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8-30-2013 The aP rthenon, August 30, 2013 Rebecca Stephens [email protected]

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the University Archives at Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP rthenon by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | VOL. 117 NO. 1 | ’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER | marshallparthenon.com

Football Edition 2013 Playing for the Front

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2 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM 2013 Football Schedule

The Miami The Middle (OH) Red Tennessee State Blue Hawks Raiders Game 1 – vs. Miami (OH) PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAXTON CRISP Location: Oxford, Ohio Game 7 – at Middle Tennessee State Marshall University Athletic Director speaks at the Mascot: Red Hawks Location: Murfreesboro, Tenn. groundbreaking ceremony of the indoor practice facility Friday, 2012 record: 4-8, 3-5 in MAC Mascot: Blue Raiders April 26 in Huntington. Key players: Dayonne Nunley (CB), Nick Harwell (WR) 2012 record: 8-4, 6-2 in Sun Belt The Thundering Herd and the Red Hawks have had bad blood Key Players: Reggie Whatley (KR), Kevin Byard (S) since 1971 when the Red Hawks showed no mercy to the Young The Blue Raiders are coming off of a successful season, in- cluding a big win over ACC member Georgia . MTSU is Hamrick choosing last season, particularly in the non-conference portion with away joining C-USA this season after competing in the Sun Belt since Thundering Herd. The Red Hawks played a very difficult schedule 2000. non-conference in the MAC East division. The Red Hawks will be without last years startinggames at QB Ohio Zach State, Dysert, Boise who State was and drafted Cincinnati, by the and Denver finished Broncos fifth schedule selectively in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Southern By BRAXTON CRISP add Akron as a non-confer- Miss Golden FOR THE PARTHENON ence opponent because the The Gardner- With Marshall beginning series with Virginia Tech ends Webb Runnin’ Eagles the season against a former this season. Game 8 – vs. Southern Miss Mid-American Conference Hamrick feels that adding Bulldogs Location: Hattiesburg, Miss. rival in Miami (Ohio) and Miami (Ohio) is a big time Game 2 – vs. Gardner-Webb Mascot: Golden Eagles playing another former MAC series with a team the Thun- Location: Boiling Springs, N.C. 2012 record: 0-12, 0-8 in C-USA rival two weeks later at Ohio, dering Herd is extremely Mascot: Runnin’ Bulldogs Key Players: Rakeem Nunez-Roches (T), Deron Wilson (CB) Thundering Herd Athletic familiar with, despite not 2012 record: 3-8, 2-4 in Big South Southern Miss had a disastrous season in 2012, plummeting Director Mike Hamrick has playing each other since 2004. from C-USA Champions in 2011 to being winless in 2012. Ellis been making non-confer- “Marshall has had a lot of Gardner-Webb will begin the 2013 season with a new head ence games close to home a great games with them, some coachKey withplayers: Carroll Seth McCray Cranfill returning (TE), Tanner to his Burch alma (LB) mater. The Thun- replaced by Todd Monken. priority. good, some not so good,” dering Herd is 12-1 against FCS opponents since moving to the Johnson was fired after only one season as head coach and was “You would like to get ev- Hamrick said about the series FBS in 1997. ery opponent close,” said with the Redhawks. Hamrick. “Obviously within The game in 2004 was won by The University the conference it is what it is, the Thundering Herd by a score but when you schedule out of 33-25 in Huntington and re- The Ohio of Alabama- of conference the closer the sulted in quite an outburst from Birmingham opponent is from a mileage the Redhawks coaching staff. Bobcats standpoint it gives your fans History between the Herd Blazers an opportunity to travel and and Redhawks goes back to Game 3 – at Ohio support your team.” 1905. Games were played be- Location: Athens, Ohio Game 9 – vs. UAB The 2013 season is not the tween the two when Hamrick Mascot: Bobcats Location: Birmingham, Ala. only example of Hamrick’s was a player at Marshall in the 2012 record: 9-4, 4-4 in MAC Mascot: Blazers effort to schedule regional late 1970s and Miami was the Key players: Beau Blankenship (RB) 2012 record: 3-9, 3-5 in C-USA games for the non-conference “Redskins” as well. All of that The 2013 meeting between these two rivals will be the 57th Key Players: Darrin Reaves (RB), Austin Brown (QB) schedule. The Herd will play played a part in motivating Battle for the Bell. The