a punt for a touchdown against Virginia Tech.

Marshall Football: Malik Thompson Commits to Herd

Marshall received another commitment from a Fork Union Military Academy (Va.) defensive lineman when Malik Thompson gave a verbal pledge to the Thundering Herd this week.

As a senior at Florida's Edgewater High School, Thompson tallied 38 tackles and a sack. That same year, he was named to the Orlando Sentinels Central Florida Super60 list and received a scholarship offer from N.C. State.

Thompson enrolled at Fork Union this fall in order to strengthen his academics. He stands 6-foot-6, 246 lbs.

Like his teammate and fellow Herd commitment A.J. Addison, Thompson can enroll at Marshall for the upcoming spring semester, but he can't sign a letter of intent until national signing day on February 5th.

For more on Thompson follow the links below:

1) Rivals profile
2) Hudl profile (video)

Marshall Football: Stanley Dye Commits to Herd

The Herd received a special Christmas present this morning when Stanley Dye gave a verbal commitment to Marshall's football program.

Early Christmas for #Marshall as #ridgeviewpanther #stanleydye commits. 2 back to back D1 players for first time in #RHS history
— Tom (@Coachmac8740) December 25, 2013

A highly sought after recruit, Dye also had scholarship offers from Florida International, UAB, UTSA, and Middle Tennessee.

During his senior season at Ridgeview High School (Fla.), Dye played receiver and defensive back, catching 25 passes for 574 yards and eight touchdowns. Projected as a cornerback at the college level, he also snagged three interceptions.

For more on Dye follow the links below:

1) Rivals profile
2) Scout profile
3) 247 Sports profile
4) Hudl profile (video)

Marshall Football: Jason Smith Commits to Herd

Marshall swayed University of Massachusetts commitment Jason Smith to switch his verbal pledge to the Thundering Herd last week.

After spending the fall at East Coast Prep, 2013 (Hackensack) DE Jason Smith has committed to Marshall University
— NJ Football Spot (@NJ_FB_SPOT) December 19, 2013

A defensive lineman at East Coast Prep (Mass.), Smith plans to enroll at Marshall for the spring semester and sign a letter of intent in February. He stands 6-foot-2, 265 lbs., and was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.85 seconds.  

During his senior season at Hackensack High School (NJ.), Smith payed defensive end and tight end, recording 31 tackles and two receptions for 22 yards. He also participated in the 2013 Bergen County All Start Football Classic where he recovered a pair of fumbles. 

For more on Smith follow the links below:

1) Hudl profile (video)

Marshall Football: Herd Unveils Special Military Bowl Helmet

At practice yesterday, Marshall football coach Doc Holliday unveiled a special helmet that the Thundering Herd will wear to honor America's Armed Forces during Friday's Military Bowl.

The block green decal has been given a patriotic makeover, featuring an American flag design. The center stripe has also been modified to a stars and stripes pattern. Last but certainly not least, the front of the helmet, typically adorned with "Herd", has been replaced by one of the five military branches, the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

@USArmy @USNavy Marshall University will wear this Friday in the @MilitaryBowl to honor YOU! Thanks for all you do! pic.twitter.com/JRdfwkDfFV
— Marshall Equipment (@HerdEquipment) December 24, 2013

We also learned that former Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich and West Virginia senator Joe Machin will represent the Herd as honorary captains at the Military Bowl.

Marshall Football: A.J. Addison Commits to Herd

Marshall filled a glaring hole in its 2014 recruiting class yesterday when Fork Union Military Academy offensive/defensive lineman A.J. Addison committed to the Thundering Herd.

Committed to Marshall #HerdNation!!!!
— A.J. Addison (@ToTall_Dre) December 22, 2013

Senior offensive lineman, Alex Schooler, Jordan Jeffries, Garret Scott, and Gage Niemeyer are graduating from Marshall this year, necessitating an infusion of new talent in the trenches.

In high school, Addison was a three year starter at left tackle. First at Caroline High School before spending his junior and senior seasons with Fredericksburgh (Va.) Christian School. As a senior, Addison was heavily recruited by Virginia, but decided to attend Fork Union in order to concentrate on his academics.

Since enrolling at Fork Union, the 6-foot-7, 290 lbs., offensive tackle has picked up scholarship offers from a number of FCS schools and Sun Belt Conference member Georgia State. According to an article by 247 Sports, Addison was also receiving interest from Clemson and Oklahoma.

