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Marshall Football: 3 takeaways from upset loss to Rice

By Dante Pryor

Sep 5, 2020; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Brenden Knox (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2020; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Brenden Knox (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaways for Marshall football

The Herd looked rusty and sloppy in a key game this afternoon. Marshall’s hopes of making the New Year’s Six were slim, but remaining undefeated gave the Herd a chance. This loss all but dashes the hopes of Marshall playing in the New Year’s Six. The layoff definitely did not help Marshall in this game.

Though the loss leaves Marshall in a tie for first place with Florida Atlantic, the Herd have the tie break and –barring another upset against Charlotte– Marshall will play in the Conference USA title game.

Takeaways for Rice

Rice did what they needed to do. The win has to be gratifying for head coach Mike Bloomgren as the Owls had endured as many issues with COVID-19 as any team in the country playing just three games coming into this weekend. The Owls played with a lot of heart, considering their best offensive players did not play.

The Owls play Alabama-Birmingham next Saturday afternoon to finish this season with a winning record for the first time since 2014 under David Baliff. Rice is looking to play in back to back weeks for just the second time this season.

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