To say week one of the college football season went poorly for Conference USA would be an understatement. In total C-USA members played 12 games, only winning two. In fact, the whole Western division did not register a victory.
Arguably, the most embarrassing defeat belong to Memphis as they lost to FCS member Tennessee Martin 20-17 at home. In Houston the Cougars dropped a 30-13 decision to Texas State, a program playing its first FBS football game. The loss was so bad that Houston offensive coordinator Mike Besbitt resigned Monday.
For a complete rundown of the week one football action in C-USA's click here.
Standings:
East
1) ECU 1-0, 0-0
2) UCF 1-0, 0-0
3) Marshall 0-1, 0-0
4) Southern Miss 0-1, 0-0
5) UAB 0-1, 0-0
6) Memphis 0-1, 0-0
West
1) Tulsa 0-1, 0-0
2) UTEP 0-1, 0-0
3) Houston 0-1, 0-0
4) SMU 0-1, 0-0
5) Rice 0-1, 0-0
6) Tulane 0-1, 0-0
Monday, September 3, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Marshall Football: Mountaineer offense to much for Herd, WVU 69 - MU 34
In the Friends of Coal Bowls final inception Marshall University fell to WVU 69-24 on Saturday afternoon at Milan Puskar Stadium.
The Marshall defense was unable to stop WVU quarterback Geno Smith as the Heisman Trophy candidate completed 32 of 36 pass attempts for 323 yards and four touchdowns. Smith also had an excellent game running the ball, gaining 64 yards on eight carries with another score. The Mountaineers offensive line created huge holes for running back Shawne Austin as he only needed 16 rushing attempts to gain 123 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
On offense Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato had a career day, hitting 38 of 54 attempts for 412 yards and two touchdowns. Cato also threw an interception and coughed up and fumble but, the INT was bobbled by tight end Eric Frohnapfel before being picked off. On the ground, Marshall used a number of running backs to net 131 rushing yards on 45 attempts. The Herd was lead by freshman Kevin Grooms who gained 43 yards while only carrying the ball five times.
Marshall returns to Joan C. Edwards Stadium next Saturday for a showdown against FCS member Western Carolina. The Catamounts won their season opener on Thursday, taking down Mars Hill 42-14. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm ET with T.V. coverage provided by Fox College Sports.
Notes - Box Score...Marshall punter Tyler Williams made his college debut, he averaged 56 yards on four punt attempts...Starting his first game kicker Justin Haig was perfect on extra point attempts 4-4, while also connecting on field goals of 34 and 29 yards...Right tackle Garret Scott suffered a knee injury in the first half and was carted off the field... Defensive tackle Brandon Sparrow and offensive lineman also left the field with injuries...Despite making little noise during August practice Marshall tight ends caught 11 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown today.
The Marshall defense was unable to stop WVU quarterback Geno Smith as the Heisman Trophy candidate completed 32 of 36 pass attempts for 323 yards and four touchdowns. Smith also had an excellent game running the ball, gaining 64 yards on eight carries with another score. The Mountaineers offensive line created huge holes for running back Shawne Austin as he only needed 16 rushing attempts to gain 123 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
On offense Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato had a career day, hitting 38 of 54 attempts for 412 yards and two touchdowns. Cato also threw an interception and coughed up and fumble but, the INT was bobbled by tight end Eric Frohnapfel before being picked off. On the ground, Marshall used a number of running backs to net 131 rushing yards on 45 attempts. The Herd was lead by freshman Kevin Grooms who gained 43 yards while only carrying the ball five times.
Marshall returns to Joan C. Edwards Stadium next Saturday for a showdown against FCS member Western Carolina. The Catamounts won their season opener on Thursday, taking down Mars Hill 42-14. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm ET with T.V. coverage provided by Fox College Sports.
Notes - Box Score...Marshall punter Tyler Williams made his college debut, he averaged 56 yards on four punt attempts...Starting his first game kicker Justin Haig was perfect on extra point attempts 4-4, while also connecting on field goals of 34 and 29 yards...Right tackle Garret Scott suffered a knee injury in the first half and was carted off the field... Defensive tackle Brandon Sparrow and offensive lineman also left the field with injuries...Despite making little noise during August practice Marshall tight ends caught 11 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown today.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Marshall Football: A look behind enemy lines, WVU
A collection of articles on the West Virginia University Mountaineer football team heading into Saturday's game against Marshall.
