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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 12-1 (7-1) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Bob Pruett Returning starters: 20 (offense 9, defense 10) Outlook Statistically, you can't find a more successful program in the 1990s than Marshall. It is the only Division I-A or I-AA school with more than 100 wins in the decade. The Thundering Herd has won 101 games over that stretch. Only defending national champion Tennessee has more wins (23) than Marshall (22) over the past two seasons. Those numbers should continue to climb as 19 starters return for coach Bob Pruett, who has put together a 34-7 mark in three seasons on the Huntington, West Va. campus. Pruett, who has never lost a home game, will try to guide Marshall to an unprecedented third consecutive league title. He'll also take aim at a second consecutive bowl victory. Offense With one touchdown pass, quarterback Chad Pennington will become the MAC's all-time leader in that category. Last year he threw for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns during the regular season, then capped it by adding 411 yards and four more scores during the Thundering Herd's 48-29 win in the Motor City Bowl. Pennington is blessed with a strong arm, better-than-average footspeed and he has excelled in an offense designed to showcase the quarterback. Pennington led the conference in passing efficiency the last two years with a 151.9 rating in 1997 and 152.9 last season and enters this year with more than 10,000 career passing yards. Running back Doug Chapman is bidding to become the first Marshall player to rush for 1,000 or more yards in four straight seasons. He'll have some help, as three starters return to the line, led by tackle Mike Guilliams, an all-MAC first-team pick. Scott Harper and redshirt freshman Steve Sciullo will battle for a starting spot at right tackle. Chris Scheuch's decision to give up football leaves a void at left guard. Last year he started all 12 games. John Cooper and Nate Poole will provide Pennington with good targets to throw to. Poole (6-3, 185) had 616 yards on 48 catches in '98. Gregg Kellett should again be the starting tight end. He had 13 receptions for 182 yards last year. It's a good sign if: NFL scouts are seen in the stands.It's a bad sign if: A new face at left guard leaves the line unsteady. Defense As promising as things look for the offense, this side of the ball is a coach's dream. The line is the only position group that will welcome a new starter. Amazingly, 15 of the team's top 16 tacklers return this season. Tackle Giradie Mercer should emerge as the unit's dominant player. Last year the first-team all-MAC selection led the Herd with 16 tackles for a loss while also recording four sacks. Twice last year he recorded 10 or more tackles in a game. Look for Dewayne Lewis to take over at nose guard after contributing 37 tackles as a backup last year. Last year the team enjoyed strong play from ends Ron Puggi and Jimmy Parker. Both are expected to make big contributions this year. All three starting linebackers return for 1999. The unit's leader is senior John Grace. He led the Herd with 143 tackles including 15 for loss and four sacks, earning second-team all-MAC honors. Middle linebacker Max Yates (So., 6-3, 235) started every game before breaking his ankle against Miami (Ohio). Even though he missed six contests, he managed to rack up 55 stops. Andre O'Neal added 66 tackles from his outside position. There is depth as well as Trod Buggs had 55 tackles while earning six starts after injuries pushed him up the depth chart. Free safety Rogers Beckett is one of the best players at his position in the MAC. He'll be back with starting corners Maurice Hines and Daninelle Derricott. Derricott's six interceptions were the second-most in the country. His knack for big plays was never more evident than when he returned a fumble for a touchdown in the MAC title game against Toledo. It's a good sign if: Derricott continues to poach deep passes.It's a bad sign if: The all-MAC defensive team isn't full of Marshall players. Special Teams Billy Malashevich is back after a season that included game-winning field goals against South Carolina and Eastern Michigan. Two other kickers will be looked at to fill the position of punter. Curtis Hanson has the early edge. Last year's punt returner Damone Williams did not make a fair catch all year. Replacing him will be a tall task. -- John Crowley |
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