As a prep school recruit, Addison can enroll at Marshall for the spring semester, but he has to wait until national signing day (February 5th) to sign a letter of intent.

For more on Marshall latest commitment follow the links below:

1) 247 Sports profile

Rally Falls Short As Arkansas State Beats Herd

From the Marshall Sports Information staff:

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After falling behind by 18 early in the second half, the Marshall men’s basketball (5-7) team rallied, but could not complete the comeback before falling to Arkansas State (6-4), 83-82, Saturday night at Cam Henderson Center.

Arkansas State got off to a hot start after the opening tip to take a 19-5 lead just over five minutes into the game as the Red Wolves used a 5-for-7 shooting stretch from beyond the arc to jump out front of the Thundering Herd.

The Herd would answer on its home floor as it used a 20-6 run midway through the first half to knot the game up at 25 apiece while 6:52 remained until the half.

The Red Wolves would become reignited from long range to spur another run, this one being 22-6, putting themselves up 47-31 at the halftime break. Arkansas State went 10-of-19 from deep in the first 20 minutes of play.

Freshman guard Kareem Canty (Harlem, N.Y.) and sophomore forward TyQuane Goard (Charleston, W.Va.) led Marshall in scoring in the first half, each with 10 points in starting roles.

In the second half, Arkansas State continued its surge and took a game-high lead of 18 points with 18:07 remaining in the contest, but the Herd would fight back. With a gritty resilience, Marshall had the Red Wolves backpedaling.

When Canty got hot halfway through the second half, things got interesting as the Red Wolves lead had been reduced to two points, 74-72, with under four minutes remaining.

Both sides continued to battle with Marshall working to claw its way back into the contest. With 39.8 seconds to play, freshman forward Ryan Taylor (Indianapolis) knocked down a three on a kick-out pass from Chris Thomas (Denver) to tie the game at 79.

Despite going 2-for-12 from three-point land in the second half, Arkansas State got one when it needed to as Brandon Reed drained an open three to help the Red Wolves retake the lead, 82-79, with 24.5 seconds left.

After both sides exchanged trips to the free-throw line, the Herd trailed 83-80 with 5.1 seconds left. Unable to connect on a three that would have tied the game, Taylor tipped in the miss before time expired, bringing the final score to 83-82.

Goard finished the night with 21 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double, with both marks setting career highs. Canty scored a game high 22 points, while Thomas and Shawn Smith (Sacramento, Calif.) rounded out the Marshall double-figure scorers with 14 and 13 respectively.

The Herd will return from its holiday break with a road contest at South Carolina, Monday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS).

In-game Twitter updates @HerdMBB, results and a recap from the night’s action will be available at HerdZone.com.

Marshall Basketball: Opponent Profile, Arkansas State

Marshall (5-6, 0-0)  returns to the hardwood on Saturday as they host Arkansas State (5-4, 0-0) for a 7 p.m. tip-off in the Cam Henderson Center.

Red Wolves leading scorer Kirk Van Slyke is familiar with the Thundering Herd. As a member of the 2011 Houston Cougars, the 6-foot-10 forward  played four minutes and scored no points in a 66-58 loss to Marshall. After sitting out a year per NCAA transfer rules, Van Slyke is leading Arkansas State this season with 16.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Another Houston transfer, 6-foot-7 forward Kendrick Washington averages 26.8 minutes, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.3 points per game for the Red Wolves.

Much like the Herd, Arkansas St. struggles from the free throw line. The Red Wolves arrive in Huntington off of back-to-back losses to Nebraska and Toledo. In those two games, Arkansas St. shot a combined 55% (16-29) from the foul line.

Arkansas State

Roster

Stats

Notes: On the Marshal side, forward Cheikh Sane is not expected to play against ASU after injury his foot against West Virginia. He spent Tuesday’s win over Alice Lloyd on the bench in a walking boot with a pair of crutches. 

Marshall Football: Jordan Dowrey Commits to Herd

Marshall received a verbal commitment today when Jordan Dowrey announced via Twitter he had accepted a scholarship offer from the Thundering Herd.

My dream has officially come true! I'm committed to Marshall University! #ThunderingHerd pic.twitter.com/NUZmAH0pAb
— Jordan Dowrey (@Dowrey58) December 17, 2013

A defensive tackle and offensive lineman at John Handley High School in Winchester V.A., Dowrey stands 6-foot-1, 270 lbs. Dowrey took an official visit to Marshall last week and also held offers from Connecticut and a host of FCS schools. Jordan’s brother Derek Dowrey is a sophomore defensive tackle at Penn State.

