Marshall @ Miami (FL) Preview

Herd to face 'Canes in the Orange Bowl

General Overview

Saturday’s match up between Marshall and Miami will be a game of firsts. It will be the first time Marshall has ever traveled to the historic Orange Bowl to take on Miami and it will be the first game for new Miami head coach Randy Shannon. Shannon spent the last several years as the ‘Canes defensive coordinator, and even played for them during his college days. The Thundering Herd is looking to turn things around after going 9-14 in the first two seasons of the Mark Snyder era.

The trip to Miami will be a homecoming for many of Marshall’s players. The Herd carries 13 players on its roster that call the state of Florida home. As a whole, Marshall returns 14 starters from last year’s squad which posted a 5-6 record.

Mark Snyder and the 2007 Thundering Herd will look to build on the momentum they established with a run to close last season. Photo: Bubba Rosenbaum

Marshall vs. Miami Offense Comparison

Advantage: EVEN

This is a case of explosive potential versus experience. Miami will be under the guide of a new starting quarterback in Kirby Freeman who has won the job over Kyle Wright. Freeman hasn’t been overly effective in his previous time on the field (despite winning MVP honors for last year’s MPC Computers Bowl), but he should be able to avoid throwing the ball an excessive amount thanks to the Canes’ running game. Javarris James is a sophomore back and when paired up with highly touted freshman Graig Cooper, the running game should make up the bulk of Miami’s offensive attack. Still, after a 2006 season in which the offense left plenty to be desired, there is no guarantee that Miami will suddenly be able to turn things on and score points.

Marshall has a solid and steady offense. Last year the Herd averaged 354.3 total yards and 25.9 points per game, which aren’t bad numbers; however, keep in mind these were against mainly C-USA defenses. Despite this, quarterback Bernie Morris has experience under his belt so he should be somewhat prepared for Hurricanes’ stout defense. Marshall also has a strong offensive line, which should buy Morris some time to make plays. After all, his feet and ability to run the football greatly enhance his effectiveness.

Marshall will face the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday in the fabled Orange Bowl Stadium.  This will be the final season in which the Canes will play their homes games in their historic venue. Photo: boca burrell @ Webshots

Marshall vs. Miami Defense Comparison

Advantage: Miami (FL)

The Canes have had one of the most consistently impressive defenses over the last decade, and return eight starters from a squad that ranked seventh in the country last year. Leading the way will be All-American candidates Calais Campbell at defensive end and safety Kenny Phillips. Last year’s defense allowed more than 20 points in a game only twice, and this year shouldn’t be much different.

Marshall will be hurting defensively. Last year’s squad allowed nearly 30 points per game, and now the Herd will have to deal with the loss of the 2006 CUSA Defensive Player of the Year Albert McClellan, who suffered an ACL injury during fall camp.

Final Marshall @ Miami Prediction

Marshall is going to have too much stacked against them to come away with a win on the road. Key injuries defensively will hinder their chances to slow down an explosive, but unproven Miami offense. In turn though, the Herd will be trying to score against one of the toughest and fastest defenses in the nation, and will be hard pressed to do so. Despite the fact that the Canes may take some time to get rolling, they will eventually come away with a rather easy win at home.

Miami 27 - Marshall 7