Print |
E-mail to a friend
NEWS
Herd falls to 5-5
A fans reacts after a penalty was called against Marshall during the C-USA football game against Southern Miss on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
Purchase this photo
HUNTINGTON -- Marshall had its chances, but failed to pull out a win and may have lost its best hopes for a bowl bid in falling 27-20 to Southern Miss on Saturday night at Joan C. Edwards stadium.
The loss to Southern Miss (6-4, 4-2 Conference USA) virtually eliminates Marshall's shot at the C-USA Eastern Division title. The Thundering Herd still have two games to play, though, and, with a win, could become bowl eligible.
Key offensive injuries and a pair of interceptions in the last two minutes of Saturday's game sealed the win for the Golden Eagles in front of 21,036 fans on the Herd's home turf.
Fans had plenty of fun tailgating, but many are frustrated with what's been happening on the field, as a proud program is facing the prospect of a fifth-straight losing season. The Herd are now holding at 5-5, 3-3 in C-USA.
Iva Sullivan of Proctorville, Ohio, joined about 50 of her friends for tailgating. Sullivan said she really enjoys the camaraderie of fellow Marshall fans all standing behind the team, but wanted to see the Herd get into bowl contention.
"You can get aggravated sometimes because you know they can play better," Sullivan said.
The disappointment is showing as attendance numbers have continued to drop.
Ashland, Ky., resident Larry Albright said he and his family are always going to be at Marshall's games. A 1974 Marshall grad, Albright said he's been through a number of losing seasons and will continue to show his love for the Herd.
"The attendance is down because of so many fair-weather fans," Albright said. "If you're a true Marshall fan, you'd be here."
