— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall last won a conference title in 2014, when the Thundering Herd defeated Louisiana Tech 26-23 on a rainy December day at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington for the Conference USA Championship.
The Herd had an opportunity to repeat the feat six years later, but suffered a 22-13 home loss to UAB on the same stage.
Come Saturday, Marshall hopes to regain the championship feeling that’s evaded the football program for a decade when the Herd (9-3, 7-1) clashes with Louisiana (10-2, 7-1) in the Sun Belt Conference final at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and is being shown nationally on ESPN.
Marshall extended its winning streak to six last Saturday night with a 35-33 double overtime victory at James Madison, while the Ragin’ Cajuns picked up a 37-23 home win over UL Monroe. Had the Herd lost, Louisiana would instead be playing Georgia Southern this week.
The preparation for Marshall comes amid speculation fourth-year MU head coach Charles Huff is being considered for open head coaching jobs around the country. Huff is not under contract beyond this season at Marshall, and has yet to receive word of an extension.
Huff said during his weekly news conference he would like to remain in Huntington if a contract extension can be worked out with university officials, but is direction his attention on what lies ahead in the immediate future.
“When there is noise, that’s a good thing,” Huff said. “No one is calling the coaches of 0-10 teams or teams that aren’t in bowl games. I told the team that with team success comes chances for individual advancement and I’m sure my assistant coaches are getting looked at for new jobs. I’m sure there are schools hoping some of our players enter the portal.”
Although both teams had identical conference records, Louisiana hosts this one based on the composite ranking average of the teams from four polls. That method gave Louisiana a 42.75 national ranking average, while Marshall’s average rank was 45.75.
Michael Desormeaux is completing his third full season as Louisiana’s head coach and has a 23-16 record at his alma mater.
Huff believes that Marshall could be looking at somewhat of a mirror image in preparing for the Ragin’ Cajuns as both teams prioritize maintaining possession, hard-hitting defense and sound special teams.
“Louisiana plays real football,” Huff said. “I don’t think they’ve ever taken a step back. They’re big and physical and have playmakers at the skill positions. They line up and run at you and then throw it behind you. They don’t need tricks and gimmicks.”
After going undefeated in November and winning two straight road games to end the regular season, Huff says the Herd has proven it’s ready to accept any challenge.
“Our guys are fully aware that this is the best of the best,” Huff said. “If we don’t go out and play extremely well and be extremely disciplined on Saturday, we’re going to get beat.”
The teams have met twice previously, both within the last four years. The Ragin’ Cajuns defeated Marshall 36-21 in the 2021 New Orleans Bowl and topped the Herd 23-13 in what marked Marshall’s first game as a member of the Sun Belt.