In seven years of being a head coach Marshall's Tom Herrion had never lost to an opponent by 37 points. That changed Saturday afternoon as the Thundering Herd (7-8, 0-0) fell at Ohio (9-5) 94-57.
Turnovers were the main culprit as Marshall coughed up the ball 26 times. An opportunistic bunch, the Bobcats turned those turnovers into 51 points. Taking a bevy of easy shots, Ohio converted 65.3% (32-49) of their chances from the field. The Bobcats were also effective from the three point line, shooting 47.8% (11-23) from beyond the arch.
All five of Ohio's starters scored in double digits, lead by Nick Kellog's 22 points. Senior point guard D.J. Cooper, a potential NBA draft pick, dished out 17 assist while finishing second on the team with six rebounds.
If Marshall can take any positives from a 37 point loss it was the return of all Conference USA first team selection DeAndre Kane. Out for the past three weeks with a broken hand, Kane entered the game barely a minute into the first half, scoring six points and grabbing eight rebounds in 20 minutes. Shooting guard D.D. Scarver lead the Herd with 13 points.
Marshall returns to action on Wednesday in the Cam Henderson Center as they open conference play against Tulsa, tip-off is scheduled for 7pm.
Box Score
Notes - Only one Marshall player, reserve point guard Kelvin Amayo had more assist (3) than turnovers (2). The Herd out rebounded Ohio 43-27. If you total Marshall's field goals and three point field goals (23) they fall three short of the Herd's turnovers (26).
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Marshall Football: BGSU’s Mike Elko Mentioned as DC Candidate
During yesterday’s evening news, WSAZ Sports Direct Keith Morehouse named Bowling Green defensive coordinator Mike Elko as a candidate for the same position at Marshall.
Elko has lead the Falcons defense for four seasons. This year was his best effort, guiding Bowling Green to the nations eight best defense, giving up fewer than 300 yards and 16.7 points per game. His defense also took home a number of individual honors as defensive tackle Chris Jones was named the Mid American Conference defensive player of the year. Besides Jones, two other Falcons linebacker Gabe Martin and safety BooBoo Gates, were all MAC first team selections.
Elko joins a list of candidates believed to contain former Temple defensive coordinator Chuck Heater and Vanderbilt assistant George Barlow. We should know the identity of Marshall’s new defensive coordinator next week.
C-USA Football: FIU Hires Turner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant Ron Turner is expected to be named head football coach at FIU later today. Turner has previous experience running a college program at San Jose State and most recently Illinois were he piloted the Illini from 1997 to 2004.
The hire comes one month after FIU fired Mario Cristobal, who took the Golden Panthers to their first bowl game in 2010 with an additional bowl appearance (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl) against Marshall a year later.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Marshall Football: Defensive Coordinator Search Update
When Chris Rippon resigned as Marshall’s defensive coordinator in November we penned a list of potential replacements, jump ahead to January and our post is irrelevant. Shortly after Marshall started searching for a replacement, Charleston Daily Mail sports editor Chuck McGill tweeted that former Thundering Herd defensive coordinators Rick Minter and Steve Dunlap were not in the running. Around the same time Tom Bradley was a rumored candidate but, the ex-Penn State defensive coordinator told footballscoop.com he was not interested.
The other names on our list, Arizona assistants David Lockwood and Bill Kirelawich, and Louisville’s Tommy Restivo were eliminated when we learned Marshall’s next defensive coordinator would have prior experience in that position.
According to Herd head coach Doc Holliday, he will probably announce Rippon’s replacement next week but, that still gives us a few days to speculate.
The latest rumor centers around Temple’s defensive coordinator for the past two season, Chuck Heater. Heater and Holliday worked together at Florida under then head coach Urban Myer. When Holliday took the Marshall job many thought Heater would be named the Herds defensive coordinator but, the former Michigan standout followed another Florida assistant, Chuck Addazio to Temple where he was tasked with leading the Owls defense. In Heaters first year Temple’s defense finished 13th in the nation, holding opponents to just under 14 points per game. This past season was a little bit different, replacing a number of starters the Owls struggled, giving up over 31 points per game, ranking 91st among FBS teams. Heater is looking for work after Addazio took the head coaching position at Boston College and hired Connecticut defensive coordinator Don Brown to fill the same role on his staff.
Another name to look out for is Vanderbilt defensive backs coach George Barlow. A all Southern Conference safety at Marshall from 1986-1990, Barlow has prior defensive coordinator experience at James Madison and New Mexico. Named defensive coordinator at JMU prior to the 2004 season, Barlow helped the Dukes to their first FCS National Championship that year. At New Mexico, he was promoted to interim head coach in September of 2011, taking over for Mike Locksley who was fired midseason.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Marshall Basketball: Herd Stung by Delaware St. 53-51
In a embarrassing home defeat, Marshall (7-7, 0-0) lost to Delaware State (6-8, 1-0) 53-51 Wednesday evening.
Playing without leading scorer Tahj Tate (15.7 points per game), the Hornets used a strong three point shooting effort, 22 bench points, and 15 Thundering Herd turnovers to secure its sixth win of the season.
It was a group effort for Delaware State as starting forwards Cassey Walker (13) and Marques Oliver (12) combined for 25 points. They were joined in double-digits by reserve Tyshawn Bell who scored 11 points in 33 minutes of play.
Marshall was able to hold Delaware State to 38.8% shooting from the field (19-49) but, the Hornets were excellent from three point range, hitting seven of 17 attempts (41.2%). The Herd was also its own worst enemy, barely sharing the ball in the first half to a tune of two assist and a 21-17 halftime deficit. A theme this season, Marshall continued to struggle from the free throw line, only converting 13 of 23 shots (56.5%).
