The Marshall University 2014 football team capitalized on a favorable schedule and a highly efficient offense that propelled it to a 13-1 record.
While the defense had its ups and downs, it was consistent enough to win the conference, overcoming a big challenge from Louisiana Tech University in the conference championship game.
The weakness of the defense was demonstrated against Western Kentucky University, as the Hilltoppers piled up 67 points on the Herd.
This year starts off with a higher level of competition, Purdue University. The Boilermakers have a lot of skill returning, including eight starters on offense.
Purdue’s entire offensive line and its quarterback are returning from last year, as well as wide receiver Danny Anthrop, who led the team with 616 yards receiving.
However, the Boilermakers have struggled during recent years, having won just three games in 2014 and one game in 2013.
Doc Holliday, the Marshall University head football coach, said the last time the team faced Purdue in 2012, the Herd had an offense capable of scoring, but the team was unable to make defensive stops.
In 2012, the Herd’s defense gave up more than 40 points a game, but it has shown a marked improvement since.
On a high note, Marshall University returns defensive stand out Evan McKelvey, who went down with an ACL injury in the game at Old Dominion University last season.
In the coach’s press conference, Holliday named him an emotional leader and said McKelvey would have likely been the best player on defense last year. if not for his season-ending injury.
Joseph Ashley can be contacted at [email protected].