HUNTINGTON Ƶ Ƶ the introductory video played at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington in the moments before the Marshall football team took the field Thursday, Sun Belt Conference commissioner Keith Gill had flashbacks.
ƵRandy Moss jumping over the Army guy and Byron Leftwich getting carried down the field, (those are) plays that I grew up watching,Ƶ Gill said when meeting with members of the media during halftime of MarshallƵs game against Georgia State on Thursday. ƵItƵs really great to be here with all the history and tradition, and we are really lucky to have them as part of the Sun Belt Conference.Ƶ
ItƵs the Thundering HerdƵs third year as a member of the league after leaving Conference USA and it was GillƵs third trip to MarshallƵs home field to catch a game, part of his annual rounds to each of the 14 member schools.
ƵI love the game, but I also love everything that goes around it. The event, the tailgating, the passion, the tradition and the bands,Ƶ Gill said. ƵSo thatƵs what I really love seeing every time I come to a different place is just kind of how they do college football, and no one does it better than Marshall. ItƵs great, and there is so much tradition here.Ƶ
Gill said he got to spend time with Thundering Herd coach Charles Huff, university president Brad Smith and athletic director Christian Spears during his visit, which began Thursday afternoon.
ƵI appreciate commissioner Gill being here. Obviously, Marshall is a committed member of the Sun Belt,Ƶ Huff said. ƵCommissioners donƵt just go everywhere. You know, I think itƵs a real tip of the hat from the Sun Belt to us that he was here today, we really appreciate him being here, and appreciate ESPN for putting us in the national spotlight.Ƶ
Marshall is 4-3 and 2-1 in Sun Belt Conference play after beating the Panthers and will be near the top of the East Division standings entering a bye week.
In addition to the football HerdƵs success, other Marshall teams have continued to be at or near the top of their respective sportƵs league standings, including the menƵs soccer team, which is ranked No. 3 in the country, and the womenƵs basketball team, which swept the Sun Belt regular season and tournament titles in 2023-24.
ƵMarshall has a great brand, you know, and so I think the league is better when Marshall is good,Ƶ Gill said. ƵThatƵs really in all sports.Ƶ
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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