Marshall Basketball: Herd Shuts Down Blue Hose

With a slim one point lead at halftime, Marshall (6-9, 0-0) needed a better second half effort against visiting Presbyterian (4-11, 0-0). The Herd got just that, outscoring the Blue Hose by 27 points in the game’s final 20 minutes to walk away with a 77-49 victory.

Marshall was lead by Ryan Taylor’s 18 points. He also grabbed 12 rebounds to record his fourth double-double of the season. Three other members of the Thundering Herd, Shawn Smith (16), TyQuane Goard (11), and Kareem Canty (11) all scored in double-digits. DeVine Boykins also had an impressive evening, his nine points and six rebounds were both career highs.

Yesterday’s win over Presbyterian was Marshall’s first over a division one opponent since they defeat Western Kentucky on November 26^th. The Herd starts Conference USA play on Thursday at Texas San Antonio (4-9, 0-0) before traveling to El Paso for a Saturday match-up against UTEP (10-5, 0-0).

Box Score

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd Slows Blue Hose

Chuck Landon: Return to win column gives Herd mental lift

Charleston Gazette

Herd breaks out of fun against Blue Hose

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall basketball: Second half surge lifts Herd past Presbyterian

HerdZone

Mens’s Basketball Surges Past Presbyterian

Marshall Football: Matthew Santer Commits to Herd

Marshall's 2014 recruiting class added a little mountain state flavor this evening when Matthew Santer gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

I would like to announce that I will be playing football for the Marshall Thundering Herd. #WeAre!!!!
— ⚡Matthew Santer⚡ (@EmJayEs14) January 6, 2014

Needing to improve his recruiting stock after a separated shoulder abruptly ended his high school football career, Santer enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy (VA) in the fall. At Fork Union, the Parkersburg High School (WV) graduate played linebacker and defensive back.

At 6-foot-2, 205 lbs., Santer is projected to play safety at the collegiate level. He joins three other Fork Union products, A.J. Addison, Ryheem Lockley, and Malik Thompson that are expected to enroll at Marshall when the spring semester begins.

For more on Santer follow the links below:

1) Hudl profile (video)
2) NCSA Sports profile

Marshall Football: Legg to Interview for Eastern Illinois Job

First rumored by Chuck Landon of the Herald Dispatch last week, Marshall assistant Bill Legg plans to interview for the head football coaching job at Eastern Illinois.

Over the past four years Legg has built one of college football’s top offenses at Marshall. In 2012 the Thundering Herd led the nation in passing offense (365.08 ypg) and ranked sixth in total offense (534.25 ypg). That same year, Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato was named Conference USA MVP after throwing for 4,201 yards and 37 touchdowns. This season, the Herd ranked seventh nationally in scoring offense (42.1 ppg) and three players were named to C-USA’s First Team All-Offense list.

Legg coached Eastern Illinois' offensive line from 1989-1993. Also, EIU athletic director Barbara Burke was an administrator inside Marshall’s athletic department in the mid 90’s.

Michigan secondary coach Curt Mallory and Wisconsin Whitewater head coach Lace Leipold have also been associated with the opening at Eastern Illinois. 

Marshall Basketball: Late Rally Falls Short, Zips Beat Herd 59-58

The cold temperatures outside matched the cold shooting inside as Marshall met Akron at James A. Rhodes Arena yesterday.

In a game where both teams shot a combined 40% from the floor, Akron was able to hold onto a late lead and defeat the Thundering Herd 59-58.

Marshall held the Zips without a basket for the game’s final two minutes and twenty seven seconds, giving themselves a chance to win on their final possession. With the clock reaching zero, Herd point guard Kareem Canty launched a desperation heave from mid-court, but the ball only hit the rim before harmlessly falling to the floor.  

Four of Marshall’s five starters scored in double-digits, lead by Ryan Taylor’s 16 points. TyQuane Goard, Chris Thomas, and Canty all contributed 10 points apiece.

After being out-rebounded by 17 at South Carolina last week, the Herd continued its struggles on the boards against Akron. Of the Zips 42 rebounds, 20 came on the offensive end, resulting in 12 second chance points.

The loss dropped Marshall’s record to 5-9 this season and continued an ugly trend on the road. All of the Herds five victories have occurred at home and they have not won away from the Cam Henderson Center since last February.

Marshall plays its last non-conference game of the season on Sunday against Presbyterian. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Henderson Center.

Stats

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall basketball: Herd edged at Akron, road woes continue

HerdZone

Akron Nips Herd, 59-58

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Zips nip Herd, 59-58

Marshall Football: Herd Receives Commitment from Ryheem Lockley

Marshall received a big addition to it's 2014 recruiting class today when Fork Union Military Academy's Ryheem Lockley gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

As a senior at Middlesex High School (VA), Lockley played all over the field. On offense he rushed for 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns in addition to 589 receiving yards and eight scores through the air. Also a standout on defense, Lockley tallied 50 tackles, two sacks, and a interception. After putting up those impressive numbers, the 6-foot-4, 220 lbs., athlete garnered scholarship offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Miami, and West Virginia before ultimately committing to the Hurricanes. Academic issues prevented Lockley from enrolling at Miami and he spent this fall with Fork Union instead.

A three star prospect according to Rivals, Loclkey is projected to play wide receiver or tight end at the collegiate level. As a prep school recruit, he can enroll at Marshall for the upcoming spring semester, but can't sign a letter of intent until nation signing day on February 5th.

Lockley joins two other Fork Union products, offensive lineman A.J. Addison and defensive lineman Malik Thompson in Marshall's 2014 recruiting class.

For more on Lockley follow the links below:

1) Rivals profile
2) Hudl profile (video)

Marshall in the NFL: 2013 Regular Season Review

Regular season 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. In 2013 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

Signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad prior to the season, Omar Brown was promoted to the 53-man roster before week nine. He was active for Baltimore's week nine loss to the Cleveland Browns, but was inactive for the seasons last seven games and did not record any stats. 

3. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals

A free agent when the season began, the Cincinnati Bengals singed Chris Crocker before their week four game against Cleveland. In twelve games with Cincinnati, Crocker tallied 36 tackles and two interceptions. The Bengals season continues on Sunday in a Wild Card playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Inactive for all but six games in his rookie season, Vinny Curry showed improvement during 2013. Playing in 14 of the Philadelphia Eagles 16 games this year, Curry registered 22 tackles and four sacks. Philadelphia host the New Orleans Saints in a Wild Card playoff game on Saturday. 

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Aaron Dobson ranked seventh among his fellow rookie wide receivers with 519 receiving yards this year. He also caught four touchdown passes despite missing four games. Dobson's New England Patriots won the AFC East division and received a first round bye in the playoffs.

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

A special teams standout for Baltimore, Albert McClellan tallied 12 tackles during the 2013 season.

8. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

Doug Legursky missed the seasons first four games with a knee injury, but he recovered to become the Buffalo Bills starting left guard. With Legursky's help, Buffalo's ground attack ranked second in the NFL as they averaged 144 rushing yards per game.  

9. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Primarily a blocker, Buffalo's Lee Smith ranked first among NFL tight ends in pass blocking efficiency in 2013. He also caught a personal single season high five passes for 78 yards.

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

One of the San Francisco 49ers special teams captains, C.J. Spillman recorded 25 tackles this season. For the second straight year he was named a Pro Bowl alternate at the special teamer position. The 49ers travel to Green Bay for a Wild Card playoff game on Sunday. 

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