CHARLESTON, W.Va—As the disappointment from the 29-21 triple-overtime loss to Virginia Tech wears off there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Marshall football program. After all, it did go toe-to-toe with the Hokies and many feel should have won the game. If it weren’t for two horrific special teams plays in the last two weeks, Marshall could very well be 4-0 and flirting with the Top 25.
Former head coach Bob Pruett believes there is nothing but bright days ahead for the Thundering Herd.
“I’m very encouraged about Marshall football,” Pruett stated during The Don Nehlen & Bob Pruett Show. “I thought they came out very aggressive, throwing the ball. (Rakeem) Cato fit it into tight spots. He ran the ball better. That’s probably the best game I’ve seen him play against a quality defensive football team.”
Pruett admitted that Marshall could have and probably should have beat Virginia Tech but has been so impressed with what he’s seen so far, he made a bold prediction for The Herd for the rest of the season.
“I think Marshall’s football team is in great shape. I think they’ve played the two toughest teams on their schedule already. I think they could easily win 12 ball games this year.”
To fulfill Pruett’s prophecy, Marshall would have to run the table through the remain eight games of the regular season, win the Conference USA title game and a bowl game.
“Sure we’ve lost two games that all of us would love to win and some of us would say we should’ve won. If you’ve already played the two best teams you’re going to play and people feel like you should’ve beat them, why can’t you win the rest of them?”
“I’m not trying to put pressure on them but that’s the way I look at it and that’s the way I think they’ll look at it.”
Yes, those are some lofty expectations but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities. It would certainly be difficult but that kind of a run would elevate the program to heights it hasn’t reached since Pruett was the head coach.
“I’ve said this before, our future is so bright that we need to wear sunglasses. We’ve not only got a good team right now we’ve got a good young team.”
The Don Nehlen & Bob Pruett Show airs each Monday night at 7:00 throughout football season on the WV Metronews Radio Network.