Elijah Pittman lead the Herd with 17 points and was joined by Dennis Tinnon's double-double. The senior forward contributed 13 points and grabbed a game high ten rebounds.
After making his debut in against Kentucky, Marshall point guard Kelvin Amayo played 16 minutes, chipping in 8 points, 3 steals, and one assist.
The Herd returns to action this Saturday at Ohio, tip-off is scheduled for 2pm.
Box Score
Video: Marshall coach Tom Herrion's post game press conference
Playing without leading scorer Tahj Tate (15.7 points per game), the Hornets used a strong three point shooting effort, 22 bench points, and 15 Thundering Herd turnovers to secure its sixth win of the season.
It was a group effort for Delaware State as starting forwards Cassey Walker (13) and Marques Oliver (12) combined for 25 points. They were joined in double-digits by reserve Tyshawn Bell who scored 11 points in 33 minutes of play.
Marshall was able to hold Delaware State to 38.8% shooting from the field (19-49) but, the Hornets were excellent from three point range, hitting seven of 17 attempts (41.2%). The Herd was also its own worst enemy, barely sharing the ball in the first half to a tune of two assist and a 21-17 halftime deficit. A theme this season, Marshall continued to struggle from the free throw line, only converting 13 of 23 shots (56.5%).
Elijah Pittman lead the Herd with 17 points and was joined by Dennis Tinnon's double-double. The senior forward contributed 13 points and grabbed a game high ten rebounds.
After making his debut in against Kentucky, Marshall point guard Kelvin Amayo played 16 minutes, chipping in 8 points, 3 steals, and one assist.
The Herd returns to action this Saturday at Ohio, tip-off is scheduled for 2pm.
Box Score
Video: Marshall coach Tom Herrion's post game press conference
Monday, December 31, 2012
Marshall in the NFL, Week 17
Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the NFL.
1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants
Finishing the season in style, Ahmad Bradshaw lead the Giants with 107 rushing yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 41 yards. New York beat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7.
2. C.J Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers
1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants
Finishing the season in style, Ahmad Bradshaw lead the Giants with 107 rushing yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 41 yards. New York beat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7.
2. C.J Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers
On his way to the playoffs, 49ers special teams standout C.J Spillman recorded one tackle in San Francisco's 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
3. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Pittsburgh Steelers
When Pittsburgh Steelers rookie right guard David DeCastro left the game with a shoulder injury, Doug Legursky took his place in the starting lineup, closing out a 24-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
4. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich was inactive for Sundays’ game as he recovers from a rib injury.
5. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
With a playoff spot already in hand, the Baltimore Ravens rested many of their starters including Albert McClellan who did not record a tackle. Baltimore fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-17
6. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Although he did not catch a pass, Bills tight end Lee Smith did make a special teams tackle in Buffalo's 28-9 win over the New York Jets.
7. Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Targeted four times, Randy Moss caught two passes for 28 yards during San Francisco's win over Arizona.
8. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles
In the culmination of a frustrating rookie season, Vinny Curry did not record a tackle during limited playing time in Sunday's loss to New York.
9. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
A linebacker by trade, Mario Harvey had a new role during Indianapolis's 28-16 win over the Houston Texans, playing fullback in the Colts goal line package. He also made a special teams tackle.
11. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals
After suffering a quad injury early in the first quarter, Chris Crocker was held off the stat sheet during Sunday's win over Baltimore.
3. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Pittsburgh Steelers
When Pittsburgh Steelers rookie right guard David DeCastro left the game with a shoulder injury, Doug Legursky took his place in the starting lineup, closing out a 24-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
4. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich was inactive for Sundays’ game as he recovers from a rib injury.
5. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
With a playoff spot already in hand, the Baltimore Ravens rested many of their starters including Albert McClellan who did not record a tackle. Baltimore fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-17
6. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Although he did not catch a pass, Bills tight end Lee Smith did make a special teams tackle in Buffalo's 28-9 win over the New York Jets.
7. Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Targeted four times, Randy Moss caught two passes for 28 yards during San Francisco's win over Arizona.
8. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles
In the culmination of a frustrating rookie season, Vinny Curry did not record a tackle during limited playing time in Sunday's loss to New York.
9. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
A linebacker by trade, Mario Harvey had a new role during Indianapolis's 28-16 win over the Houston Texans, playing fullback in the Colts goal line package. He also made a special teams tackle.
11. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals
After suffering a quad injury early in the first quarter, Chris Crocker was held off the stat sheet during Sunday's win over Baltimore.
12. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens
Active for the third straight game, Omar Brown recorded a tackle in the Ravens regular season finale against Cincinnati.
13. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans
Including yesterday's 38-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Daniel Baldridge was inactive for all four games spent on the Tennessee Titans 53-man roster.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Marshall Football: Jeremiah Benjamin Commits to Herd
Per Rivals.com, McArthur High School (Fla.) linebacker Jeremiah Benjamin has given a verbal commitment to Marshall University.
Standing six-foot-two, 220 pounds, Benjamin is rated the 20th best linebacker prospect in the class of 2013 by ESPN.com. Besides Marshall, Benjamin had scholarship offers from many other schools including WVU, Purdue, Texas A&M, Kentucky, and FAU.
For more on Benjamin follow the links below.
1) Rivals.com profile
2) ESPN.com profile
3) Elite Scouting Services profile
4) Highlight video (1)
5) Highlight video (2)
Standing six-foot-two, 220 pounds, Benjamin is rated the 20th best linebacker prospect in the class of 2013 by ESPN.com. Besides Marshall, Benjamin had scholarship offers from many other schools including WVU, Purdue, Texas A&M, Kentucky, and FAU.
For more on Benjamin follow the links below.
1) Rivals.com profile
2) ESPN.com profile
3) Elite Scouting Services profile
4) Highlight video (1)
5) Highlight video (2)
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