— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — After a rough start to the season, the Marshall football team is happy to be home.
A 45-0 loss at No. 18 Penn State led to plenty of evaluation from Thundering Herd staff and players over the last week regarding what went wrong against the Nittany Lions and what it will take to improve.
Those results can first be seen come 7 p.m. Saturday when Marshall plays host to Middle Tennessee in its home opener at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
The Blue Raiders won their season opener last weekend, defeating Murray State 38-14 in a game plagued by weather delays.
After this week’s contest, Marshall returns to the road next Saturday with a game at Missouri State.
Here are three things to look for when the Thundering Herd and Blue Raiders clash on Saturday:
Put it in the past and move forward
There were plenty of problems Marshall identified during a lackluster effort at Penn State.
The Herd managed 147 total yards and 11 first downs on 54 plays. Opportunities to throw downfield were limited by Penn State pressure and coverage.
Marshall struggled defensively as well with Penn State’s offense averaging nearly 7 yards per play.
Marshall coach Tony Gibson has said last week’s performance can’t hinder this week’s effort.
Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson will look for more run opportunities and chances to get the ball downfield. Herd ball-carriers must increase their production. Marshall’s highly-touted receivers will come into focus as their abilities to create long gains will be tested.
Rise up defensively
Marshall hoped its defense would have performed better in Week 1.
The Herd changed much of its defensive staff in hopes of improving on that side of the ball.
Defensive Coordinator Brad Lambert’s was overwhelmed at times with Penn State’s speed and strength.
There were also several breakdowns as receivers found themselves open in space.
No defense is happy allowing 487 yards — no matter the quality of the opponent.
A bright spot was Marshall made it tough on Penn State to run the ball as the Nittany Lions averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Gibson was especially pleased with a standout 11-tackle performance by defensive back Caleb Clark-Glover and two tackles for loss from defensive lineman Kelvon McBride. Marshall’s defenders won’t be facing a similar quality of opponent this week, but must be ready to face a team featuring two strong running backs and a dual-threat quarterback in Roman Gagliano.
Blue Raiders try to get it turned around
It’s no secret the last few years have been a struggle for Middle Tennessee’s football program.
Head coach Derek Mason is 7-18 in two seasons-plus in Murfreesboro and 2026 could be a make-or-break season for his future with the program.
Another losing season could make it tough for Mason to stick around, but the former Vanderbilt head coach has amassed pieces for improvement with 50 newcomers on the roster.
A win against Murray State provided Blue Raiders fans with some hope, but they’re facing an FBS opponent this week on the road.
A victory over the Herd would further illustrate the program’s progress and be a big confidence boost to a team in need of one.