The Charleston Daily Mail
WVU Football Coaches ready for any thing in Coal Bowl
WVU Football: Cook, Garvin pay the price, will start against Marshall
The Charleston Gazette
Holgorsen Hoping to see better effort vs.Herd
Mountaineers defense a mix of old and new
The Herald Dispatch
Jenkins, Miller step up for WVU
The Associated Press
Mountaineer kicker looks for rebound
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Alston prepared to carry the load for No. 11 WVU
The Daily Athenaeum
Holgorsen confidant WVU is ready for Herd
The Charleston Daily Mail
WVU Football Coaches ready for any thing in Coal Bowl
WVU Football: Cook, Garvin pay the price, will start against Marshall
The Charleston Gazette
Holgorsen Hoping to see better effort vs.Herd
Mountaineers defense a mix of old and new
The Herald Dispatch
Jenkins, Miller step up for WVU
The Associated Press
Mountaineer kicker looks for rebound
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Alston prepared to carry the load for No. 11 WVU
The Daily Athenaeum
Holgorsen confidant WVU is ready for Herd
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
C-USA Football: Week 1 Preview
Well folks it is that time of year again. Tomorrow the Conference USA football season kicks-off as Rice host PAC-12 member UCLA and UCF travels to Akron. In total all 12 C-USA schools will be in action this week with 11 of those games being televised.
Rice vs. UCLA, Thursday, 6:30pm CT, CBS Sports
Despite being more than 1,000 miles apart the Marshall Thundering Herd and Rice Owls share a common bond. Both schools are short on seniors as Rice only brings eight into their opening game against UCLA. Comparatively, Marshall boast 9 players entering their last year of eligibility.
Beating a BCS opponent would be nothing new for these Owls, they defeated Purdue in Houston last year. This game will also serve as the debut of new UCLA coach Jim Mora.
UCF at Akron, Thursday, 7pm ET, ESPN3
Marshall fans will have a hard time finding a team to root for in this match-up. On one hand you have bitter C-USA rival UCF, who have been a thorn in the Thundering Herds side since joining C-USA together in 2005. Then there is Akron, Marshall's old rival from the MAC and future opponent in 2014 and 2017. Personally, this blogger will be rooting for a C-USA win but, a little part of me would not mind a Zips victory.
ECU vs. Appalachian State, Saturday, 12noon ET, FSN
After a disappointing 2011 that saw ECU finish with a 5-7 record and no bowl appearance Pirates head coach Ruffin McNeil will be looking to right the ship in 2012. ECU starts with a tough test as talented FCS opponent Appalachian State visits Greenville.
Houston vs. Texas State, Saturday, 6pm CT, CSS
Defending Western division champion Houston enters the season under a new head coach, former Cougars assistant Tony Levine. Their opponent, Texas State, is also entering a new era as the Bobcats start their first season in FBS football Saturday night.
Marshall at WVU, Saturday, 12 noon ET, FX
The Friends of Coal Bowl kicks off for the final time this Saturday as Marshall and WVU meet at Milan Puskar Stadium. The only two division one football programs in West Virginia have met for seven consecutive years but the streak will end after this season. Marshall is lead by all C-USA receiver Aaron Dobson while WVU leans on senior quarterback Geno Smith, one of the best signal callers in the country.
Memphis vs. Tennessee Martin, Saturday, 6pm CT
Like I said earlier, 11 of 12 C-USA football games are televised this week, as you can probably guess Tennessee Martin at Memphis has been left out. The Tigers enter 2012 with a new head coach, former TCU offensive coordinator Justin Fuente. It will be interesting to see if Fuente can breathe new life into the Tigers dormant football program before they jump ship to the Big East.
Southern Miss at Nebraska, Saturday, 2:30pm CT, ABC
New coach, new quarterback, and a top 25 opponent, not exactly a recipe for success as Southern Miss travels to Nebraska this Saturday. Last years C-USA champion will lean on their defense this season as three of the Golden Eagles top four tackles from 2011 return.
SMU at Baylor, Sunday, 5:30pm CT, FSN
Baylor might be without Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III but they are still a difficult test. In a rare Sunday night game SMU will try to defeat the Bears and take down a Big 12 school on the road.
Tulane vs. Rutgers, Saturday, 7pm ET, CBS Sports
A Big East opponent visits the Big Easy this Saturday as Tulane host Rutgers. Former New Orleans Saints assistant Curtis Johnson will be making his debut as the Green Waves head coach. Despite last years 2-11 record Tulane returns a number of quality players including three year starting quarterback Ryan Griffin and junior running back Orleans Darkwa.