One of the top high school wrestlers in Virginia, Jordan won the 2013 AA state championship at 285 pounds and finished the season undefeated.

1) Rivals profile

2) Scout profile
3) Hudl profile (highlight video)

Marshall Basketball: Herd Defeats Alice Lloyd 121-57

Marshall (5-6, 0-0) dismantled NAIA member Alice Lloyd (6-6, 0-0) at the Cam Henderson Center Tuesday evening, sending the visitors home with a 121-57 defeat.

The Thundering Herd had two players finish with double-doubles as point guard Kareem Canty scored 11 points and distributed 14 assist while forward Shawn grabbed 12 rebounds and contributed 18 points. Four other Marshall players including walk-on Austin Loop (17 points), Tamron Manning (11 points), Ryan Taylor (25 points), and Chris Thomas (19 points) all reached double-digit scoring totals.

The Herd reversed a season long trend of ugly free throw shooting last night as they converted 18 of 22 (81.8%) foul shots. Marshall’s 64-point margin of victory tied for second largest in school history.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd outmans Eagles

HerdZone

Marshall Thumps Alice Lloyd to End Losing Skid

Marshall in the NFL, Week 15

Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the National Football League.

1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts placed Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve October 8^th after he suffered a neck injury that required season ending surgery. For the season Bradshaw played in three games, rushing for 186 yards on 41 attempts with two touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 42 yards.

2. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

Omar Brown was inactive for the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 win over the Detroit Lions Monday night.

3. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite catching a nasty intestinal bug a day before the game, Chris Crocker played in the Cincinnati Bengals 30-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, tallying two tackles.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

In a disappointing 48-30 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry played 22 of the Eagles 75 defensive snaps, registering two tackles.

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Still recovering from a sprained foot, Aaron Dobson sat out his third straight game as New England fell to the Miami Dolphins 24-20.

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts placed Mario Harvey on injured reserve on December 3^rd after the reserve linebacker suffered a torn meniscus. For the year, Harvey recorded 15 tackles, mostly on special teams, in 13 games.

7. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Albert McClellan made a special teams tackle in the Ravens win over Detroit Monday night.

8. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

The Bills left guard, Doug Legursky helped Buffalo accumulate 366 yards of offense in a 27-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

9. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Although he did not catch a pass, Bills tight end Lee Smith appeared in 45 of Buffalo’s 76 offensive snaps, primarily serving as a blocker.

10. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

C.J. Spillman registered a special teams tackle but was also penalized for holding during a punt return as his San Francisco 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-14.

Marshall Football: Rouse Intends to Return in 2014

Herd fans received a piece of good news yesterday when James Rouse announced his intentions to return for a sixth year in 2014. He missed the entire 2012 season and most of 2011 after suffering a knee and back injury. Rouse made the announcement during Sunday's football banquet where he was also named Marshall's 2013 defensive MVP. The senior defensive lineman has tallied 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks this season.

C-USA Football: FAU Set to Hire Partridge

Reports indicate that Arkansas assistant Charlie Partridge will be named the new football coach at Florida Atlantic. A Florida native, Partridge severed as the Razorbacks defensive line and assistant head coach in 2013.

Partridge takes over for Carl Pelini who resigned mid-season after allegations of drug use and failure to supervise his staff. The Owls finished the season 6-6 and won four games under interim head coach Brian Wright after Pelini’s departure.  

A former college defensive lineman and long time assistant coach, Partridge is known as one of the top recruiters in South Florida. He was also part of Bret Bielma’s staff at Wisconsin that won three straight Big 10 titles between 2010-2012.

New FAU coach Charlie Partridge's 5-year deal worth $2.76M, source told @ESPN. Will be formally introduced Tuesday
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 16, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Herd Falls in Capital Classic 74-64

Despite a four point lead with just under five minutes left to play, Marshall (4-6, 0-0) could not hold on against West Virginia (7-4, 0-0), falling to the Mountaineers 74-64 in Saturday's Capital Classic.

With 3:41 left in the game, WVU guard Juwan Staten completed a three point play that gave his team a 63-62 lead. That spurred a 11-2 Mountaineers run to finish the game.

Playing without leading scorer Elijah Pittman who was suspended indefinitely earlier in the week, the Thundering Herd was paced by freshman point guard Kareem Canty. Canty scored a team high 16 points and also distributed nine assist. After missing Marshall's last two games with a knee injury, Ryan Taylor returned in a reserve role and played 26 minutes while scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds.

