Scouting the Thundering Herd-Offense

Marshall finished the regular season with a 6-6 record and beat Ohio in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The bowl victory and the numerous free $5 "Hot-N-Ready" Pizzas were not enough to prevent pressure on former OSU assistant coach Mark Snyder to resign. Marshall hired John "Doc" Holliday, which I covered in detail in a previous post. It is a little difficult to predict the offense of Marshall due to the complete change in coaching personnel, and because it is Doc Holliday's first head coaching position. The team will likely switch from the more traditional offense to a wide-open offense with the option and spread. Below is a breakdown of the positions.

 

Quarterback

Senior Brian Anderson is returning as the starter. He struggled last year with 14 TDs and 13 INTs. It is not clear how Anderson will adjust to new coaches and a new offense. He claims to have experience with the spread from high school. Backing him up is freshman Eddie Sullivan, who will likely split playing time. Sullivan known for his mobility will likely come in for option plays. Willy Korn, a transfer from Clemson was expected to be a backup, but he transferred to Division II after the coaches moved him to safety.

 

O-Line

Senior Chad Scofield will return as the starter at center. Brandon Campbell is also a senior and will return as the right tackle. Junior Ryan Tillman will be the left tackle. At left guard is senior Landis Provancha. The O-line in general is a concern for Marshall, and it will make it hard for the running game to develop.

 

Receivers

The best receiver is sophomore Antavious Wilson. He had 724 yards last year and was a Freshman All-American. Also at receiver is senior Chuck Walker, junior Troy Evans, and senior Wayne Bonner. Senior TE Lee Smith is being touted as a potential NFL draft pick. Smith can block and catch with his large 6-6 267 lb. frame. Smith is attempting to replace the loss of TE Cody Slate, who had 50 catches last year.

 

Running Backs

Sophomores Andre Booker and Martin Ward will share duties at running back. Ward had 393 yards last season and was MVP in the bowl game. The team is trying to replace Darius Marshall who had 1,131 yards last season and declared for the NFL draft.