Topic: Gazette: Finally, Herd has a chance to defend a ‘normal’ off

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By Doug Smock
Staff writer

HUNTINGTON — Marshall will be delighted to be back home for the first time in 36 days when it tackles Southern Mississippi Sunday.

But players and coaches on the defensive side are even happier not to face some no-huddle, hurry-up, gimmick-riddled offense.

Not that defending the Golden Eagles is an easy task, with running back Damion Fletcher, tight end Shawn Nelson and a capable offensive line. But the scheme under coach Jeff Bower is as old-school as you’re going to find in Conference USA.

“We’re actually going to see a normal offense, for the first time in a month, with formations I can recognize,” said Marshall coach Mark Snyder. “And they’re winning the old-fashioned way.

“It makes it easier for preparation, but you’ve still got to stop it. They’re very, very good at what they do. They’re fundamentally fun to watch.”

Southern Miss (3-3 overall, 2-1 C-USA) is an anomaly in a league known a lot for its offensive fireworks and less for defense. Sometimes, as Houston’s 56-48 win over Rice last weekend may attest, a lot less for defense. The Eagles will bring their lower-key attack to Joan C. Edwards Stadium to battle Marshall (0-6, 0-2) at 8 p.m. Sunday in an ESPN-televised contest.

Link: http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/Marshall/2007101638