IRVING, TX— Conference USA Media Day was just another business trip for the Thundering Herd. While players representing the league’s other 13 schools donned team-issued polo shirts quarterback Rakeem Cato and defensive lineman James Rouse were decked out in suits, according to them symbolizing the team’s “all business mentality” heading into the 2014 season.
College football forecasters are predicting big things for The Herd, if Marshall can take care of business. Cato is a Heisman Trophy hopeful with an experienced offensive and plenty of weapons to work with. Most of the nation’s most improved defense from 2012 to 2013 returns and looks to build on what it did last year.
“We’ve got a lot of players back, led by the quarterback,” coach Doc Holliday said during media day. “Anywhere I’ve ever been that we’ve had the opportunity to have a good football team or a great football team it started at that position.”
While Cato is getting much of the preseason attention, Holliday insisted the key to Marshall living up to the expectations that have been set for it is on the other side of the ball.
“I think the key to our football team or any football team that wins championships is you’ve got to play defense. Two years ago we led the country in a lot of categories on offense but the worst feeling I’ve ever had as a football coach was standing on that sideline knowing you had to outscore people.”
Although Marshall should certainly be able to outscore opponents, The Herd has averaged over 40 points per game the last two seasons. Despite the success the program experienced last season, winning ten games for the first time since 2002 and defeating Maryland in the Military Bowl, Holliday was quick to point out the team’s ultimate goal has eluded it.
“Ultimately at Marshall University the goal is to always play for championships and win championships and we didn’t get that done,” reminded Holliday. “At the end of the day, as well as we played Maryland in that bowl game, our ultimate goal wasn’t reached. We’re working extremely hard to get back there and have the opportunity to do it again.”
The expectation from those outside and within the program is that Marshall will get another shot at the league title. More than that, many are predicting an undefeated season and a chance at a major bowl appearance.
“We like people talking about us in those terms right now because that’s where we wanted to be,” said Holliday. “I think the one thing that we’ve done as a coaching staff and as a football team is we’ve embraced those expectations.”
Marshall is not shying away from the preseason hype and players and coaches are confident if The Herd takes care of its business on and off the field the sky is the limit in 2014.
“It’s important that we don’t get complacent. It’s important that we don’t get selfish. It’s important that we hold each other accountable every day because with that we can’t reach that goal and that’s those high expectations that have been set for us.”
Cato and Rouse were dressed for success on Wednesday. In a little more than a week, they’ll trade their suits for pads and helmets and that’s when they’ll real business will begin.