College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 4
By Zach Bigalke
player. 494. Pick Analysis. 2-0. won 17-7 vs. #24 Appalachian State. Marshall Thundering Herd. 25. Scouting Report
Marshall played their way into the AP Top 25 this week as they claimed a win over No. 24 Appalachian State in what amounted to a de facto Group of Five elimination game. The Thundering Herd tacked the win over the Mountaineers on to their Week 1 blowout of FCS Eastern Kentucky, allowing them to carry the mantle for Conference USA early in the 2020 season.
Brenden Knox had a huge game against Appalachian State, racking up 138 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Quarterback Grant Wells had a rough day passing, finishing only 11-of-25 for 163 yards and an interception. But Wells added 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground to make up for the weak aerial performance, and the defense clamped down to hold their visitors to just 96 total rushing yards.
The Week 4 showdown against Rice was postponed after the Owls stalled the start of practice until late September due to COVID-19 outbreaks in Houston, meaning the Herd won’t hit the field again until October 10 against Western Kentucky. That long absence could make Marshall’s stay in the AP Top 25 a short one.