Marshall plays for pride against high-powered Tulsa

Published 9:01 am Friday, November 28, 2008

Let’s see what you’re made of.

That will be the question posed to the young Marshall Thundering Herd as they close out the regular season Saturday against possibly the best team in Conference USA.

Marshall, 4-7 and 3-4, comes into the game with nothing to play for — except pride. But that element of character may be what the Herd needs to show as a jump-start into next season.

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The Golden Hurricane (9-2, 6-1) is averaging 50.4 points and 584 total yards per game. However, Marshall shut down a high-scoring Houston offense earlier this season, also at home.

“I think they’re one of the most explosive teams in the nation right now. Their numbers are staggering,” said Herd coach Mark Snyder.

Tulsa quarterback David Johnson has passed for 3,358 yards and 40 touchdowns. Running back Tarrion Adams has rushed for 1,073 yards and six scores. Wide receiver Brennan Marion has 35 receptions for 962 yards and eight touchdowns to lead four players with 30 or more catches.

Marshall quarterback Mark Cann may not to start due to a shoulder injury. Brian Anderson or Jonathan Garner would fill the vacancy.

Tulsa won last year’s meeting 38-31.

The game will mark the end of Herd playing careers for 14 seniors: Darius Passmore, Maurice Kitchens, Chubb Small, E.J. Wynn, C.J. Spillman, Ian Hoskins, Emmanuel Spann, Aaron Johnson, Phillip Gamble, Cody Tominack, Joe Bragg, Brian Leggett, Matt Parkhurst and Matt Altobello.

“It’s an emotional week for our seniors. I’ve been very proud of those guys, young men who came in under a new coach, under different circumstances. I think they’ve done a tremendouos job of buying in and showing our young players what it takes on and off the field,” said Snyder.

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

NOTE: Football parking permits will be honored as usual on all game day lots. Marshall’s basketball team plays host to Old Dominion at 11:30 a.m. and West Lot parking passes will be honored at the Third Avenue garage only.