Marshall Football: Can Thundering Herd return to C-USA title game?

Thundering Herd hope to improve on offense under new coach

Marshall started off hot on offense last season, with new starter Grant Wells looking phenomenal, but the offense really sputtered during the three-game losing streak to end the season. Marshall only scored 23 points in the last three games of the season and they are going to have to put that behind them heading into this season.

For all of their offensive issues at times last season, Marshall found their quarterback for the next couple of seasons with Wells. He had a very good freshman season, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. One thing that he needs to improve upon from last season is his propensity to turn the ball over; Wells threw nine interceptions and had his worst game of the season against Rice, where his turnovers were a big reason for the loss.

I expect a big season for the Thundering Herd quarterback.

Marshall is going to lose last season’s leading rusher Brenden Knox and he is going to be a tough guy to replace in the running game. Marshall might lean on a running back by committee this season and look for Sheldon Evans, Knowledge McDaniel, Lawrence Papillon, and Rasheen Ali to all get their shot at being the leading back this season for the Thundering Herd.

At wide receiver, Corey Gammage is the returning leading receiver from last season and should be even better this season. Talk Keaton is also back, as well as Willie Johnson and tight end Xavier Gaines. This is a good group of playmakers for Wells to be throwing too and if he makes more strides as a passer, this is the unit that will benefit the most.

The offensive line is returning four of the five starters from last season and this unit only allowed 12 sacks all season, which was second-best in the conference.

If Wells keeps improving as a passer and Marshall finds a consistent running game, this will be a dangerous offense in 2021.