The Herd continued its dismal shooting from the free throw line, only converting 10 of 24 free throw attempts against the Mountaineers. WVU had no such trouble at the charity stripe as they only missed eight of their 28 shots.

Marshall returns to action on Tuesday against Alice Loyd at the Cam Henderson Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

WVU rallies past Herd, 74-64

Chuck Landon: MU beaten by WVU, officiating and itself 

HerdZone

BOGACZYK: Herd Rushes, and WVU Rallies to Win

Marshall Football: Recruit Paralyzed after Swimming Accident

Sad news out of Florida today as we learned Marshall football verbal commitment Caleb Rimes was paralyzed in a swimming accident last week.

According to a story by WBBH-TV, Rimes attended a party in Clewiston, FL last Saturday and dove into a pond that only turned out to be two feet deep. With the water so shallow, Rimes' forehead hit the pond's bottom, breaking his neck.

Shortly after the incident, Rimes was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers where he remains today. The injury has left him paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors don't expect him to walk, much less play football again.

Unconfirmed reports have indicated that the football program will honor Rimes' scholarship if he attends Marshall in the future.

Marshall Basketball: Opponent Profile, West Virginia

Marshall (4-5, 0-0) returns to the hardwood on Saturday against West Virginia (6-4, 0-0) in the Capital Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center.

Like the Thundering Herd backcourt of Kareem Canty and Chris Thomas, WVU features a strong guard duo in Juwan Staten and Eron Harris. The Mountaineers point guard, Staten averages 16.4 points, 6.8 assist, and 6.2 rebounds per game. He has only committed 14 turnover in WVU’s first ten games and ranks fifth nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (4.64).  A high school teammate of Marshall’s Ryan Taylor, Harris leads the Mountaineers in scoring at 19.3 point per game. Harris is effective from three point range. In Tuesday’s loss to Gonzaga, he hit five of his nine three point attempts and is shooting over 50% (31-60) from long distance this season.

In the front court, WVU uses a combination of Devin Williams, Nathan Adrian, and Kevin Noreen. Of the bunch, Williams averages the most floor time at 26.1 minutes per game. The 6-foot-9 freshman forward has also grabbed a team high 79 rebounds.

Similar to Marshall, WVU likes to run the floor. They are 35^th in the nation at 82.8 points per game. The Mountaineers also rank within the top 100 nationally in assists per game (69^th, 15 apg) and field goal percentage (82^nd, .471 fg%).  

Saturday will mark the 42^nd Capital Classic. WVU leads the series over Marshall by a 30-11 margin. Also, the Mountaineers have won six of the teams last seven meetings.

Marshall Football: Cato & Tindal Receive Individual Honors

Marshall received a number of honors today when Conference USA announced its individual football awards.

Thundering Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato was named C-USA Offensive Player of the Year. Cato leads the conference with 36 touchdown passes and ranks second in passing yards with 3,579.

Marshall’s Corey Tindal and Tulane linebacker Nico Marley shared C-USA's Freshman of the Year honors. One of the Herds top cornerbacks, Tindal recorded 55 tackles, five tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries during his rookie season. Tindal is the second straight Marshall football player to be named Freshman of the Year, running back Kevin Grooms received the award in 2012.

For a full list of C-USA’s individual awards, including league MVP, click here. 

Marshall Football: Herd Lands 21 on All Conference Teams

Conference USA announced its All-Conference football teams today. Marshall received 21 selections spread across the first, second, freshman, and honorable mention squads.

First Team
Offensive Line - Chris Japerse
Tight End - Gator Hoskins
Wide Receiver - Tommy Shuler
Defensive Line - James Rouse

Second Team
Quarterback - Rakeem Cato
Offensive Line - Garrett Scott
Offensive Line - Clinton Van Horn
Linebacker - Jermaine Holmes
Punt Returner - Devon Smith

Honorable Mention
Running Back - Essray Taliaferro
Defensive Line - Alex Bazzie
Defensive Line - Ra'Shawde Meyers
Linebacker - Evan McKelvey
Defensive Back - Corey Tindal
Defensive Back - Darryl Roberts
Defensive Back - Monterious Lovett

Freshman Team
Offensive Line - Michael Selby
Defensive Line - Gary Thompson
Linebacker - Stefan Houston
Defensive Back - Corey Tindal
Defensive Back - A.J. Leggett

• The Herds five selections on the All-Freshman team lead all of C-USA.
• Marshall produced nine first and second team picks, only trailing Rice's ten.
• The 21 honorees is a single year Marshall record.
• ECU quarterback Shane Carden was selected as the first team quarterback over Rakeem Cato.
• C-USA will announce its individual award winners, including league MVP, tomorrow.

