Man, a lot in this thread!
First, Troy. They do not own us. We have a 3-2 advantage. This is a team that gives us fits on the defensive side of the ball, just like VT. We just don't fare well with there style. HZ is right when he said that NTSU is the kinpin of the SBC.
Now, W&M.
Just like Appy State, it's hard for their fans to see the real difference in the two clubs. This is not your big brother's Marshall. We've come a long way since dominating I-AA. Some points that I feel are important to the outcome of the game have been overlooked, imo.
Amad Bradshaw. Who is going to stop him? Forget about stopping him, who's going to catch him? Behind a talented and experienced OL that averages 322 lbs, AB should run for over 200 yards.
On defense, we lose our front seven but replace them with 10 lettermen, 5 of them multi-year lettermen.
Let's not forget that we have had back-to-back record recruiting years. In 1996, only 3 of 20 recruits were ranked by the major recruiting rags, a 2-star and two 1-stars. Last year, the lowest ranked player was a 2-star.
Speed - we have 6 players in offensive skill positions that are faster than any of W&M's defense (unless you can show me a 4.4 corner).
Jimmy Skinner would be the highest-ranked QB to start for a Marshall football team unless he is beat out by Banard.
W&M has a good 1-AA ball club. On any given Saturday, anything can happen. However, the chance of dominating Marshall in a 10-game series is remote. The odds of beating the Herd, even with the chinks in the armor, are distant.
This will be a good test for Marshall. Final MU 51, W&M 24