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Marshall has played rather awful football to this point of the season, except for three quarters when they were fired up for in-state companion West Virginia. The Thundering Herd has been out-gained by almost 70 yards a game (380 – 447.5). The loss to Cincinnati 40-14, gave Marshall its first 0-4 start since 1969 and the only game they have covered was by a half a point against the Mountaineers. "There were a few gutsy individual performances out there," Marshall coach Mark Snyder said. "But as a whole, I think we're a very poorly coached football team right now." To be fair the Herd has four starters gone on defense, however it has been turnovers and penalties that have placed the defense in the hole and the false starts and holding penalties stalling the offense. Coach Tommy West had better hope his team loves football, as this is Memphis third game in 11 days thanks an earlier game at Arkansas State that was weathered-out. The Tigers absolutely blew the makeup contest this past Thursday to the Indians. Memphis was in complete command leading 31-6, before falling apart in the second half being outscored 29-0 and losing by four points. This is on top of being destroyed at Central Florida 56-20. Memphis had hoped to rebound from last year’s brutal 2-10 season, yet gave up 601 total yards to UCF who was in flat spot after close Texas disappointment. "I will take full responsibility for it," coach Tommy West said. "It is my job to have the football team ready to play, and we obviously were not."
With this being a Tuesday night game, the Tigers would be expected to have the edge in playing before the home crowd. A more somber gathering may be involved since defensive lineman Taylor Bradford, apparently was shot near a university housing complex about 9:45 p.m. Sunday and then crashed a car he was driving into a tree a short distance away on campus, officials said. A moment of silence was planned before the game. On Monday, several football players and others tied red ribbons and left notes at the tree where Bradford was found. “Our entire football team is deeply saddened by the loss of Taylor," head coach West said in a statement. "He was well respected and a popular member of our team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
According to Bookmaker.com, the Tigers are 2-point favorite, in spite of being 2-10 ATS off a non-conference game. Memphis is 9-2 ATS in C-USA home lid-lifters, averaging 412 yards of total offense. The defense has offered little help giving up 32 points a game and 414 YPG. Of course that seems like a bargain compared to Marshall, who has rolled over in allowing 41.7 PPG and 447 YPG. It is far from a thundering herd for Marshall, who is10-26-1 ATS mark on the conference road. Kickoff is set for 8 Eastern on ESPN2.
StatFox Forecaster – Marshall covers
StatFox Power Line – Memphis by 1
StatFox OutPlay Factor – Marshall by 12
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