You can see all of the selections by clicking here.

Marshall Basketball: Elijah Pittman Suspended Indefinitely

In a press release, Marshall’s basketball program announced that leading scorer Elijah Pittman has been suspended indefinitely from the team. No reason was given for his suspension and the athletic department will not provide further comment.

Pittman entered the season as the Thundering Herds only returning starter. In Marshall’s first nine games, the 6-foot-9 senior forward averaged 21.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Playing at Penn State on Saturday, Pittman spent the majority of the second half on the bench. In 22 minutes against the Nittany Lions, Pittman missed four of his five free throws and only converted four of 13 field goal attempts. He finished the game with ten points, two rebounds, two blocks, and a turnover.

Huntington Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon believes that junior Shawn Smith, who averages 7.3 points and three rebounds per game, will start in Pittman’s place against WVU in the Capital Classic this Saturday.

Look for Shawn Smith to start in Pittman's place against WVU Saturday
— Chuck Landon (@Chuckonsports) December 9, 2013

Marshall Football: Herd to Meet Maryland in Military Bowl

Marshall learned its Bowl game opponent today when the University of Maryland accepted an invitation to the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman.

Under the direction of third year head coach Randy Edsall, Maryland finished the season 7-5 with a 3-5 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Terrapins last Military Bowl appearance was 2010 when they defeated ECU 51-20 at the games former home, Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium. This years match-up is ticketed for Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis Maryland.

Maryland shared two common opponents with Marshall this season, Florida International and Virginia Tech. The Terps dismantled FIU in both schools season opener 43-10. Against the Hokies, Maryland beat its lone FBS opponent with a winning record in overtime, 27-24.

The Military Bowl kickoff is set for December 27th at 2:30 p.m., with television coverage provided by ESPN.

Marshall Basketball: Penn State Mauls Herd 90-77

Marshall I(4-5, 0-0) dropped its third game in a row, falling at Penn State (7-3, 0-0) 90-77 Saturday afternoon.

The Nittany Lions defense stymied the visitors as the Thundering Herd only shot 39.4% (26-66) from the floor. Freshman point guard Kareem Canty lead Marshall with 28 points but none of his other teammates scored more than ten. Largely absent from the second half, Herd leading scorer Elijah Pittman only manager ten points while converting four of 13 attempts from within the three point line and one of five shots beyond the arch.

Marshall was without forward Ryan Taylor for the second game in a row. Taylor injured his knee during practice on Wednesday and also missed the Vanderbilt game earlier in the week. TyQuane Goard started in Taylor's absence and scored nine points while grabbing seven rebounds.

The Herd returns to action next Saturday against West Virginia at the Charleston Civic Center.

Stats

HerdZone

Poor Shooting Night Dooms Marshall at Penn State

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Marshall falls far behind in road loss

Marshall Football: Herd Falls in C-USA Title Game to Rice, 41-24

Marshall could not secure its first league title in eleven years, falling at Rice 41-24 in Saturday's Conference USA Championship game.

The Owls showed why their rushing attack ranks 17th nationally as they gouged Marshall for 248 yards on the ground. The leading rushed in C-USA, Rice running back Charles Ross rumbled for 109 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. Overall the Rice ground game averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

When Owls quarterback Taylor McHargue was not handing off, he often found wide receiver Taylor Jordan deep down the field. Jordan finished the afternoon with a game high six catches for 131 and a touchdown.

One the other hand, Marshall's offense struggled against a stout Rice defense. The Owls limited Rakeem Cato to 265 yards passing on 24 completions. Marshall running back Essray Taliaferro was also bottled up as he only gained 53 yards on 17 carries.

Following the game, Marshall accepted a bid to the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman. The bowl takes place on December 27th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis Maryland. The Herd will play a yet to be determined Atlantic Coast Conference opponent.

Stats

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall football: Herd falls at Rice 41-24, in C-USA title game

HerdZone

Marshall Falls to Rice in C-USA Football Championship Game

Marshall Football: Herd Accepts Military Bowl Bid

Following today's 41-24 loss at Rice in the Conference USA Championship game, Marshall accepted a bid to the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman.

