Marshall Scouting Report with John Hampton

[Webmaster]

Join PonyFans.com senior editor PonyPride and SMU Radio Network Color Analyst John Hampton each week during football season as they breakdown the Southern Methodist University Mustangs and their upcoming opponent. This week, the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Enjoy!

[MustangFan]

These reports really offer exceptional insight.
Thanks, John.

[whogottaherdon]

Hey guys I thought I'd throw in a bit more insight to the video for those heading to the game. If you are like me, it makes it more fun when you know a few of the guys on the other side.

Defensively, things have begun to gel somewhat. Lately a 3-3-5 look has shown up quite a bit. Against a June Jones style, I'd expect it most of the time. Mario Harvey, #30 is a stud. He is as advertised. Look for him to not only play the weak side, but also line up on the end sometimes. Vinny Curry #99 is having a strong season with the sacks. He's just got a knack for getting loose in the backfield. The safeties are both solid and Browns. Omar #31 and Donald #18 play it well. Corner was an adventure early in the season, but they have settled in pretty well the past few weeks. A few guys will get some reps during the game. Of note Rashad Jackson #5 is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Ricky Jackson. The key will be pressure on the QB from this bunch. It worked at UAB holding them 100 yard below their average.

Offensively, the running attack has been a bit stagnant. The offensive line just doesn't blow defensive lines off of the ball. Tron Martinez #32 has stepped up lately as the top back but got injured at UAB and missed Memphis last week. Essray Taliaferro, #42 had his coming out party last week and has earned some snaps. Marshall has been riding Brian Anderson, #12, the past 3 wins. He's not flashy at all but has been solid as of late. He's not a favorite of a lot of Herd fans for some reason. He's a serviceable QB, but isn't Pennington or Leftwich. He's has a few games in his career where he's forgotten what color his team was and decided to throw it to the wrong one. The Bowling Green embarrassment was one of those. Couple that with the corners learning by trial by fire and we got the results we didn't want. Tight end, Lee Smith, #16 is a freakin' beast. He has really worked into the passing game the past few weeks. I know the video mentioned 2 tight end sets, but that went away mostly with the coaching change. At wideout Aaron Dobson, #3 is the deep threat and Troy Evans, #4 is becoming one exciting player and has been getting some RB snaps, too. Check this out from last week: . How he stayed up is amazing.

On special teams Evans and Martinez along with Andre Booker, #19 are the return guys. Tyler Warner, #37 is pretty good on FG and XP. 45 is probably his max. Kickoffs have been an adventure. Punting is inconsistent. DL Johnny Jones has gotten his big paw on a few kicks this year.

It's pretty rambling, I know. But it's after midnight. I hope it helps out. I wish I was making the trip, but it's online viewing for me.

This is a great site, guys. Keep it up and GO HERD!

[PonyPride]

Thanks for the additional info!