Bobcats are 19-8 in the past two seasons, The Blazers had a forgettable season last season but does at Virginia Tech in the 2013 Hamrick to rekindle the series. including two straight wins over the Thundering Herd. The Bob- have plenty of young talent, including rising junior RB Dar- season, as well as hosting “I just felt it was very im- other teams from reasonable portant to get Miami back on Tettleton, who lead the Bobcats the past two seasons. Ohio leads season. driving distances in the com- the schedule because they’re thecats all-time will have series to find 31-19-6, a way including to win this 2-1 season against without the Herd QB during Tyler rin Reaves, who was a first team all-conference selection last ing years. a rival, their proximity is very the Doc Holliday era. “Our future football sched- close and I’m very excited ules are very good with games about them coming to Hun- The Tulsa with Louisville and Purdue tington and us going there The Virginia coming up,” Hamrick said. next year,” said Hamrick. Mar- Golden “We’ve got a series down the shall and Miami will also play Tech Hokies road with Navy, we’re going in Huntington in 2017 and in Game 4 – at Virginia Tech Hurricane to start playing Kent State Oxford, Ohio in 2018. Location: Blacksburg, Va. and Akron from the MAC, and The 2015 schedule will Mascot: Hokies Game 10 – at Tulsa we’re talking with East Caro- feature a home game against 2012 record: 7-6, 4-4 in ACC Location: Tulsa, Okla. lina about continuing that the Purdue Boilermakers as Key Players: Logan Thomas (QB), Jack Tyler (LB) Mascot: Golden Hurricane series.” the second half of a home- Last season was a major disappointment by Virginia Tech’s stan- 2012 record: 11-3 In 2014, Louisville will and-home series that began dards, but ended on a high note with a close bowl victory over Key Players: Keyarris Garrett (WR), Demarco Nelson (S) come play the Herd inside in 2012 with the Herd play- Rutgers. Head Coach Frank Beamer is entering his 25th season in Tulsa won the Conference USA championship last season and Joan C. Edwards Stadium in a ing in West Lafayette. Also in Blacksburg. The Herd has come up short 5 times against the Hok- will probably be favored to defend the title. The Golden Hur- matchup that will presumably 2015, the current series with ies since 1997, most recently in a 30-10 contest in Huntington. pit two of the best quarter- the will run backs to ever come out of out when the Herd heads to ricane has won four of its past five bowl games. Miami, Marshall’s Rakeem Athens. The Navy series that Cato and Louisville’s Teddy Hamrick alluded to will be a The UT-San The Florida Bridgewater. The two faced home-and-home series with off in 2011 when both were the Midshipmen in Annapolis, Antonio International just freshmen at their respec- Md. in 2021 and in Hunting- Golden tive schools. ton in 2022. Roadrunners Marshall will also continue Braxton Crisp can be Game 5 – vs. UTSA Panthers series with Miami (Ohio) and reached at crisp23@mar- Location: San Antonio, Texas Game 11: - at Florida Int’l Ohio University in 2014, and shall.edu. Mascot: Roadrunners Location: Miami, Fla. 2012 record: 8-4, 3-3 in WAC Mascot: Golden Panthers Key Players: Triston Wade (DB), Steven Kurfehs (LB) 2012 record: 3-9. 2-6 in Sun Belt UTSA has an up and coming football team that is joining C-USA Key Players: Greg Hickman (DL) this season after spending just one season in the WAC after mov- ing to the FBS as a transitional team. The Roadrunners is coached of C-USA the Herd has on its schedule in 2013. The Herd and by former Miami (FL) head coach Larry Coker. The game against GoldenFlorida Panthers International last met is in the the fourth 2011 andBeef-o-Brady’s final new memberbowl, in UTSA will be Marshall’s homecoming game. which the Herd was victorious 20-10. 269078 The East The Florida Carolina REFUEL Atlantic Owls Pirates BIGGER MARKETS, INC Game 12: - vs. East Carolina Location: Greenville, N.C. 2 x 4.0 Game 6 – at Florida Atlantic Mascot: Pirates Location: Boca Raton, Fla. 2012 record: 8-5, 7-1 in C-USA Mascot: Owls Key Players: Vintavious Cooper (RB), Derrell Johnson (LB) 2012 record: 3-8, 2-5 in Sun Belt Key Players: Nexon Dorvilus (TE), William Dukes (WR) University in the R+L Carriers Bowl. 2013 will be the third straightEast Carolina season finishedthat the its Herd season and off Pirates with ahave loss toplayed Louisiana each is joining C-USA this season after spending the past seven in the SunThe Belt. Owls struggled under first year head coach Carl Pelini. FAU other in the regular season finale. C M Y K 50 INCH

