MURFREESBORO, TN—The Herd is on the road tonight for a nationally televised game against Middle Tennessee State. Here are a few things to know about tonight’s match up.
MTSU QB Controversy—Controversy surrounding quarterback Logan Kilgore is nothing unusual. In the last game against North Texas, freshman Austin Grammer saw significant time rushing for 106 yards on 15 carries. According to Adam Sparks with the Tennessean, in 2011, Kilgore was involved in a battle with Jeff Murphy similar to the current controversy. Kilgore could pass, Murphy could run. Neither won. MSTU finished the year 2-10.
In 2010, Kilgore played well while Dwight Dasher served a four game suspension. Afterward, Dasher led the nation with 18 interceptions in just nine games. Fans wanted Kilgore back.
Offensive Dud—The Blue Raiders were expected to have a much better offense coming into 2013. However, MTSU is averaging 341.7 yards per game, which ranks 104 in the country. On the flip side, Marshall’s defense ranks in the top 10 nationally in total defense. Marshall’s vastly improved defense could make it a long night for the Blue Raiders.
Sputtering Herd—In its last two games Marshall is averaging 379.5 yards of total offense. That’s a far cry from the 534 yards per game it averaged last season. Cato threw for 276 yards against UTSA and 216 yards versus FAU. However, the most important stat to note is Marshall won both those games.
2 in a row—Marshall hasn’t won two consecutive road games since 2004 when it beat Ohio and Kent State. Marshall showed in its last game it could play a bad game and still find a way to win. The next step in its progression is to win back-to-back road games.
Blackout—The Blue Raiders will be in all black uniforms for a “Blackout” at Floyd Stadium. Holliday says he doesn’t buy into to all the fashion statements, blackouts and whatever else people come up with.
“I saw some blackouts last week and they all got beat. I never felt that. I think it’s all about preparation and being prepared to go play. If I got to put a uniform on a football team to motivate them then they’ve got the wrong coach. So, I don’t worry about blackouts, whiteouts or whatever else they’ve got going on.”
Don’t expect to see Marshall trotting out in any Oregon-like uniforms anytime soon.