HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University's Kristin Marcum, Emily Sullivan and Jalicia Ross , each notched 13 kills in the Thundering Herd's come-from-behind 3-2 (25-17, 23-25, 19-25, 15-11) win in Friday night's non-conference volleyball match over Virginia Tech at the Cam Henderson Center.

MADISON, Wis. -- It's an interesting scenario Marshall University football faces today.

TV: Big Ten Network (locally available on DIRECTV and DISH Network)

The Herd moves from playing a I-AA opponent to the big-time with its first ever meeting with the 11th-ranked Badgers ... Marshall (1-0) defeated Illinois State, 35-10, in its season-opener while Wisconsin (1-0) was knocking off Akron, 38-17... MU got big performances from RB Darius Marshall (20 carries, 115 yards, TD), WR Darius Passmore (4 catches, 111 yards, 2 Tds) and first-year QB Mark Cann (11-for-22, 161 yards, 2 Tds)

The Badgers, long defined by their overpowering offensive line and top tier tailbacks, bring more of the same today. Four of five linemen return to create gaps for 236-pound tailback P.J. Hill, who totaled 210 rushing yards last week against Akron.

HUNTINGTON -- Mark Snyder stated it simply concerning his team's No. 1 challenge this week. "There will be no tourists on this trip," Marshall University's head football coach said. "Our DBs are going to have to tackle this week." Indeed Thundering Herd defensive backs will not enjoy the luxury of sitting back and watching this week as they face No. 11 Wisconsin.

HUNTINGTON -- The Marshall University volleyball team will host its Marshall Tournament beginning Friday, Sept. 5-6 at the Cam Henderson Center.

As weapons go, Kase Whitehead doesn't appear particularly lethal. Perhaps, that's because he's about the size of Joe Pesci. Marshall's pint-sized punter's baby-face and overall physical persona -- imagine a koala bear personified -- don't exactly enhance his danger quotient, either.

Yes, it's unconventional, but early on it's proving effective.

HUNTINGTON -- If Marshall University is to approach a landmark upset at No. 11 Wisconsin, the Thundering Herd defense must cash in on "money down." More commonly known as third down, Marshall uses its own terminology to stress the importance of getting off the field. Third down was a trouble spot throughout 2007 and Illinois State converted seven of 20 against the Thundering Herd last week.

Notes: Son of Roger and Vicky Beardain. ... Business Management major on track for December graduation.

HUNTINGTON -- Blending history, folklore and success, Camp Randall Stadium ranks with any college football venue.

Back in the day, a Marshall history professor tried to teach me the philosophy of the "Marshall Plan."

Marshall University coach Mark Snyder talks about the Herd's defense, crowd response and more for his weekly press conference. CLICK TO VIEW THE VIDEO.

HUNTINGTON -- Coaches are all about detail, cleaning up off-the-radar elements that can decide games.

Marshall University's new-look defensive front, boasting new-found depth, stares down a big-on-big test this week.

HUNTINGTON -- Terms such as "frantic" and "multiple" have characterized Marshall University's defense under first-year coordinator Rick Minter.

Impromptu smiles were elicited each time the statement was offered.

CINCINNATI -- Marshall defeated Wright State, 3-2, in a Saturday match of the Cincinnati volleyball tournament at Fifth Third Bank Arena.

ILLINOIS STATE 7 0 3 0 -- 10