3 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM Cato, Marshall offense continues to improve By BRAXTON CRISP That is a testament to how well Cato and Legg work together. During THE PARTHENON - When comparing pictures from three years ago to ing some games, then Graham, then back to Cato. That made it a little now, the physical changes are plain for Rakeem Cato, the 2011 season, the quarterback position was in flux with Cato start but those aren’t the only changes for the now junior quarterback he was calling plays for. Now with Cato being starter all of quarterback for the Thundering Herd. He’s also 2012,difficult Legg for andLegg Cato to groware on accustomed the same page to the with habits no confusion. and abilities That of bond the evolved into being a smarter quarterback as well. is growing even stronger in preparation for the 2013 season because “There are times when he’ll check to something Legg is now the quarterbacks coach in addition to being the offensive [change the play at the line of scrimmage] and I’m sit- coordinator and play caller. ting there thinking ‘That’s exactly what I wanted him “There are times when he turns and he’s about to give a signal to the to do,’” offensive coordinator Bill Legg said of Cato’s box, and I’ve already called it,” Legg said. understanding of the offense. With Cato and Legg being on the same page and having the kind of Stories of that nature are a far cry from the stories working chemistry they do, that allows Legg to be more aggressive in his of Cato’s freshman season, which featured the infa- play calling because he knows what Cato is capable of. mous slamming of the phone up to the coach’s box Flash back to 2011 once again, and Herd fans remember that the most in frustration during the monsoon-like game against memorable plays of that season came late in the season once Legg and UCF in Orlando. That move got Cato benched for Cato had built a rapport. “The Catch” by departed receiver Aaron Dob- three games until midway through the Tulsa game in son against East Carolina comes to mind on that list of memorable plays, 2011, when his replacement, AJ Graham, was injured. along with long receptions by Dobson and Jermain Kelson in the Beef ‘o’ Cato has grown mightily from that 2011 season as well. He Brady’s Bowl. stepped on campus at around 160 pounds, and now through his In 2012, Tommy Shuler and Gator Hoskins were prime targets for Cato second summer of strength and conditioning, he has grown into a for those key receptions. Now in 2013, everyone, including Cato and 188 pound player with much improved arm strength. Legg, will have to see what the next evolution in the quarterback from That arm strength and improved football IQ fueled Cato with having a Miami will be. sophomore season as good as most senior quarterbacks had a year ago. Braxton Crisp can be contacted at [email protected]. The Cato File # 12 2012 stats: 406-584-11, 4,201 yards, 37 touchdowns POSITION: Quarterback HEIGHT: 6’0” - 2012 Conference USA Most Valuable Player WEIGHT: 188 lbs. - Led nation with 350.8 passing yards per game FROM: Miami, Fla. - On watch lists for Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and Manning Award

Playing for the front By ADAM ROGERS “We know if we stick together, nobody can beat THE PARTHENON us,” junior wide receiver Tommy Shuler said. “We No individuals. A team. One. don’t care who you are, we know our team is Those are just a few words to describe the strong enough. If we go out there and we’re on 2013 version of the Thundering Herd football the same page everything will be great for us.” program who is playing for the front this season. Senior defensive ends Jeremiah Taylor and It started off with head coach Doc Holliday Alex Bazzie took the idea of something to prove shocking the fan base during last Thursday’s even further. Paint the Capital City Green event, where he They said the team needs to prove itself to the announced the team would not be sporting sur- Huntington community as a whole. names on the backs of the jerseys. “That’s what we preached about all offseason,” According to HerdZone.com columnist Jack Taylor said. “I think the coaches actually got that Bogaczyk, Marshall head equipment manager from us. We didn’t talk about taking our names Rich Worner said Holliday talked to him back in off, we were just focused on being the Herd and January about not putting names on the jerseys. talking about playing for protecting the ‘M’.” Holliday said during Tuesday’s weekly press “Our goal is to satisfy them and bring victory conference that he made the change because he to this community, not to represent ourselves did not like where his team was. or the cities and states we left to come here,” “I’ve always felt like if you didn’t like where Bazzie said. “With the names being taken off- you are, you have to change something,” Holli- -we want to show the community that this is day said. “Number one you work extremely hard serious and we want to please you guys by 268888 to become a good football team. There’s a lot of winning. That we don’t care nothing about teams out there that are talented teams, as far who we are, it’s about the Herd and what the PUBLIC SERVICE HOUSE ADS as athletes and personnel goes, but in order to Herd has made us.” win you have to have a great team. So we really The last time Marshall football stepped out PICK EM PROMO WEEK 1 wanted to emphasize team.” You might think the Marshall players were upset jersey was a 14-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky 3 x 10.5 with not having their names on their jerseys, but onto a field without names dning the back of a they actually welcomed it with open arms because Adam Rogers can be contacted at rog- they know there is still something to prove. [email protected] a 1991 NCAA D-I AA Semifinal.

