HUNTINGTON -- Frustration appears balanced against perspective among Marshall University football fans.

Each was palpable this week, coming off a final-minute loss at UCF. Still, the Thundering Herd (5-4, 3-2 Conference USA) remains one win away from bowl eligibility. Marshall hosts Southern Miss (5-4, 3-2 C-USA) Saturday at Edwards Stadium. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m.

The Herd's most recent home game drew a crowd of less than 20,000, the smallest total since 2001. How Marshall players and fans react will be spotlighted during game week. The Thundering Herd boasts a winning record in November, but last week's loss has seemed to linger.

Attendance on Saturday will tell the tale.

"It was disappointing, very disappointing, didn't expect that," Marshall sophomore Corey Dailey said. "It was just the same old thing.

"I think it (attendance) will go down lower actually. It's just where there's been talk among the fans of not attending to send a message to Marshall that they have to make a change."

Dailey, a Barboursville native, is a student section regular on game days. Underscoring his fandom, Dailey was among approximately 100 supporters who attended a Wednesday sub-varsity game against Hargrave Military Academy from Chatham, Va.

Standing nearby was fellow fan Mark Miller. The South Point, Ohio, resident hopes for a healthier crowd compared to the 18,878 that attended the Thundering Herd's 27-7 victory over UAB on Oct. 24, particularly with recruiting season in full gear.

"I'd like to see more people come out, because the more people that come out, what's going to happen is -- if these recruits that come in and see a half-empty stadium, what's going to make them want to come here?" Miller said. "If they see these stands more filled up, they're going to want to come here. They would like to play for a team that has a good following.

"That's why a lot of your major colleges have good recruiting classes, because even though they might not have a winning season, they still fill the stadium. The fans still come out."

Back in 1998, when Marshall was in its second season at the NCAA Division I-A level, the Thundering Herd visited the University of South Carolina to play the Gamecocks who were staring at a losing season and a crowd of more than 80,000 filled the stadium.

Such loyalty, Miller suggested, eventually breeds success.

"Even with the disappointment at UCF we're still in the hunt for a bowl game, so I'd like to see a lot more fans come out, more than 25,000," Miller said. "I'd love to see that, but it's been tough to get the fans out this year.

"Southern Miss is playing some good, quality football. They put it to Houston for a while (a 50-43 loss last week). I'd like to see more fans come out and support the Herd."

Dailey, meanwhile, was uncertain of whether he'd attend the Southern Miss matchup. Regardless, he remains a fan, evidenced by his showing Wednesday in brisk conditions.

"I love coming to the games. I don't let it stop me, but it is a disappointment though," Dailey said.

Players and coaches recognize the tangible advantage an involved Edwards Stadium crowd provides. Southern Miss' offense audibles often, an approach made difficult by crowd noise.

"It's definitely a factor, and our kids feed off our fans," Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder said. "Marshall's known for having a raucous crowd.

"They were loud (for the UAB game). We were happy with what we got (with the crowd disrupting UAB's offense). It's the same thing next week with Southern Miss. They're a big look-look team and it's hard to run that offense when you're in a hostile environment."

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