Tulsa at Iowa State, Saturday, 12:30pm CT, FSN
It's not often that C-USA teams are favored to win at Big 12 schools but that is exactly the case this Saturday as Tulsa visits Iowa State. Vegas oddsmakers have placed the Golden Hurricanes as 1.5 point favorites over the Cyclones.
UAB at Troy, Saturday, 11am CT, CSS
Two of Alabama's mid-major programs meet on Saturday as UAB travels to Troy. The Blazers will be lead by new head coach Garrick McGee and returning quarterback Jonathan Perry who passed for over 2,000 yards last year.
UTEP vs. Oklahoma, Saturday, 8:30pm MTN, FSN
After seven seasons and a .500 record UTEP head coach Mike Price is close to wearing out his welcome in El Paso. The immediate future does not present an easy task for Price as his Miners host fourth ranked Oklahoma.
Rice vs. UCLA, Thursday, 6:30pm CT, CBS Sports
Despite being more than 1,000 miles apart the Marshall Thundering Herd and Rice Owls share a common bond. Both schools are short on seniors as Rice only brings eight into their opening game against UCLA. Comparatively, Marshall boast 9 players entering their last year of eligibility.
Beating a BCS opponent would be nothing new for these Owls, they defeated Purdue in Houston last year. This game will also serve as the debut of new UCLA coach Jim Mora.
UCF at Akron, Thursday, 7pm ET, ESPN3
Marshall fans will have a hard time finding a team to root for in this match-up. On one hand you have bitter C-USA rival UCF, who have been a thorn in the Thundering Herds side since joining C-USA together in 2005. Then there is Akron, Marshall's old rival from the MAC and future opponent in 2014 and 2017. Personally, this blogger will be rooting for a C-USA win but, a little part of me would not mind a Zips victory.
ECU vs. Appalachian State, Saturday, 12noon ET, FSN
After a disappointing 2011 that saw ECU finish with a 5-7 record and no bowl appearance Pirates head coach Ruffin McNeil will be looking to right the ship in 2012. ECU starts with a tough test as talented FCS opponent Appalachian State visits Greenville.
Houston vs. Texas State, Saturday, 6pm CT, CSS
Defending Western division champion Houston enters the season under a new head coach, former Cougars assistant Tony Levine. Their opponent, Texas State, is also entering a new era as the Bobcats start their first season in FBS football Saturday night.
Marshall at WVU, Saturday, 12 noon ET, FX
The Friends of Coal Bowl kicks off for the final time this Saturday as Marshall and WVU meet at Milan Puskar Stadium. The only two division one football programs in West Virginia have met for seven consecutive years but the streak will end after this season. Marshall is lead by all C-USA receiver Aaron Dobson while WVU leans on senior quarterback Geno Smith, one of the best signal callers in the country.
Memphis vs. Tennessee Martin, Saturday, 6pm CT
Like I said earlier, 11 of 12 C-USA football games are televised this week, as you can probably guess Tennessee Martin at Memphis has been left out. The Tigers enter 2012 with a new head coach, former TCU offensive coordinator Justin Fuente. It will be interesting to see if Fuente can breathe new life into the Tigers dormant football program before they jump ship to the Big East.
Southern Miss at Nebraska, Saturday, 2:30pm CT, ABC
New coach, new quarterback, and a top 25 opponent, not exactly a recipe for success as Southern Miss travels to Nebraska this Saturday. Last years C-USA champion will lean on their defense this season as three of the Golden Eagles top four tackles from 2011 return.
SMU at Baylor, Sunday, 5:30pm CT, FSN
Baylor might be without Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III but they are still a difficult test. In a rare Sunday night game SMU will try to defeat the Bears and take down a Big 12 school on the road.
Tulane vs. Rutgers, Saturday, 7pm ET, CBS Sports
A Big East opponent visits the Big Easy this Saturday as Tulane host Rutgers. Former New Orleans Saints assistant Curtis Johnson will be making his debut as the Green Waves head coach. Despite last years 2-11 record Tulane returns a number of quality players including three year starting quarterback Ryan Griffin and junior running back Orleans Darkwa.
Tulsa at Iowa State, Saturday, 12:30pm CT, FSN
It's not often that C-USA teams are favored to win at Big 12 schools but that is exactly the case this Saturday as Tulsa visits Iowa State. Vegas oddsmakers have placed the Golden Hurricanes as 1.5 point favorites over the Cyclones.