COURTESY OF HERDZONE.COM Gameday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. C M Y K 50 INCH

4 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM

Williams: walk-on to semi-finalist Fans excited Williams said. “It’s unexplain- By ADAM ROGERS able because in high school THE PARTHENON you think ‘Oh, that’s a cool When Marshall dukes it award’ and ‘if I got nominated for new season out with former Mid-Amer- for that I wouldn’t care,’ but ican Conference rival Miami By CAITIE SMITH “I don’t have a problem (Ohio) on Saturday, one Thun- that’s just a great pat on the ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR with removing the names. I dering Herd player will be back.”when you make the finalists Saturday is a big day for a think what Doc is trying to do walking out on the field with The Fort Wayne, Ind. native number of reasons. The big- is build up the guys as a team scholarship in hand after gest among them is the real and teach them that the most last season’s award-worthy campaign with 43 punts for start of college football. (While important thing is the name performance. anfinished average his ofinaugural 45.2 yards punting per there is a Thursday night game on the front, not the back.” Sophomore punter Tyler punt, a single-season school The new marketing has Williams came to Huntington record; while 13 of those went most teams dip their feet on been adjusted to this new idea, last year and joined the Herd for 50 or more yards, includ- Saturday.)to officially begin the season, noting the slogan ‘We play for football program as a walk-on, ing a long of 66. For Marshall University, the front.’ which he said helped him ease Williams said his impres- the day is no different. The “It’s a good theme for the into his role. sive statistics from last Herd will begin its 118th sea- season,” Scroggins said. “I “As a scholarship guy, you season do more than show son when they face former might not like not knowing have more on your shoulders,” his ability, they also show Mid-American Conference foe who some of them are, but I Williams said. “They want you how hard the rest of the punt Miami (Ohio). As a team with think it’s a good thing.” to produce because you’re on team works. the reputation as “the win- Just as the players have scholarship and they’re paying “That list is the whole punt ningest team of the 90s”, this been through intense pre- you to go to school, because team,” Williams said. “I can’t year’s Herd has much to prove season workouts, the Marshall you’re supposed to be the guy. do it without anybody else. as it looks to rebound from a faithful have been preparing So coming in as a walk-on I got Them blocking for me, Matt subpar 5-7 record. for Saturday at 7 p.m. to ease into it a bit more and (Cincotta) snapping for me, Not only are the players look- Jude has been cooking and got to earn my stripes the right the missiles making the tack- ing forward to greeting the preparing food all week for way.” les. So it was great not only for gridiron, but Marshall fans are her tailgate. After dueling former team- me, but it’s great to get respect as well. “I absolutely love games mate Austin Dumas for the down to the other guys who First year graduate stu- at the Joan,” Jude said. “The starting role last season and help me.” dent Whitney Jude has been atmosphere is impossible to winning the job for the sea- With his freshman year be- a lifetime fan of the green and describe with words. Every- son opener against West hind him, Williams’ focus is white. thing, from tailgating to the Virginia, Williams went on to now set square on the Red- “I’m really looking forward game itself, is just an amazing land on the Ray Guy Award hawks and opening the season MARCUS CONSTANTINO | THE PARTHENON to this season,” Jude said. “We experience to be a part of.” Semi-Finalist list as a true at home. have one of the nation’s top With anticipation, though, freshman. Sophomore Tyler Williams prepares to punt the ball. Williams received a offenses coming back, and I comes hype. Some might think Adam Rogers can be scholarship for the impressive work he did in the 2012 season. contacted at rogers112@ think we’re going to have a few that Marshall may be getting and everything was surreal,” marshall.edu. receivers really step up. That’s “over-hyped” and receiving too “Making the finalist list what I’m hoping, anyway. I re- much preseason notice, but Scrog- ally expect a solid season from gins and Jude do not think so. our guys.” “I’d like to think we aren’t Junior accounting major getting over-hyped,” Jude said. Ryan Scroggins from Cross “As a longtime fan, I know Lanes has also been a supporter what its like to be so excited Furrey, WRs try