MarshallƵs Jaden Yates (30) and Ahmere Foster (41) combine to make a tackle against Georgia State on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
MarshallƵs Toby Payne (81) runs after the catch against contact from Georgia StateƵs Justin Abraham (48) on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
MarshallƵs Jaden Yates (30) and Ahmere Foster (41) combine to make a tackle against Georgia State on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
MarshallƵs Toby Payne (81) runs after the catch against contact from Georgia StateƵs Justin Abraham (48) on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ The Marshall football team isnƵt looking to the past to prepare for its game against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday because, quite frankly, it wouldnƵt do much good.
The Warhawks have 73 new players on the roster compared to last season, which ended with 10 consecutive losses and the firing of coach Terry Bowden. After winning just six games in the last two years, ULM enters its matchup with the Thundering Herd at 5-2.
ƵThereƵs other teams that weƵve played that have done some really good things offensively or defensively had some advantages, but this team stresses you across the board,Ƶ Marshall coach Charles Huff said. ƵOur players are very aware of who ULM is. This is not the ULM of old, by any means.Ƶ
ItƵs only the second-ever meeting between the Herd and Warhawks and first as FBS opponents. They last met in the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA title game, so there is no recent history, but itƵs difficult to ignore just how much the Warhawks have improved, Marshall center Logan Osburn said.
For ULM, it starts with a fast and physical defense. The Warhawks have an explosive running back in freshman Ahmad Hardy, who Huff praised as one of the best backs in the league. HeƵs run for more than 600 yards and six scores in the first seven games of his career.
Slowing Hardy down will be paramount to MarshallƵs chances of maintaining a perfect home record in 2024.
ƵThatƵs our breakdown before every game, you know, is to stop the run,Ƶ Herd defensive lineman Chris Thomas said. ƵOnce we stop run, itƵs kind of obvious when youƵre passing the ball on third-and-15, you know, when you have no choice but to pass the ball. ThatƵs what we take pride in.Ƶ
Marshall last played on Oct. 17, a 35-20 win over Georgia State at home. The Herd will be the third consecutive opponent that ULM has faced coming off an extended rest.
ƵThese are good football teams in this league,Ƶ ULM coach Bryant Vincent said. ƵAny time you can have 10 days off before your opponent, and thatƵs three in a row for us that guys have had at least 10 days off before they play us, I think thatƵs a disadvantage for us.Ƶ
Marshall quarterback Braylon Braxton said the HerdƵs break was a great opportunity to rest its bodies and recover from the first seven games before playing five straight weeks to end the year, a stretch that includes three road games.
ƵI just really focused on taking care of my body, getting my nicks and bruises taken care of,Ƶ Braxton said. ƵRelaxing my mind, watching other teams play because I love football ... but the main thing was just getting my body ready for the five-game stretch weƵve got coming up.Ƶ
The Warhawks benched quarterback General Booty in Week 4 and handed the offense to Aidan Armenta. He led ULM to wins over Troy, James Madison and Southern Miss before its first stumble in Sun Belt play, a blowout loss to South Alabama last week after leading at halftime.
ƵObviously disappointed in the second half on the execution side, but weƵve got to learn from it,Ƶ Vincent said of allowing 34 unanswered points against the Jaguars. ƵThis is a really good Marshall team. We all know the history of Marshall. ItƵs a tough place to play, so weƵve got to have a great week of preparation and be able to put four quarters together to have a shot to go there and win.Ƶ
Huff was equally as complimentary of the Warhawks and said the Herd will need a complete effort in order to pick up its second consecutive win in Huntington on senior day.
ƵThey donƵt turn it over a lot and defensively, theyƵre physical,Ƶ Huff said of ULM. ƵProbably the most physical team we will play at our level ... and weƵve got to be prepared for that.Ƶ
The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. For Marshall, 18 players will be recognized before kickoff as part of the senior day ceremony. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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