With all of the crazy finishes and great games last week, one victory went unnoticed by many.
When Marshall upset Southern Miss 26-20 in Huntington, the Herd took a big step toward winning the East Division of Conference USA. There’s still a long ways to go for Marshall, but the program seems to be going in the right direction with Doc Holliday.
Who better to check in with than Paul Swann, who has worked in broadcasting for more than 20 years in West Virginia. His work has been honored on several occasions by the West Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the West Virginia Broadcasters Association. Today he serve as both co-host and producer of sports programming for Kindred Communications including The Insider Sportsline on Super Talk 94.1 FM & AM 930 and College Football Today, and College Football Wrap Up on 93.7 The Dawg.
So the time is right to do “5 Burning Questions” with Paul Swann.
1. Doc Holliday came so close to getting that signature win against WVU last year, but I’d argue he got a huge Conference USA win against Southern Miss last week. How big was that win for Marshall and Holliday?
The win over Southern Miss was not only a signature win for the program, but of more importance to Marshall than beating West Virginia. The east division goes through Southern Miss, East Carolina and UCF, Marshall took a huge step toward a conference championship with that win, and that’s the primary goal.
2. After watching freshman quarterback Rakeem Cato against West Virginia, I think it’s clear Marshall has a star in the making. How excited are the Herd fans about Cato’s future in Huntington?
Rakeem Cato generated a lot of buzz in the weeks leading to the start of the season and his performance has only given Marshall fans more to be excited about, students and fans are even wearing t-shirts with the likeness of Cato’s beard. One thing that should be pointed out, Cato is already a leader on the field, after the Southern Miss game, he was one of the last guys to leave the field, he appreciated the support from the fans and made sure they knew it after the game.
3. A lot of college football fans may not realize it, but the Ohio-Marshall game is actually a good rivalry game. Since Marshall left the MAC the feelings may have subsided a bit, but tell me how Marshall views the match up with the Bobcats?
I think you’re seeing more interest because of the last two meetings, Ohio feels they let a couple get away, and it shows with the approach to the game, which is feeding into the Marshall side of the rivalry. The fans are excited and confident that the Herd will win, but Doc Holiday understands this will be a tough physical game, and his focus is being ready for a team capable of beating Marshall, but I expect the veterans on the team will educate the youth filled roster on the significance of the rivalry.
4. With studs like Vinny Curry on the defensive line, Marshall has been tough against the run. What is the biggest area of concern so far this season for Holliday’s team?
I’d like to see a little more production with the running game, the talent is there, and youth does play a factor, but being able to rush for over 100 yards in the first two games is a positive. Doc Holiday said it best, “Travon (Van) needs to slow down a bit.”
5. Marshall has never been afraid to schedule tough non-conference games. However, next week the Herd get a rare chance to host one of the big boys when Virginia Tech comes to town. Talk about the importance of playing these type of games, but more specifically getting to play the Hokies in Huntington?
It’s a good game for fans of both schools, it’s an easy road trip, there is a solid core of Virginia Tech alumni in West Virginia, but the game gives Marshall fans what they have been clamoring for, a name opponent on the home schedule. It also gives validation to the Marshall football program, and should make it easier to bring other name programs into Huntington. You shouldn’t see too many games in the future without a return trip on the schedule, that’s the goal for the athletic department, try to schedule series that make sense for the fans and bring value at the same time.
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