UAB at Troy, Saturday, 11am CT, CSS
Two of Alabama's mid-major programs meet on Saturday as UAB travels to Troy. The Blazers will be lead by new head coach Garrick McGee and returning quarterback Jonathan Perry who passed for over 2,000 yards last year.
UTEP vs. Oklahoma, Saturday, 8:30pm MTN, FSN
After seven seasons and a .500 record UTEP head coach Mike Price is close to wearing out his welcome in El Paso. The immediate future does not present an easy task for Price as his Miners host fourth ranked Oklahoma.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Marshall Football: Week 1 game notes, WVU
Earlier today Marshall University football coach Doc Holliday and his counterpart at WVU Dana Holgorsen, held their first pre-game press conferences of 2012. You will find a transcript of each press conference below with game notes from the Thundering Herd and Mountaineers. The depth charts for Saturday's game are also included in the game notes.
Marshall
Quotes from Doc Holliday's Aug. 28th Press Conference
Game notes, Marshall at WVU
WVU
Dana Holgorsen Media Conference Quotes
Game notes, WVU vs. Marshall
Marshall
Quotes from Doc Holliday's Aug. 28th Press Conference
Game notes, Marshall at WVU
WVU
Dana Holgorsen Media Conference Quotes
Game notes, WVU vs. Marshall
Marshall in the NFL: Preseason week 3
Review of the week three preseason performances of every Marshall University alumni in the NFL.
11. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw sat out the New York Giants week three preseason game while nursing a hand injury. He should be ready to play week one. New York lost to the Chicago Bears 20-17.
Ahmad Bradshaw sat out the New York Giants week three preseason game while nursing a hand injury. He should be ready to play week one. New York lost to the Chicago Bears 20-17.
2. C.J Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers
C.J Spillman played but did not register a tackle during the San Francisco 49ers 29-24 loss to the Denver Broncos.
3. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Marshall connection continued in Pittsburgh as second team center Doug Legursky snapped the ball to backup quarterback Byron Leftwich during the Steelers 38-7 win over the Buffalo Bills. Legursky could be in line for more playing time as first team right guard David DeCastro suffered a season ending injury during the game.
4. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Backing up starter Ben Rothlisberger, Byron Leftwich connected on five or eight passing attempts for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
5. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Albert McClellan continued his quest for one of the Ravens starting linebacker spots, recording two tackles as Baltimore beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 48-17.
6. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Lee Smith did not register a catch in the Buffalo Bills third preseason game.
7. Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Despite starting for San Francisco veteran wide receiver Randy Moss did not record a catch during the 49ers 29-24 win over the Denver Broncos.
8. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars
Daniel Baldridge continued to see time with Jacksonville’s second team offensive line as the Jaguars lost their third preseason game, 48-17 to the Baltimore Ravens.
9. Johnny Jones, Defensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers placed Johnny Jones on injured reserve earlier today, ending his season. Jones has been battling a knee injury and did not participate in training camp.
10. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles
Vinny Curry recorded two tackles as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Cleveland Browns 27-10 Friday night.
11. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
In a battle between first round quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III Indianapolis linebacker Mario Harvey did not register a tackle during the Colts 30-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.
12. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens
For the first time this preseason Omar Brown did not cause or assist on a turnover in the Ravens third exhibition game. Although he came up empty in the turnover department Brown did register two tackles.
13. Delvin Johnson, Nose Tackle/Defensive End, Washington Redskins
For the second preseason game in a row Redskins defensive lineman Delvin Johnson recorded a tackle. Johnson figures to see extensive playing time in Washington’s last exhibition game Wednesday night as they host the Arizona Cardinals.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Marshall Football: Herd adds Attaway
Marshall's football roster received a late addition this weekend in Bryan Attaway. Originally a member of FIU's 2012 recruiting class, Attaway never enrolled at the Miami based school and will join the Thundering Herd as a academic non-qualifier.
Coming out of Georgia's Camden County High School Attaway was rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com. Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds the two way player saw time at tight end and defensive end during his prep career. He is currently listed as a tight end on Marshall's roster but that is subject to change.
You can find a highlight video of Attaway's senior season here.
Coming out of Georgia's Camden County High School Attaway was rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com. Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds the two way player saw time at tight end and defensive end during his prep career. He is currently listed as a tight end on Marshall's roster but that is subject to change.
You can find a highlight video of Attaway's senior season here.
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