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Marshall Football: Thundering Herd have what it takes to win C-USA in 2019

By Steven Hamner

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Blake Barnett #11 of the South Florida Bulls gets sacked by Channing Hames #94 of the Marshall Thundering Herd for a six yard loss in the fourth quarter of the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 20, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Thundering Herd won 38-20. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Blake Barnett #11 of the South Florida Bulls gets sacked by Channing Hames #94 of the Marshall Thundering Herd for a six yard loss in the fourth quarter of the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 20, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Thundering Herd won 38-20. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Marshall’s defense is always one of the best in C-USA

If you take away the two Power Five schools that Marshall played in 2018, its defense only gave up more than 30 points in a game once and that was to Middle Tennessee who won the East and went on to the C-USA title game.

Marshall tends to always have a strong defense and 2018 was no different as they gave up a little over 300 yards per game in conference play while giving up just under 18 points per game. The Thunder Herd’s most impressive performances last year were a shutout win over UTSA and a victory against FAU and that talented offense, giving up only seven points.

Marshall will be heading into 2019 with a chunk of starters left from 2018. However, they do lose their top three tacklers and will be looking for a few guys to take their place.

The Herd were third in C-USA in sacks last year and was also one of the top teams in turnovers as they led the conference in fumble recoveries. Despite losing several key members from the 2018 defense, Doc Holliday should have the defense playing at a high level again this year and it will be a big reason why Marshall will be in contention for the C-USA title.

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