HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall’s goal in 2015 has not been achieved in 15 years. In fact, it has only happened once in school history.
Win the conference championship in back to back seasons.
The last time Marshall celebrated consecutive championship season was in 2000 when the Herd won its fourth straight Mid-American Conference title.
“We understand expectations and standards are extremely high and that’s a good thing. We embrace them and along with that comes the responsibility to go to work every day,” asserted Holliday. “That’s what we’ve done in the past and that has to continue for us to go where we want to go. “
The Herd will have to get there without one of the most prolific passers in school history. Rakeem Cato has moved on and is making his mark in the Canadian Football League. His favorite target, Tommy Shuler, is also gone as well as the likes of Chris Jasperse, James Rouse and others.
Prognosticators believe Marshall could win at least ten games this season and can once again find itself in the middle of the conversation for an access bowl bid at the end of the year.
“I’m not sure this year is any different than a year ago. The expectations were extremely high and I thought our team a year ago embraced those extremely well,” said coach Doc Holliday. “I never walked off that field one time last year and didn’t feel that we had a great practice. They went to work every day and that’s what good teams do. That’s what great teams do.”
“It’s important that our kids understand that. They’ve got to understand what got them there. That’s hard work and going to work every day and learning to out work people. We’ve got to make sure the young players understand that.”
Junior Michael Birdsong was named starting quarterback coming out of spring practices but Holliday made it clear following the annual Green/White game that Birdsong had to continue to improve and earn the job throughout the summer.
“He’s done great. He’s got all the intangibles. He’s got the leadership skills and he understands what leadership means, sets standards and bring up everyone around you. I’ve seen him do that all summer along with a lot of other guys.”
Marshall opens the season Sept. 6 against Purdue, the first Big Ten team to ever visit Joan C. Edwards Stadium and take the first steps toward defending its C-USA title.
“It was a great year,” Holliday said about 2014. “Our expectations and our standards are extremely high at Marshall and a year ago we reached those standards and expectations.
“That was a great thing. But we’re starting a new year here and expectations and standards don’t change, so we have to make sure that we don’t.”
The standard at Marshall since the mid-80’s has been championships. Two Division 1-AA National Championships, three Southern Conference Titles, five MAC Championships and now Herd fans want to add to that trophy case.
Doc Holliday would not expect anything less.