to continue 2012 success of the Herd since childhood. and then get let down when the season starts. But I think By JAMES COLLIER this season will be different Pruett left that we have an this year will be different.” THE PARTHENON than last and he prepared for all-around“It’s the firsttalented time roster, since “So what if they’re getting Coming off a season in which the added attention in the not just a couple good guys,” hyped?” Scroggins said. “They Marshall football passed for offseason. Scroggins said. “They all want deserve it.” over 4300 yards and nine “I expect man coverage most to win so badly, so I’m excited Jude was in agreement. different receivers had touch- of the time this season,” Schuler to watch a good team play.” “The hype is well deserved down catches, it may seem said. “I know teams are going to Scroggins emphasized for this team, and I hope to see impossible to better that the play bump coverage on me and team, noting head coach Doc them live up to it,” Jude said. following season. that just motivates me to get Holliday’s recent announce- Scroggins and Jude, like so For Marshall head coach Doc better.” ment that there will be no last many other Marshall fans, will Holliday, he envisions 12 or Two receivers who could names on the jerseys this fall. get their answers Saturday. more receivers contributing to see added playing time this “I love that,” Scroggins said. Until then, maybe a little more the Herd’s pass-happy style of season is redshirt sophomore “The players are going to buy hype wouldn’t hurt. offense. That is where newly Davonte Allen and redshirt se- into the team concept.” Caitie Smith can be con- hired wide-receivers coach nior Devon “Moo-Moo” Smith. Jude was also in support of tacted at smith1650@ Mike Furrey comes into the Allen produced a game-win- Holliday’s decision. marshall.edu. picture. ning touchdown grab last Furrey joined the Herd in season in Marshall’s 38-28 win the offseason after leaving the over Memphis which Holliday helm of Kentucky Christian claimed was a glimmer of hope University in Grayson, Ky. Fur- from what the team had ex- rey inherited a program that pected from Allen. Smith, who transferred in from Penn State, had a good 7-4went and 0-11 a national in his first ranking season of fall camp which propelled him No.only 25 to in finish NAIA hisDivision 2012 I. season up the depth chart for the Herd Furrey not only brings suc- - cessful coaching experience to cant playing time this season. Marshall, but also a successful Smithand is expectedcaught 54 to seepasses signifi in career with three teams in the three seasons for the Nittany NFL. He led the NFC in recep- Lions but may be one of the MARCUS CONSTANTINO | THE PARTHENON tions (98) in 2006 and was most known players in school second only to Houston’s Andre history. Redshirt sophomore Davonte Allen breaks away from the defense. Johnson in the NFL. Smith was the player that After losing wide-outs Aaron made incidental contact with Dobson and Antavious Wilson then-head coach Joe Paterno to graduation, Marshall receiv- that left the legendary coach ers found an opportunity to with a broken hip. 269004 quickly climb the depth chart. Smith had a break-out night Marshall wide receiver during Marshall’s second REFUELLE) Tommy Schuler said Furrey is scrimmage of the fall camp. the reason the team is so deep - SNTN CTY PARTH AD-8 at receiver this season. tions totaling 103 yards and a “Coach (Furrey) got us ready touchdown.Smith finished He withis expected 10 recep to 2 x 8.0 at every position,” Schuler said. split time with Allen in the Mi- “He had everyone at every posi- ami (Ohio) game. With eight receivers on the 269080 got the freshmen involved.” charts for the Herd, one cannot tionWhile on thethe field receiving and he’s evencore forget the depth at tight end CABELL HTGN FOUNDATION praises the work the Furrey has with Gator Hoskins and Eric done thus far with the team, Frohnaphel. Hoskins, a Mackey FERTILITY he inherited a talented staff at the same time. Schuler, who is 2 x 5.0 on the Biletnikoff Award watch Award semi-finalist last season, list, returns as the team’s lead- withfinds 10 himself touchdowns on the receptionswatch list ing receiver from last season lastonce season, again in leaving 2013. himHe finished second when he grabbed 110 passes only to East Carolina’s Justin for 1138 yards. Hardy (11) in Conference USA. With teams focusing on Dob- Hoskins attributes the depth son and Wilson last season, of the Herd for his success last Schuler became a prime target season. for his former Miami Central “Our depth forced teams to High School teammate Rakeem Cato. However, Schuler knows See FURREY| Page 7 C M Y K 50 INCH

