Marshall Thundering Herd 2018 Football Preview

Marshall Thundering Herd 2018 Football Preview

Opening Statement: Marshall was red hot out of the gate last season before injuries took hold, and they stumbled from a 6-1 start to a final overall record of 8-5. Realistically, there were some winnable losses that could have bolstered the Herd to a 10 win season, but they may not have been ready for that just yet. Those 10 wins could come this season, as Tim Cramsey brings an up tempo offense that oves to throw the ball downfield into play with a celebrated FCS grad transfer to take the reigns for the next two years at QB. Happy days could be here again for the Thundering Herd.

Breakdown Offense: Scoring was rather stagnant year to year, as Marshall averaged 26.7 points per game, up only 0.3 points from 2016. They averaged 239.6 yards passing per game, and added 140.23 yards rushing per contest.

Chase Litton played every down at QB last fall for the Herd, but he has now moved on, and finding a replacement will be highest priority. Luckily, that may have already happened, as Wagner grad transfer Alex Thomson coming in to compete for the job. Thomson should be considered the top option this fall, as he was rock solid at Wagner, which annually played two games against FBS opponents or more, and he played well enough to be considered a sought after prospect. He missed the 2017 season with an injury, but may be a guy who could compete to be one of the better QBs in nation once he gets his bearings. Garrett Morrel, Isaiah Green, and Jackson White are also on the spring roster, but none of them has the experience that Thomson brings in.

Marshall's run game seemed an afterthought at times last fall, and it may get even more minimized in the new offense. Tyler King and Keion Davis both shared carries last fall, and both return. King rushed fo 820 yards and 7 scores, while averaging 5.19 yards per carry, while Davis rushed for 812 yards and 6 scores, while averaging just over 4.5 yards per carry. After this duo, however, experience and production are minimal, at best.

Tyre Brady led the Herd with a line of 62-942-8 last fall, and averaged 15.19 yards per catch, and should be a perfect fit in the new offense. He averaged 5.6 receptions per game last fall. Marcel Williams added a line of 41-512-2, and should see increased opportunity this fall as the SLOT receiver. Willie Johnson was active as the Z receiver last fall, as he posted 36-443-4. All three of these starters have the ability to spread the field, which will be key. Obi Obialo, Nick Matthews, and Donquell Green all caught passes last fall, and will provide some depth at the receiver position.

The loss of TE Ryan Yurachek leaves a gaping hole for the Herd, as he caught 10 TD passes last year during a 54 reception campaign. Cody Mitchell, who did not catch a pass last fall, is the apparent replacement option there. There are only 3 other TEs on the spring roster, so this could be a total rebuild.

The line is in excellent shape this fall. Will Ulmer (LT), Jordan Dowrey (LG), Levi Brown (C), Alex Mollette (RG), and Tarik Adams (RT) all return. The line was rather young last fall, but with the experience they received, this should now be a veteran unit. Cain Madden and Alex Locklear should provide depth and support.

Breakdown Defense: Marshall improved by over 15 points per game on scoring defense last fall, allowing just 19.9 points per game. It was one of the biggest turnarounds in the nation, and a bulk of the defense returns. Marshall allowed 220.5 yards passing per game, and just 121.15 yards rushing per game. The run defense ranked 19th nationally.

The right side of the defensive line was particularly solid last fall, as DE Marquis Couch led the team line with 8 TFLs, while RDT Channing Hames was right behind him with 7.5 TFLs. Both return, giving the Herd one of the best combos of any line in CUSA football this season. Ryan Bee, the LDT, finished with another 7.5 TFLs, while Ty Tyler will step into the starting LDE job after finishing with 4 as a rotational player last fall. Davon Durant added 6 TFLs last fall, but has moved on. Malik Thompson and Aaron Dopson will provide some depth this fall.

Chase Hancock is a star at WLB for the Herd after leading the team with 9 TFLs last fall on a team leading total of 128 tackles. Frankie Hernandez had 63 tackles and returns, and Artis Johnson finished with 55 total tackles and will start at SLB. Omari Cobb finished with 37 tackles, and is a key reserve. Jaquan Yulee, who finished with 15 tackles as a freshman, is a riser.

Chris Jackson and Jaylon McClain-Sapp left spring ball with the starting CB jobs in hand. Jackson was one of the leaders in CUSA as he finished the year with 10 PBUs, and he led the team with 3 INTs. McClain-Sapp played in 8 games as a sophomore, and finished with 3 PBUs. Nazeeh Johnson will line up in the Nickel when needed. He played in 12 games as a freshman last fall, and will line up and start at Safety when not in the Nickel. Brandon Drayton also starts at Safety, and had a solid freshman campaign with 5 PBUs, and 62 tackles. Johnson finished with 29 tackles. Jestin Morrow, a sophomore, could get some reps in the Nickel, while Terence Ricks and Malik Gant could be the key reserves at Safety.

Breakdown Special Teams: Kaare Vedvik handled both punting and kicking duties last fall, but has moved on. Robert Lefevre is now projected to handle both jobs this fall, but has no in game experience doing so, and is a RS freshman.

Keion Davis is one of the more dangerous KR men in the college game, and averaged 30.44 yards per return with 2 scores last fall, and returns to handle his business there.

Marcell Williams is slated to step into the job of handling punt returns.

Final Analysis: Both sides of the football are loaded with talent for Marshall this season, and if anyone in CUSA East football is going to make a run at FAU this fall, it has to be this Marshall football team. The non conference schedule is equal parts easy (Miami (Oh), Eastern Kentucky) and tough (NC State, South Carolina), but the conference schedule sets up well, and FAU comes to Huntington in October. If the breaks come the way of Marshall, like they often did not last fall, you could be looking at a divisional champ if they can knock off Lane Kiffin's Owls at home. This team is rock solid front to back, and the only area of real concern I see is in the kicking game. Other than that, the pieces are in place for a great run this fall.