Topic: R-H: Herd defense faces another challenge in running game

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By Gary Fauber
Assistant Sports Editor

For the second week in a row, Marshall is faced with trying to stop one of Conference USA’s top running backs.

When East Carolina visits Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Saturday, senior Chris Johnson will be coming off a career day. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound tailback rushed for a career-best 301 yards and four touchdowns in the Pirates’ 56-40 win over Memphis last weekend.

Meanwhile, Marshall was unsuccessful in trying to slow down Central Florida’s Kevin Smith, who ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a 47-13 loss. The Knights finished with 269 rushing yards on the day.

Having seen Smith in person and Johnson on film, third-year Marshall coach Mark Snyder was able to compare the two.

“I think Johnson might have a little more speed and looks to bounce it out, where a guy like Smith will run you over,” Snyder said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “The problem is when Johnson gets to the perimeter with that speed he can really hurt you. They are both very good running backs.”

Link: http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_311001800.html