The Bowl game will take place December 27th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, home of the Navy Midshipman. The Herd will meet a yet to be determined Atlantic Coast Conference opponent although, the University of Maryland is believed to be the front runner.

While the game takes place in Annapolis Md., the team hotel and other bowl week activities are located in Washington D.C.. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on the 27th with television coverage provided by the ESPN family of networks.

For more information about the Military Bowl visit their official website.

Marshall Football: Fast Facts, Rice

Sixteen facts you need to know about Rice before tomorrow’s Conference USA championship game against Marshall.

1) The Owls are powered by one of college football’s top rushing attacks. Ranked 17^th in the nation, Rice averages 236.92 yards on the ground per game.

2) If the Owls rushing attack is an engine, it has many pistons. The main driving force is 6-foot-1, 235 lbs., running back Charles Ross. A bruising runner, he has rumbled for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. One thing to keep in mind on Saturday, Ross was benched during the Owls last two games after fumbling.

3) While Ross is the thunder, freshman running back Jawon Davis is the lightning. The diminutive (5-foot-7) scatback has rushed for 455 yards on 88 carries in his first year of college football.

4) Quarterback Taylor McHargue is also a key cog in the Owls run game. In last year’s 54-51 OT loss to Marshall, he rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. McHargue is more than just a running threat, he has completed over 52% of his passes this season for 2,065 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

5) McHargue’s favorite target is Jordan Taylor. The junior wide receiver has caught a team high 48 passes for 715 yards and seven touchdowns. Rice will be without third leading receiver Turner Peterson on Saturday.  The running back injured his knee against Tulane last week and is out the remainder of the season.

6) Rice has attempted the third fewest amount of passes (313) in Conference USA, but they have also allowed the third most sacks (33).

7) Conference offensive rankings:

Total Offense – 3^rd (420.5 ypg)

Scoring Offense – 5^th (30.6 ppg)

Passing Offense – 11^th (181 ypg)

Rushing Offense – 1^st (239.50 ypg)

8) Christian Covington is one of the best defensive tackles in C-USA. He leads Rice with four sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Last year against Marshall he recorded a single game best seven tackles.

9) The Rice defense also boast C-USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Phillip Gaines. One of the Owls two excellent corners, he leads his team with four interceptions.

10) The other half of Rice’s cornerback duo, Bryce Callahan has registered an Owl high eight pass breakups this season.

11) The backend of Rice’s secondary matches the talent at corner. Safety Paul Porras is second on the team with 70 tackles. He is joined by fellow safety Malcolm Hill and his three interceptions this season.

12) A former walk-on, linebacker Michael Kutzler leads the Owls with 79 tackles.

13) Conference defensive rankings:

Total Defense – 2^nd (349.4 ypg)

Scoring Defense – 5^th (22.8 ppg)

Passing Defense – 2^nd (189.96 ypg)

Rushing Defense – 6^th (159.50 ypg)

14) Rice kicker Chris Boswell has won the C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week award three times this season and has been named to the 2014 Senior Bowl roster. For the year Boswell’s converted 14 of 21 field goal attempts with a long of 56 yards. He has also booted a C-USA high 54 touchbacks.

15) Owls punter James Farrimond averages 41.81 yards per attempt, good enough for 5^th in C-USA.

16) Rice has not returned a punt of kick for a touchdown this season. I don’t have the individual breakdown, but they have blocked four kicks/punts.

Marshall Basketball: Commodores Stymie Herd Comeback

Marshall (4-4, 0-0) overcame a 13 point second half defect at Vanderbilt (5-3, 0-0) to bring the game within reach on its final possession. Trailing 67-69 with nine seconds left on the clock, Kareem Canty charged into the lane, but he was met Commodores forward James Siakam who prevented the Herd’s point guard from getting off a shot. No foul was called on the play and Marshall left Memorial Gymnasium with its second loss in a row.

Canty lead the Thundering Herd with 18 points. He also registered four assist and turnovers. Receiving his first career start in place of Ryan Taylor, forward TyQuane Goard scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds. Taylor watched the game from the bench in street clothes. During his postgame press conference head coach Tom Herrion offered no explanation for Taylor’s absence.

