HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Thundering Herd didn’t spend much time celebrating its first shutout since 2003. The 55-0 win over Gardner-Webb was gratifying and it was certainly nice start the season 2-0 but Marshall players were already focused on the next challenge minutes after the final gun sounded.
“I’m preparing for (Ohio) right now, they’re on my mind right now. This game is over with and I’m ready for them right now,” Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato said after last Saturday’s game.
Players and coaches won’t admit to looking forward to particular games during the season. If you ask about a specific game the response is often something about “taking each game as they come” or “we just worry about one game at a time.” But it is hard to hide the excitement Marshall has about facing the Bobcats after losing to Ohio the past two seasons.
“We’re thinking about next week and Ohio’s a good team and we have to be ready to go out thee and make some plays,” center Chris Jasperse noted.
Marshall comes into the 2013 version of the “Battle for the Bell” outscoring the opposition 107-14 in the first two games. Marshall has gained 1,100 yards of offense while allowing just 423 yards to the opposition.
While the first two games have come against teams clearly not on the same level of talent that Marshall will see on the rest of its schedule, the wins have made The Herd a confident team.
“This is what we’re supposed to do to a team like this,” said Jasperse after the win over Gardner-Webb.
“This game is over now we’ve got to focus on Ohio because that’s a good team and we respect them,” said safety D.J. Hunter.
Marshall should have plenty of respect for Ohio. On the last trip to Athens, the Herd lost 44-7.
“I remember just like it was yesterday—they were the better team,” said. Jeremiah Taylor.
Then, the Bobcats came to Edwards Stadium and defeated The Herd on its home turf last season.