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HUNTINGTON -- Varying dynamics play into Marshall University football's off week.

Several players would prefer a Saturday game, resulting in an opportunity to exorcise last week's last-minute loss at UCF. Coaches embrace the late season break, allowing players to reboot after nine games.

Both the Thundering Herd (5-4, 3-2 Conference USA) and Southern Miss (5-4, 3-2) have this weekend off before meeting Nov. 14 at Edwards Stadium. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m.

Marshall had a 20-7 second half advantage last week in Orlando, but suffered a loss in the closing seconds. Frustration continued the following day, but focus is now shifting toward Southern Miss, coming off a 50-43 loss to No. 13 Houston.

"This one definitely stung," Thundering Herd tight end and team captain Lee Smith said. "The salt's still in our wounds, but we have to forget about it and move on."

Part of forgetting about UCF was the gradual realization that Marshall remains in postseason contention. Locking down a sixth victory would secure conditional bowl eligibility. Under Conference USA bowl agreements, a seventh win would guarantee postseason play.

"We're one win away from a bowl game and we've got three games left," said Smith, who has caught seven passes for 84 yards this season. "The mood seems positive. All the guys are hungry.

"It's unfortunate we don't get to play this weekend, but Southern Miss has a bye week just like we do so they get an extra week to prepare for us. We just want to get back to work and get back on a winning streak."

Meanwhile, starters are mending injuries in preparation for the regular season's stretch run. Center Chad Schofield was forced to the sideline late Sunday night and is among veterans rehabbing this week.

"It's been a good time off," Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder said. "It's given us a chance to get healthy, both mentally and physically. It's that time of year when everybody's banged up.

"It's very well-timed. It's not just the offensive line. There are a lot of nicks and dings along our football team, and we're keeping those guys out and letting the younger guys get some reps."

At the same time, upperclassmen are coaching up those younger guys, assuring that the UCF loss doesn't linger.

"Not to take anything away from the coaches, but I think ultimately it comes down to the players," Smith said of self-motivation. "We're the ones between the lines on Saturdays.

"The coaches have to get us prepared to win, but as far as the team mentality and the team staying positive, that falls on us, the older guys.

"It's not necessarily just the captains, but all the seniors and everybody that's been in this situation before has to stay positive and get those last few wins."

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