Topic: Gazette: Marshall opponents, Game 9: UAB

[ZackUSAF82]

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the 17th in a series of previews on West Virginia and Marshall football opponents.

Date with Marshall: Saturday, Oct. 29, noon (Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast)

Site: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (38,019, FieldTurf), Huntington

Coach: Neil Callaway (5th year, 15-33)

Checking them out

2010 appeared to be the breakthrough year for this perennially struggling program. The Blazers were five missed field goals from beating Tennessee (any of them goes, it's an upset) and a player or two from upending Mississippi State. When they beat Southern Mississippi in double overtime, they were a dangerous 3-5 team favored by 91/2 against Marshall.

Forget it. The Herd rolled into Legion Field and rolled the Blazers, who then blew a 42-34 fourth-quarter lead to East Carolina. Back to the drawing board, though Neil Callaway does not face rebuilding.

This team has pass-run balance, featuring 2,940-yard passer Bryan Ellis and Pat Shed, who gained a combined 1,300 yards. Shed can catch out of the backfield, and the top returning receiver is Patrick Hearn (536 yds, four TDs).

Link: http://wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201107211699