Marshall returns to the hardwood tomorrow at Penn State, tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

 Herd loses close one

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall basketball: Herd rally falls short at Vanderbilt

Charleston Gazette

Marshall comes up short at Vandy, 69-67

HerdZone

Comeback Falls Short for Men’s Basketball at Vanderbilt

Marshall Basketball: Opponent Profile, Vanderbilt

Marshall (4-3, 0-0) has never played Vanderbilt (4-3, 0-0) in basketball but, they are familiar with the Commodores leading scorer. Before sitting out last season as a transfer, guard Eric McClellan was a Tulsa Golden Hurricane. McClellan scored 25 points and pulled down seven rebounds in Tulsa’s triple-overtime loss against Marshall in the 2012 Conference USA Tournament. Seven games into his Vanderbilt career, he is averaging 17.6 points per game.

The Commodores rotate five forwards that all stand over 6-foot-7 or taller. Junior James Siakem is the most dangerous of the bunch, he averages 10.1 points and seven rebounds per game.

Even with their size, Vanderbilt does not play a methodical style of basketball. Through the season’s first seven games they are averaging 74.1 points per outing. They are also a fairly efficient bunch, ranking 77^th in the nation with a .474 field goal percentage.

Vanderbilt’s biggest advantage this evening might be the friendly confines of Memorial Gymnasium. If you have not seen it before (picture below), the court sits on a risen stage and the benches are located on opposing baselines. The unique setup probably explains why the Commodores win almost 80-percent of their home games.   

Tonight’s tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Vanderbilt Roster & Stats.

                                          Picture courtesy aviewfrommyseats.com

Marshall in the NFL: Week 13

Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the National Football League.

1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts placed Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve October 8^th after he suffered a neck injury that required season ending surgery. For the season Bradshaw played in three games, rushing for 186 yards on 41 attempts with two touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 42 yards.

2. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

Omar Brown was inactive for the Baltimore Ravens 22-20 Thanksgiving day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals

After using the bye week to recover from an injured hamstring, Chris Crocker returned for Cincinnati’s 17-10 win over the San Diego Chargers, registering three tackles and a pass defended.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

A reserve defensive end for the Eagles, Vinny Curry batted down one pass in Philadelphia’s 24-21 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

A sprained foot kept Aaron Dobson out of the New England Patriots 34-31 victory over the Houston Texans.

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

Yesterday the Colts placed Mario Harvey on injured reserve with an undisclosed ailment, ending his season.

7. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Albert McClellan played at least 15 special teams snaps against Pittsburgh but, did not register a tackle.

8. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

The Bills offensive line, anchored by left guard Doug Legursky, helped Buffalo’s rushing attack gain 195 yards on 31 carries against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite their valiant offensive effort on the ground, the Bills fell to Atlanta 34-31.

9. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Primarily serving as a blocker, Bills tight end Lee Smith appeared in 35% of Biffalo’s offensive snaps against the Falcons.

10. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

C.J. Spillman made two special teams tackles during the San Francisco 49ers 23-13 win over the St. Louis Rams. 

Marshall Football: Clarification from C-USA & Jerry Palm on BCS Standings

This will be our last post about Rice being awarded Saturday’s Conference USA Championship game, promise.

Paul Swan and Woody Woodrum spoke with Jerry Palm of CBSSports.com on Supertalk 94.1 FM yesterday. Palm worked with C-USA on the extended BCS formula that helped determine the title game host. You should listen to the entire interview, but here is a Cliff Notes version.

• C-USA reached out to Palm last week in anticipation that the BCS standings would determine the host of the conference championship.

• No one anticipated that Marshall or Rice would receive votes in the two human elements of the BCS standings, the USA Today Coaches and Harris Interactive Poll. When the Thundering Herd received 23 votes among the two polls, C-USA and Palm had to devise a way to honor those numbers but still take into account the computer standings.

• In the interview, Palm explained that he and league placed more value on the computer rankings as they covered more data. Palm and C-USA did not believe that the 23 votes Marshall received among the 164 individuals who voted in the human polls should unfairly skew the computer data.

• As you can see in C-USA’s press release from Sunday, Marshall received credit for its Coaches and Harris poll votes, but instead of basing the computer rankings on just the BCS top 25, the league decided to extend the numbers to 125 teams. It was that decision that put Rice over the top.

• Palm was adamant that the BCS standings are a poor way to decide a tiebreaker.

• Palm also confirmed that per the actual BCS standings, which bases its computer rankings on just 25 teams, places Marshall in front of Rice.

Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette communicated via email with Jeff Sargin, who puts together one of the six computer rankings that make up the BCS standings. Sargin criticized C-USA’s interpretation of his rankings.

