— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall hopes to end a two-game skid and break into the win column within Sun Belt Conference play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday when the Thundering Herd plays host to South Alabama and has the opportunity to showcase its program before a nationally televised audience on ESPN2.
The Herd (3-3, 0-2) lost its last time out to Coastal Carolina, 27-21, after rallying from a 27-point third-quarter deficit on October 10. Two days earlier, the Jaguars (4-2, 2-0) prolonged their unbeaten start in SBC play with a 56-49 victory at Arkansas State.
This will be the second time the schools have met on the gridiron. South Alabama won the previous meeting, 28-0, back in 2023.
South Alabama’s head coach is Major Applewhite, a former quarterback at Texas from 1998-2001. Applewhite was previously head coach at Houston from 2016-18, and is now in his third season with the Jaguars. He has a 15-16 record at South Alabama.
Here are three things to look for in Tuesday’s contest:
Who’s behind center?
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has started each game for Marshall this season, but the SBC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year hasn’t lived up to that billing.
The senior can giving opposing defenses trouble as a passer and a runner when he’s on his game, but his three-interception performance against Coastal Carolina is causing Marshall to consider a change.
Zion Turner has experience and gave the Herd an offensive spark against the Chanticleers. Turner threw for 150 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 18 yards.
West Virginia transfer Khalil Wilkins could also log snaps behind center as offensive coordinator Rod Smith has added plays to utilize the southpaw’s speed and elusiveness as well as a strong arm.
Defensive concerns for the Jaguars
The Jaguars are off to a strong start in league play thanks to a prolific offense averaging 54 points in wins over UL Monroe and Arkansas State.
Applewhite is happy with the results,, but knows the formula of winning shootouts only works for so long.
Having allowed 84 points over two SBC contests, the Jaguars are also surrendering an average of 429 yards. South Alabama has struggled to limit opponents on the ground (164.2 yards) or through the air (264.8 yards).
Marshall has worked to fix self-inflicted mistakes too often leading to turnovers and penalties, and if those issues have been corrected, there’s the potential for a strong offensive showing that will likely be required to top the Jaguars.
More consistency from the Marshall defense
Despite the loss to Coastal Carolina, Marshall’s defense finally showed signs of life as the Chanticleers were held to 305 total yards.
Marshall head coach Tony Gibson believes the unit is improving primarily because of two factors — simplifying calls and health. Several Marshall defenders are back from injury, including a proven pass rusher in Braydin Ward, who recorded six tackles and six quarterback hurries against Coastal.
The Jaguars will challenge the Herd with a trio of talented running backs in Keenan Phillips, PJ Martin and Tray’von Dunbar, and a quarterback in Jared Hollins who has emerged after being involved in a preseason battle for the job with Bishop Davenport. Hollins will look to get the ball to talented receivers Jeremiah Jones-Thomas, Anthony Eager and Brendan Jenkins — three pass-catchers that have combined for eight touchdown receptions.