CFB: Miami-Marshall OVER 50
CFB: Miami-Marshall OVER 50
The total would be several points higher if not for Marshall’s deceptive stats so far. Marshall’s offensive output has been subpar by recent standards. The Herd’s competition, including Top 10 squads Ohio State and Georgia, has been a factor in the surprising statistics.
"The three games this season, we've probably played the best defense we've played since I've been here," said Herd senior and wrecking weakside linebacker Dionte' Wilson after Sunday's practice.
Marshall has averaged more than 29 points in its last seven meetings with the RedHawks, and Hoeppner again anticipates a potent Thundering Herd offense."I think a lot of it is who they’ve played," Hoeppner said. "They’ve played three quality defenses, and I think their offensive line has made some big improvement from week one. "We know we’ll see a different Marshall team. Their offense has always been very explosive in the past and we know we’ll have to play a good defensive game."
Since 1998, Thundering Herd has beaten Redhawks three straight in Huntington while rolling up 118 points. We expect some special teams points. The reason is Ryne Robinson, arguably college football’s most explosive kick returning threat. Already within three yards of the all-time Mid-American Conference punt return record, the sophomore standout is on pace to set a new NCAA career standard. After averaging 17.2 yards a return as a true freshman last season, Robison already owns Miami’s career punt return record with 999 yards. He’s just three yards short of surpassing the all-time MAC mark held by Central Michigan’s Ted Hollern (1981-84).Robinson is fourth among the NCAA’s active punt return leaders (he’s the only non-senior among the top eight) and he’s within striking distance of the all-time NCAA mark of 1,696.His ability to score on virtually every return or at least cause a drastic switch in field position leads to two interesting questions.
Miami’s Josh Betts leads the MAC in passing offense (274.8 yards a game) and total offense (295.2). He’s thrown for at least 200 yards in each game, topped by a 416-yard, four-touchdown performance against Cincinnati.
The total should be about 56.
Miami is 11-3 off of a conference win Marshall is 5-16 off of a non-conference game since 1992