For those of you who think C-USA benefits by having the championship at Rice, read Grant Traylors article in today’s Huntington Herald Dispatch. C-USA is footing the entire bill for Saturday’s game, including flights, accommodations, and tickets for Marshall’s band. While the league is taking on all the expenses, they also receive the money from ticket sales. Given that Rice’s attendance pales in comparison to Marshall’s, it’s fair to assume the C-USA stood to make more money at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. 

Marshall Football: C-USA Alters BCS Formula to Decide Tie-Breaker

The results might be in, but the controversy surrounding the placement of Saturday’s Conference USA championship game is just beginning.

Marshall fans were chagrined Sunday evening upon learning that Rice would host this the title game. Due to both teams finishing with identical conference records (7-1), the BCS standings were used as the tie-breaker, well that was the idea any way.

Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette provides an extensive report on how C-USA incorrectly interpreted the six computer rankings that make up one-third of the BCS Standings:

Instead of basing the computer indexes on the BCS's strict top-25 level, C-USA decided to award values based on a 1-through-125 scale. After dropping the highest and lowest rankings, the inverse totals were tallied and divided by 500, or four times 125.

Rice had the advantage here, which was Marshall's fear before it registered votes in the "human polls." The Owls' computer rankings were 49, 42, 43, 59, 54 and 44; the Herd's rankings were 63, 41, 56, 66, 56, 54.

So after dropping the highest and lowest and taking the inverse values, Rice had 314 points, 0.628 after dividing by 500. Marshall had 275 points, 0.55 after dividing by 500.

Using that system, Marshall's 0.1874 didn't measure up to Rice's 0.2093. With that, Saturday's game will be at Rice Stadium in Houston.

If C-USA had based the computer indexes on the BCS top-25 level, Marshall would have finished the week ranked 33^rd, 15 spots ahead of Rice.

C-USA has yet to comment on the discrepancy and it’s not known why the league decided to interpret the computer rankings differently. 

Marshall Football: Rice to Host Herd in Conference Championship

The Thundering Herd will travel to Rice for next weeks Conference USA championship game.

Earlier this evening the prevailing wisdom had Marshall serving as host at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, but after calculating the final BCS standings, C-USA determined Rice had the higher ranking and was declared the home team.

Marshall was preferred by both human elements of the BCS formula, the USA Today Coaches and Harris Interactive Poll. Despite ranking higher in both human polls, Rice was favored by five of the six computer rankings that make up the final third of the BCS standings.

Saturday's championship game will kickoff at 12 p.m. EST with broadcast coverage provided by ESPN2.

Marshall Football: Herd Receives Votes in Coaches Poll

For the first time in over a decade Marshall received votes in a major college football poll.

Voted on by 59 FBS head coaches, the Thundering Herd accumulated 13 votes in this weeks USA Today Coaches Poll. Marshall last received votes in the Coaches Poll on September 21st 2003, the week after the Herd defeated then number six ranked Kansas State.

Marshall also received 10 votes in this weeks Harris Interactive College Football Poll. The Harris and Coaches Poll are two of the three elements that make up the BCS rankings.

Tied with identical league records, (7-1) this weeks BCS standings will determine the home site of Saturday's Conference USA championship game between Marshall and Rice. The Owls did not receive votes in the Coaches or Harris poll and at least one analysis, Jerry Palm of CBS Sports, predicts Joan C. Edwards Stadium to host next weeks title game. The official BCS standings will be revealed sometime after 8:30 p.m. ET this evening.

Marshall Basketball: ETSU Sinks Herd 88-78

Stymied by East Tennessee State's zone defense, Marshall fell to the Buccaneers 88-78 Saturday night at Freedom Hall.

East Tennessee's zone caused the Herd to take quick shots, including 30 beyond the 3-point line which they only converted six. Marshall's defense was as leaky as the Buccaneers was effective. ETSU (3-5, 0-0) shot over 50% (30-56) from the floor and held a 16 point advantage early in the second half. 

The Herd was lead by 19 points from point guard Kareem Canty who also recorded six assist. After being ejected from Thursday's win over Western Kentucky, Elijah Pittman started yesterdays game and scored 16 points.

Marshall (4-3, 0-0) returns to action on December 5th at Vanderbilt (4-2, 0-0)

Stats

Charleston Gazette

Poor shooting dooms Herd in loss to ETSU

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Marshall falls on the road

Herd Zone

Marshall Unable to Rally to Beat ETSU