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MARSHALL SPORTS
MU Notebook: Marshall defense awaits 'big' test at Wisconsin
Marshall linebacker Corey Hart calls out a defensive formation during the Illinois State game Saturday.
Purchase this photoMarshall University's new-look defensive front, boasting new-found depth, stares down a big-on-big test this week.
Tackles Delvin Johnson (6-foot-3, 305) and Brandon Bullock (6-3, 355) and ends Albert McClellan (6-2, 252) and Vinny Curry (6-5, 249) have added needed push, particularly compared to last season's depleted defensive line. Tackles James Burkes (6-1, 301) and Johnny Jones (6-5, 288), end John Jacobs (6-3, 241) and inside-out lineman Michael Janac (6-4, 278) return from 2007, providing defensive coordinator Rick Minter with a rotation needed to hold up against an elite, relentless power running game.
Marshall (1-0) takes on bulldozing tailback P.J. Hill and nationally-ranked Wisconsin (1-0) Saturday. Kickoff at UW's Camp Randall Stadium is noon (EST) and the game will be televised by the Big Ten Network.
Following an uneven start, Thundering Herd defenders were effective against the run, limiting Illinois State to 98 yards on 40 carries (2.5 ypc). Tailback Geno Blow, who rushed for 112 yard last season against Missouri, gained 60 on 17 attempts against Marshall.
Hill, however, poses a more daunting threat, a punishing runner with playmaking speed. The 5-11, 236-pound junior accepts handoffs behind fullback Chris Pressley (6-1, 259) and an offensive line featuring five 300-plus pounders. Wisconsin's right side is manned by guard Kraig Urbik (6-6, 332) and tackle Eric Vanden Heuvel (6-7, 324).
"We got a tremendous boost of confidence by stopping the run on Saturday, and we're going to go into the game Saturday with the same mindset," Johnson said.
Strong-side linebacker Corey Hart likewise offered a passing grade for the Herd's opener, while acknowledging the looming challenge. Hill's performance highlighted a 404-yard rushing effort in a 38-17 victory over Akron.
"I'd say we did fairly well," Hart said. "There's always room for improvement though. We're going to have to improve a lot going into Wisconsin because they have a much better team than the one we played last week.
"We're going to have to stop the run, and then we're going to have to get takeaways. That's our main goal."
Wisconsin serves as the definition of old-school Big Ten football, slamming into opponents with a massive offensive line and physical ball carriers. Hill's backup, Zach Brown (5-11, 207), gained 87 yards on 15 attempts against the Zips, and redshirt freshman John Clay (6-2, 237) added 71 yards on 12 handoffs.
Marshall defensive backs also will be charged with defending the run. Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder seeks sound, physical tacklers in his cornerbacks, and starters D.J. Wingate and T.J. Drakeford fit the mold.
"The stress on us this week is going to being able to tackle," Wingate said. "But we can't lose focus on our main objective; that is to guard the pass.
"We're going to do a lot of physical tackling drills probably this week. It's going to be very important that we shore up our tackling, because we do have a lot of big backs we're going to go against this week."
Still, it begins -- literally -- with Marshall's much-improved defensive front.
"They're going to have to play the main role in stopping the run," Hart said. "We're going to have to be able to keep our linebackers free, keep them able to make tackles.
"If we can't get that, we're not going to be able to stop the run."
Johnson, with one college game on his resume, appears confident. When asked if he expected to suffer from nerves or thrive on adrenaline before a vocal, involved crowd of more than 80,000, Johnson essentially said neither.
"What it boils down to is preparation, how we prepare for the game," the sophomore said. "Those are two common factors but it's more about preparation."
SLATE DAY-TO-DAY: All Conference USA tight end Cody Slate has been listed as day-to-day after spraining his right knee against ISU. Slate's knee awkwardly buckled when tailback Darius Marshall fell into his teammate while finishing a run.
Slate's status for Saturday is uncertain.
QB CLUB: Marshall athletic director Bob Marcum will serve as guest speaker at Tuesday's weekly Quarterback Club luncheon at Pullman Plaza Hotel. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event, which also features Snyder, begins at noon.
Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.
