10:06am: Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval

Herd defense takes aim at Miami quarterback

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall’s preparation for the season opener has fueled anxiety over a young secondary facing Miami (Ohio) quarterback Gus Ragland.

The Redhawks started 0-6 last season when Ragland was sidelined by an ACL injury, but reeled off six straight wins after his return.

“That Ragland, he threw 17 touchdowns and only one interception last season,” Herd coach Doc Holliday said. “That one interception was in that St. Pete bowl — it was fourth down and he had to take a shot. So the biggest thing they do is take care of the football.”

Holliday described Miami as a good measuring stick for his Herd, coming off a 3-9 finish.

“They are one of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference, a lot of people have them picked to win it,” Holliday said. “They have a lot of starters back from a team that a year ago ended the season as an excellent football team.”

Miami, Ohio (0-0) at Marshall (0-0)

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., Saturday in Huntington.

When the Herd has the ball: After sitting out a year, Herd fans will finally get to see speedy receiver Tyre Brady can do. Freshman Willie Johnson will be another interesting player to watch after netting the starting Z receiver job.

Trey Rodriguez, a running back with home-run speed, will look to compliment Keion Davis and Anthony Anderson’s more bruising style. Marshall should look to establish the run early. Miami let opponents run for an average of 140 yards last season and the Redhawks lost their best defensive lineman to the NFL, so their front seven could be susceptible.

Miami’s secondary — which allowed an average of just one touchdown pass per game last season — will have its ghands full with Marshall quarterback Chase Litton, The Herd’s passing game was responsible for nearly 75 percent of the yardge last year.

When Miami has the ball: Marshall’s defensive front seven will have to deal with a Redhawks offense that averaged 37 rush attempts per game last season. Their halfbacks will be led by junior Alonzo Smith (720 yards and three touchdowns).

Ragland will have some big targets, led by 6-foot-2 receiver James Gardner. He’ll likely be matched up against cornerback Chris Jackson.

Marshall’s secondary will feature two freshmen, nickel back Jestin Morrow and Brandon Drayton, who unseated last season’s starter Malik Gant.

On the defensive line, Marquis Couch has seen action in just one game with Marshall, forming a duo with last year’s sack leader Ryan Bee, who has moved inside from the end position.

Wild card: These programs love to blow each other out. Miami has beaten Marshall by more than 30 points 11 times out of their 43 meetings, the worst being a 66-6 thumping of the Herd in 1971.

Marshall has recently been returning the favor, winning the last two games by a combined 63 points.

Line: Marshall favored by 2.5

— By Troy Alexander





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