Over the next few weeks as we get toward the Conference-USA Championship game I will be highlighting teams that will be in the running for the Championship in both the East and West. This week I will be focusing on Marshall, currently ranked 16th in the country by the AP poll, and 15th in the Coaches poll. For each team I will also shine a spotlight on some of the key playmakers for each team.
The Marshall Thundering Herd have been off to a historic start to their 2020 season despite the chaos and turmoil caused by the COVID-19 virus resulting in multiple byes and postponed games. They have begun their season 7-0 and sit atop the Conference-USA East, one game ahead of the Florida Atlantic Owls. The most amazing part of this run has been the play of Freshman Quarterback Grant Wells, who has played exceptionally well in his first year with the Herd.
The play of the team overall has been impressive as they have made their way up the AP poll capitalizing on some ordinary starts by the Power 5 Conference teams. Their defense has been truly amazing week-in and week-out and as of Week 11 their defense boasts:
- The top rushing defense in the nation;
- The second best scoring defense (second only to Wisconsin who has played just 2 games);
- The fourth best total yards per game (behind Wisconsin, San Diego and Washington who has played 1 game);
- 9 takeaways in those 7 games;
- And are giving up just 30.5% on combined 3rd and 4th down attempts against them.
It is one of the best defenses in the country right now and they are getting better and better each week. From top to bottom it is a defense that doesn’t hinge on one or two star players but rather one that works together where everyone knows their role and does their job.
There have been no slouches on the offensive side either, Wells is just removed from a 5 touchdown performance against Middle Tennessee despite missing some of his top pass catching options for most of the game. The offense is averaging over 450 yards per game and 37.4 points per game with the majority of that coming in the form of a dangerous rushing attack led by Brenden Knox. There is still so much room to grow as Wells gets more comfortable with the offense and his pass catchers.
The offensive line, full of Seniors, is showing their skill and experience. Across the line they have played magnificent football:
- Right Tackle Josh Ball (80.7) has been graded by PFF as the 29th best tackle in the nation. He has played on both sides of the line this year to account for Ulmer missing some time but has flourished in both roles and has exceptional size for the position at 6’8” and 309 lbs.
- Right Guard Cain Madden (94.2) is currently the number 1 rated Guard in the nation according to PFF and has been a big reason for their success.
- Center Alex Salguero (69.7) is the 24th best Center in the nation according to PFF and despite his recent slump.
- Left Guard Alex Mollette (75.9) on the opposite side of center from Madden has been graded as the 21st best guard in the nation.
- Left Tackle Will Ulmer (85.3) has been graded as the 17th best tackle in the country right now despite missing some time recently.
Despite some interior weaknesses they have been an incredible unit that has only given up 5 sacks through the first 7 games, and have helped propel a rushing attack that is averaging more than 200 yards per game. They have dealt with injuries in the next-man-up philosophy and haven’t missed a beat.
Player Spotlights
Grant Wells #8 – QB 6’2” 210 lbs – Freshman
Key Stats: 16 TD’s, 4 Int, 65.6% Completion, 1,674 Yards, 162.2 Rating, PFF Grade: 85.8
Wells shows some sound fundamentals, he keeps his feet moving in the pocket and has demonstrated that he can make accurate throws on the run. Though he has been a little inconsistent with his deep accuracy, particularly early in games he has also made some highlight reel throws down field. He takes a little bit of time to warm up to what the defense is giving him but once he gets his feet wet he can make some truly impressive throws. His timing and anticipation will need to improve but this will come over time. He has sufficient athleticism to make plays with his feet but he generally tends to look for the pass first, making sure he plants his feet before he throws to avoid throwing off-kilter. Quick passes to the left seem to be a consistent issue and something he will need to work on as he gets more time under his belt.
Xavier Gaines #11 – TE – 6’3” 220 lbs – Senior
Key Stats: 807 Career Rec Yards, 201 Career Rush Yards, 9 Total TDs, PFF Grade: 76.1
Gaines is a former quarterback prospect turned tight end. He has a tall, athletic but slight build for the tight end position. He has great athleticism and versatility and is a natural pass catcher. He is not aggressive enough in run blocking and lacks some of the playing strength required for run blocking at the pro level and is generally kept out of pass protection. He has good hands and demonstrates proper catching technique more often than not and is able to track and high point the ball in contested catches. Once the ball is in his hands he is a dynamic runner and is often looked to create explosive plays on third down. Gaines is a solid route runner, though he lacks some sharpness to his routes and could benefit from working with coaches to refine this part of his game.
Tavante Beckett #4 – LB – 5’10” 214 lbs – Senior
Key Stats: 69 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 1 PD, 1 FF, PFF Grade: 78.3
Beckett has been the leader of this defense, one that boasts 3 of PFF’s top 15 graded linebackers this season. He has the ability to play in coverage, run defense and blitz. While he is a little undersized for the traditional linebacker position he appears most suited to the Mike linebacker role in a 4-3 defense. He has been solid in pass coverage, run stuffing and has been successful when asked to blitz. He shows good finishing instincts and good athleticism and balance. Shows good vision but lacks some situational awareness and can get a little lost in coverage sometimes, which is one of a few knocks to his game. Has good speed to go sideline to sideline in pursuit. Can get a little too aggressive and drops his assignment a touch earlier than he should when breaking for a quarterback on a scramble. He has good coordination with his hands and is able to play through blocks and heavy contact.
Steven Gilmore #3 – DB – 5’11” 175 lbs – Junior
Key Stats: 29 Tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT, 6 PD, PFF Grade: 75.6
He is Stephon Gilmore’s younger brother and plays at cornerback for The Herd. He has been exceptional in run defense this year as most of the defense has, and has graded out well in pass coverage too. He plays off-man well, keeping his eyes on his man and generally doesn’t break until he needs to. In press-man coverage he actively gets his hands on the receiver and plays with good strength but he tends to put his hands too high and can put himself off balance in doing so. Gilmore is a little slow in reading and reacting to plays when sitting back in zone coverage though he maintains good eye discipline on the quarterback. A solid tackler who gets around the waist or legs with consistency. Gilmore has some good speed, but lacks true anticipation and breaks late sometimes resulting in him getting caught in front of a downfield receiver. Can get grabby with his hands in coverage when he begins to lose his man and this has resulted in a few holding penalties. Plays predominantly in the LCB role but plays tight-man inside against TE’s in the slot too. Does better against smaller wide-outs, as he can get bullied by bigger bodied receivers, allowing them to get inside on him. One of the things I like about Gilmore is he won’t give up on a play and does well to track the ball and make a play on it at the right time. He knows when to tackle and when to drop the shoulder into a receiver and has done so to break passes up.
Best of the Rest
Some of the other names to look out for in a game are Darius Hodge, their sack leader with 6 sacks (7th in the country), Willie Johnson and Corey Gammage are two emerging receivers for their offense and the trio of Brenden Knox, Knowledge McDaniel and Sheldon Evans in the run game. Artie McHenry is coming off an excellent game against Middle Tennessee in the return game and is an electric runner with the ball in his hands.