5 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM J. Taylor (5.5) J. Taylor (5) B. Sparrow (2) M. Aiken* SACKS *no longer on roster 88 136 130 117 20 491 117 130 88 136 517 23 127 120 82 165 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT TOTAL 1st 4th OT 2nd 3rd EASON) MU OPP D. Legrande* (132) (108) O. Okaroha* D.J. Hunter (102) DEFENSIVE PRODUCTION TACKLES S

Marshall University and opponent points per quarter SCOREBOARD 1090 1073 MU TACKLES PER GAME TACKLES OPP 31.7% 2030 yards RUSH TATS (2012 TATS S 68.3% PASS 4381 yards 4381 TARTERS S ERD *no longer on roster RECEIVING yards) Shuler (1138 T. yards) A. Dobson* (679 yards) A. Wilson* (741 H OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION RUSHING S. Butler (500 yards) K. Grooms (737 yards) K. Grooms (737 (380 yards) R. Watson ROJECTED statistics and roster information courtesy of HerdZone P 43.1 40.9 MU OPP POINTS PER GAME HUNDERING and T C M Y K 50 INCH

6 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM New attitude heats up Herd defense By JAMES COLLIER “Last year it just wasn’t there,” Taylor THE PARTHENON than two minutes remaining in the con- said. “We as a unit decided that things If asked to give a single word descrip- season finale at East Carolina. With less had to change and a change in attitude tion of Marshall University football’s and ten on its own 24-yardline leading to was a must.” defense during the 2012 season, a com- atest, game-tying East Carolina touchdown converted with four a fourth sec- Taylor said it is key that everyone mon response would be nonexistent. onds left on the clock to force overtime. bought in to the changes. While the Herd had one of the best “Up to this point, everyone on the offensive teams in the nation, victory sent Marshall home with a 5-7 team has accepted the changes and are it also had one of the worst recordEast Carolina’s and ended 65-59 any chances double-overtime of going on-board with what we are trying to defenses. back to a bowl game since the 2011 Beef do here,” Taylor said. “Looking back at Last season, Mar- ‘O’Brady’s Bowl. camp, I can say this is the best camp I shall’s defense simply Of course, every Herd fan remembers have been a part of.” could not get off the the 48-yard touchdown run by Tulsa’s Attitude is not the only change for the Alex Singleton on fourth and one. Single- defensive unit as most of the members Senior defensive lineman fourth down. Mar- ton went untouched on the scoring play have added 15 pounds to what was con- Brandon Sparrow shall’sfield on opponents third and that Marshall head coach Doc Holliday sistently an undersized line last season. converted on third down 45 percent of called a blown-blitz assignment. Bazzie and Taylor will bookend a defen- the time, but more importantly, Marshall With so many painful memories of de- sive line whose job is to get a push up front. failed to prevent a fourth down conver- fensive let downs last season, week one sion on 19 of 25 attempts. co-captains Alex Bazzie and Jeremiah Heater, defensive coordinator, provide the Within a season full of high expecta- fourTaylor defensive said that linemen motivation an added from push. Chuck tions, the Herd watched its bowl chances and foremost what the defensive unit slip away in the fourth quarter of its needed.Taylor said a change in attitude was first See HEATER| Page 7 Roberts regains his swagger after injury By ADAM ROGERS ready to come out here this season and do work, do hungrier for the game,” Roberts said. “(It) increases THE PARTHENON what I’ve been waiting to do all last year.” your knowledge for the game and for a whole year The last time redshirt junior Darryl “Swagg D” After being forced to sit out due to a broken ankle gets you stronger, physically and mentally.” Things have changed defensively for the Thun- was in 2011, and what he did during his last time- to watch and not being able to help his team on the dering Herd since the last time Swagg D was in Roberts touched a football field in a game situation in 2012, Roberts said it was difficult only being able uniform and Roberts said a lot of that has to do Marshall bowling. out inside Joan C. Edwards Stadium was what sent “Knowingfield. that I couldn’t help my team when they “Back then we were more of a zone team,” Rob- quarterback Dominique Davis in overtime on 4th were“Well, in need.it was Wereally, had really limited difficult,” corners Roberts and at said. one with new defensive coordinator Chuck Heater. andThat 12 to would seal a be 34-27 picking victory off for then-East the Thundering Carolina point last season I thought about coming back just a good man corner coach. He likes to bump and run, Herd and would ultimately send it to the Beef ‘O’ to help those guys. It really hurt me bad just to geterts in said. receiver’s “But now face, since get we physical have Coach and Heater,make them he’s Brady’s Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla. know I couldn’t help those guys out.” make tough throws and catches.” Now Roberts is back out on the turf playing the At the same time, Roberts said he knows watch- If coverage style was up to Roberts he would PHOTO BY TYLER KES | THE PARTHENON game he loves. ing the game from a close distance will make him “bump and run” as often as possible. “Just to be back out here around my teammates, better. I feel a lot of love out here,” Roberts said. “I’m just “Sitting back watching anything will make you See SWAGG| Page 7

