Marshall University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

• Run/Pass %: 45/55
• Run/Pass Attempts: 345/421
• Points Per Game: 20.8
• Points Allowed Per Game: 28.8

Key Returning Players:
• Aaron Dobson, WR: Leading returning receiver with 689 yards receiving and 5 TDs in 2010. He should be able to clear 800 yards and 7-9 TDs in 2011 with another year in the offense and more talent on the offensive side.
• Vinny Curry, DE: 1st team all-conference selection in 2010 with 94 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Has big time talent and looked impressive no matter who was on the other side of the line of scrimmage. He could work himself into a 1st round NFL draft pick with another year like 2010.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Davonte Allen, WR: This 3 star wide receiver out of Florida is 6-1 and 180 pounds. He is another in the line of speedy tall receivers that Florida produces on a yearly basis. He could push incumbent starter Dobson into losing some catches in 2011 if he is able to pick up the offense and play early.
• Armonze Daniel, LB: This 6-4, 225 pound linebacker out of Indiana can run the field and make plays from sideline to sideline. Based on his size and speed, he will be a good fit for one of the OLB spots or even a possible move to DE in the future after bulking up to 265-275.

Overall Assessment:
After a dreadful 1-6 start to the season that included losses to BGSU, WVU, and Ohio State, the Thundering Herd was able to right the ship and only lose one of their final 5 games to end at 5-7. Continuing with the difficult out of conference schedules, all four OOC games are against 2010 bowl teams (WVU, VT, Ohio, and Louisville). There is a reasonable chance that 2011 will go a lot like 2010 and Marshall will be behind the 8 ball before conference play really gets going. It is mandatory to win either 1 or 2 OOC games in order to be bowl eligible in what looks to be a very tough Conference USA in 2011. Best case scenario is to win 2 of 4 OOC games and lose 2-3 conference games and finish with a 7-5 record in 2011 which is plenty enough to get to a bowl and grow upon for the future.