2012-13 Football Previews – (C-USA) – Marshall
Doc Holliday and the Marshall Thundering Herd took a nice step forward in 2011. The Thundering Herd loaded up the schedule and managed to go 6-6 in the regular season and then win in the St. Petersburg Bowl against FIU. Marshal finished 7-6 even though they had to play the 16th toughest schedule in the nation.
Can the team keep moving forward in 2012?
Conference USA 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Marshall Thundering Herd
Head Coach: Doc Holliday
2011 Record: 7-6
Marshall Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Marshall Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win Conference USA: +1,200
Marshall Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
The locals have been hoping for a quicker return to the top for Marshall. The Thundering Herd fans are used to having a dominating team. Holliday has the team on the right track, but they still have a little ways to go. The defense was the strength of this team in 2011, but they suffered a lot of losses due to graduation. The offense may have to pick up the slack a bit this year.
Team Strengths:
Senior Aaron Dobson leads a loaded group of wide receivers. Dobson is a tremendous athlete and his 6’3 frame gives him an edge over most defensive backs. Dobson had 12 touchdown receptions last year, and NFL scouts like his potential. Watch for a huge season from him in 2012. Antavious Wilson averaged 15.9 yards per catch in 2011.
Rakeem Cato started at quarterback as a freshman last year, and he should be much better this season. Cato is a very good runner, and he should pick up a lot of yards on the ground. Tron Martinez and Travon Van are both very talented runners in the backfield as well. The Thundering Herd should be much better running the football this season.
The strength of the Marshall defense is the linebacker unit. Devin Arrington moved to linebacker to give the team more speed, and he should be a big time playmaker here. Sophomore Jermaine Holmes appears ready for a breakout season as well.
Team Weaknesses:
Marshall’s defensive line took a huge hit when they lost Vinny Curry and Delvin Johnson after the 2011 season. Holliday and the rest of the coaching staff are confident that they have plenty of young talent to step in across the line, but it will be extremely difficult for them to replace the leadership of Curry and Johnson. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The offensive line was only mediocre in 2011. This group absolutely has to be better this year. Marshall has the talent at the skill positions to do some damage in the conference, but this team won’t reach its full potential if the line doesn’t mature some in the season ahead.
2012-2013 Marshall Thundering Herd Football Prediction: 7-6
Marshall has a heavily front-loaded schedule in 2012. The Thundering Herd must play West Virginia, Purdue, and Ohio all in September. The late October trip to Southern Miss followed by a home game against UCF will be crucial.
If Marshall is still in the race at the end of the season, I expect the team to benefit from a weak schedule in the final few weeks.
Marshall’s offense should be better while their defense will likely be worse in 2012.
I expect a very similar final outcome as last season for the Thundering Herd.
2012 Marshall Schedule
9/1/12 12:00 PM ET @WVIRG
9/8/12 TBD WCAR
9/15/12 6:30 PM ET OHIO
9/22/12 TBD @RICE
9/29/12 TBD @PURD
10/6/12 TBD TULSA
10/20/12 TBD @SOMIS
10/27/12 TBD CENFL
11/3/12 TBD MEM
11/10/12 TBD @UAB
11/17/12 TBD HOU
11/23/12 TBD @ECAR