269018 MU RESIDENCE SERVICES WELCOME BACK 6 x 10.5 1 C M Y K 50 INCH

7 FOOTBALL EDITION FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 | | MARSHALLPARTHENON.COM Miami of Ohio: Marshall’s most bitter rival By WILL VANCE For the remainder of the ’70s the simply do not like each other. On Satur- Marshall students got lucky this sea- SPORTS EDITOR teams continued to play, with the day, the rivalry will be renewed. - son. With Gardner-Webb coming to When the Young Thundering Herd Redskins dominating the series. The 2013 season has the poten- tweenOhio Universitythe Herd isand definitely the RedHawks higher Huntington the following Saturday defeated the Xavier Musketeers 15-13 tial to be special for the Thundering andprofile, Marshall but truly fans badhave blood a way flows of show be- the back-to-back home games to start in the wake of the 1970 plane crash, restarted after the Herd moved to ing up to see teams they really hate. it uplifted a team, a school and a com- Division-IAfter a 17-year football hiatus, and rejoined the series the Leftwich’s departure, the Herd has a The difference between a good turn- time this has happened since the munity still coming to terms with a legitimateHerd. For thestar firstquarterback time since in Byronreign- out and a great turnout will come from 2005the 2013 season. season will mark the first major tragedy. Some people accused Herd dominated the Redskins/Red- the students. Somewhat understand- The 2013 Thundering Herd has HawksMAC. As from it did 1997 with to most2004, teams, going 6-2the - ably, last season student attendance a motto for the season, “We play for in the series. sembleding C-USA a team MVP as fast Rakeem and talented Cato. as In steadily dropped as the losses for the the front,” meaning they play for “The sothe perfectly. final scene in “We Are... Marshall” The last time the two teams played wasaddition, expected Doc whenHolliday he hastook finally the reins as Herd added up. Herd” written across their chests, for as Somethinga work of Hollywoodnot as well-known because it oc fit- in 2004, a 33-25 Thundering Herd of the Herd. For freshmen, what better way to the team and the school. Consider curred the following weekend when win, the Red Hawks coaching staff gave Hopefully, the community and kick off their college football experience this an appeal for Herd fans young the Young Thundering Herd travelled the Herd a parting gift by trashing the school will respond to its much-im- than a night game against a heated ri- and old, Huntingtonians and Marshall to Oxford, Ohio to take on the then- coach’s box inside Joan C. Edwards proved team. val back from the past? Or for a senior students, to come out Saturday night Miami of Ohio Redskins. The Redskins Stadium, putting holes in walls and Though current Thundering Herd and support the team that plays for bullied the Young Thundering Herd, throwing furniture around the room. players were still in grade school the football after watching sub-par seasons them, especially against a team that running up the score to 66-6. The rest Two years prior, a Marshall fan got last time these two teams played, the duringbeginning their their time finalon campus? season of Herd punished the freshmen of the Young of that season most teams would gain punched in the face by then RedHawk Huntington community remembers When considering that the Herd Thundering Herd 66-6. a comfortable lead over the Herd and defensive coordinator Jon Wauford at the RedHawks well and will turn out Will Vance can be contacted at ease off the gas, but not the Red Hawks. a game in Oxford, Ohio. These teams for Saturday’s game. The rivalry with home game against FCS opponents, [email protected]. has often times played its first

