Marshall Thundering Herd: Previewing Ohio State’s First Opponent In 2010

By: Kyle Rowland (BleacherReport.com) -

he Marshall Thundering Herd enter the 2010 season fresh off its first bowl victory since 2002. The Herd capped off a 7-6 season with a 21-17 victory over Ohio University in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

The bowl bid wasn’t enough to save head coach Mark Snyder, a former Ohio State assistant, though, as the embattled coach resigned in November following the regular season.

John “Doc” Holliday took over in December and brought with him a wealth of experience to Huntington. Holliday has been coaching in the college ranks for 30 years, but this is his first head coaching job. There is no doubt he plans to return Marshall to the upper-echelon of Conference USA.

The cupboard is hardly bare for Holliday. Marshall returns a solid nucleus of players, including seven starters on both sides of the ball.

Brian Anderson, a senior captain who started all 13 games last season, will be the starting quarterback. Anderson accounted for 2,646 yards through the air last season. Unfortunately for Marshall fans, to go along with the 14 touchdowns he threw there was also 13 interceptions. That’s a ratio that will drive coaches and fans crazy. A move to the spread offense should raise all statistics for Anderson, including interceptions.

The running game will feature a two-back set much like Ohio State uses. The thunder and lightning duo of Martin Ward and Andre Booker should keep defenses honest and on their toes.

However, there is no question MU will miss the services of Darius Marshall who left early for the NFL. They also lose Terrell Edwards-Maye who moved to linebacker.

Ward had just 82 carries last season but rushed for 393 yards, an average of nearly five yards a carry. He capped off his year earning MVP honors in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Booker, a sophomore, emerged as a punt and kick return threat last season (400 total return yards, one TD). His shiftiness and speed will get him plenty of carries this season. With Ohio State’s well documented kick coverage woes, Booker could have a big night in Ohio Stadium. Marshall ranked 27^th-nationally in punt returns last season.

Both running backs will remain a key part of the offense even though the Herd is moving to a spread formation.

Three starting offensive linemen return, but the Herd does not have much depth as sophomores and even some freshmen are on……

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