Above: Two Thundering Herd defenders tackle a Herd ball-carrier during a scrimmage on April 13. Editor’s letter Right: Marshall’s Kevin Grooms catches a punt during a scrimmage on April 13. By BISHOP NASH Clemson, BYU and Kansas State EXECUTIVE EDITOR to bring us down. FURREY attack that averaged 90 plays I don’t know if I believe in To an Ona Little Leaguer Continued from Page 4 per game last season. However, predestination or other con- scampering around in over- choose who to cover,” with so many threats to line cepts regarding fate, but there sized shoulder pads, the Hoskins said. “With a quarter- up against, it’s only a matter of has never been a shade of Thundering Herd was a team of back like Cato, it’s up to us as time before Cato connects with doubt in my mind that I would superheroes. We treated every- a group to just run our routes his next target—the receiver attend Marshall University. I left uncovered. know this sentiment is shared bag; like stepping-stones en With the Herd’s depth this James Collier can be with other kids growing up in routeone in to the a MACbowl. like We apractically punching season,and let himopponents find the opencan guy.”only contacted at collier41@mar- the Greater Huntington area sleepwalked to championships. hope to slow down an offensive shall.edu. like myself, and I’m sure many “We.” can relate. For those on cam- We felt like we were as much Bazzie and Taylor will be HEATER PHOTOS BY MARCUS CONSTANTINO | THE PARTHENON pus just recently experiencing to credit for the football’s suc- Continued from Page 6 joined by Brandon Sparrow, life in and around Huntington, Ra’Shawde Myers, Steve Dil- the magnitude of how deep - “Coach (Heater) told us that lon and James Rouse on a these collectivized feelings run fendingcess as OUR Chad house Pennington with every or if we couldn’t rush with four revamped defensive line. Tay- through the natives may not homeBobby game, Pruitt. and WEWE were were tear de- guys, he would use three,” Taylor lor said the depth on the line immediately reveal itself. ing down THEIR house when said. “Hearing that as a player this season allows the players Everyone and their brother the Herd rolled into town. is enough to motivate you to do to stay fresh the entire contest. know about the plane crash We were fearless. Totally, to- whatever it takes to stay on the “Our depth on the line will and reconstruction. That alone tally fearless. especially help us in confer- ought to be enough to warrant To me at least, that feeling Bazzie says the defensive ence this season,” Taylor said. pride (and a major motion pic- is returning. I’m so unbeliev- unitfield.” plays vicariously through “Instead of playing 75 or 80 ture, apparently) even if the ably psyched for 2013. We can their coach. snaps, our depth knocks that Herd never won another foot- do this. This is our chance to “Coach (Heater) has that down to 45 or 50. We can go ball game. return a massive part of ev- killer instinct that we all feed hard and keep guys fresh for But the comeback story eryone’s childhood: a fearless off of in practice,” Bazzie said. the fourth quarter.” didn’t end after that 1971 vic- Marshall. I want to be able to While the defensive unit tory over Xavier. The ending walk in the Joan and demand a and that is all because of him. passed the eye test during fall - victory like I once could. I want We“We just are want relentless to play on fast the and field go camp, the true test takes place to click on the radio and hear out and have fun. We just need Saturday night at 7 p.m. when Herd’ssequences skyrocketing of “We Are... ascension Mar Steve Cotton’s golden voice tell to go out and enjoy the game Marshall opens its 2013 cam- fromshall” onlyan obscure briefly touch Division-II on the me we just broke thousands of we love playing and be young, paign against Miami (Ohio) at - hearts in a road victory. Joan C. Edwards Stadium. CLASS813 tional powerhouse. I want to win without a sec- physical and be the aggressor James Collier can be con- programThat’s the to Marshall a full-fledged I grew naup ond thought. reckless men, fly around, be tacted at collier4@marshall. class block around. I’m 21, bearded and the edi- I was far too young to real- tor of a college newspaper, but from the first snap.” classified ize the magnitude of the Herd winning its SECOND national on Saturday would send me 2 x 8.0 championship in the same de- straightsmacking back around to 4th agrade. MAC foe cade. It didn’t mean much at Let’s feel like ‘90s kids again. the time that Marshall was a Go Herd! Bishop Nash can be con- we were invincible, and it was tacted at nash24@marshall. Top 25 team. All I knew is that edu. 269079 going to take bigger fish than REFUEL man to man coverage in this SWAGG conference.” BIGGER MKTS IO106102 Continued from Page 6 Roberts’ return to the sec- “Challenging receivers on ondary boosts an already deep 2 x 4.0 all routes,” Roberts said with talent pool on the defensive a smile. “Squeezing top shoul- unit and he will be put to the der on deep balls and stuff task of defending a youthful like that. Its more exciting for Miami (Ohio) receiving corps. us and it can give us an edge, Adam Rogers can be because not too many coaches contacted at rogers112@ or defensive coordinators run marshall.edu.