Welcome back West Division.

Following two weeks of punishing play within Conference USA's East Division, Marshall University football heads west this week. Coming off losses to East Carolina and the University of Central Florida, the Thundering Herd (4-6, 3-3) visits Rice (7-3, 5-1) on Saturday. Kickoff in Houston is 3:30 p.m. (EST) and CBS College Sports will televise the game.

Marshall's defense is suited more to slowing old-school East Division rivals, but its Oct. 28 performance against high-scoring Houston arguably is the team's best of 2008. Pressuring quarterback Kase Keenum and defending downfield passes, the Thundering Herd limited the Cougars to nine points through three quarters in a 37-23 victory.

Saturday, the task is containing equally elusive Chase Clement behind center and a collection of dynamic playmakers, headed by wide receivers Jarrett Dillard and James Casey. Each has topped 1,000 receiving yards and Clement merely has thrown for more than 3,000 yards with 32 touchdowns against just six picks.

Marshall must win its final two regular season games to reach the postseason, so Saturday serves as a daunting start.

"Like (defensive coordinator Rick) Minter always tells us, it's basketball on grass," Marshall linebacker Mario Harvey said of the wide-open West Division. "We're looking for a high speed of tempo on offense and we're looking forward to them throwing the ball a lot.

"We're looking to them not running the ball like ECU and UCF did. We have to get our minds focused on the pass game."

Nicknamed "Thumper," Harvey was allowed to fill that role the past two games. This week, Harvey's duties are more about pass coverage and blitz packages. Admittedly, he prefers the East's no-nonsense approach.

"It's my kind of style of playing, but every team doesn't play like that so you have to adjust your game a little bit," Harvey said.

As for playing time in a game not necessarily fitted for his game, Harvey offered, "I don't know what coach Minter has in his bag. I've just got to wait and see tomorrow."

Phillip Gamble likely will share time with Harvey at weak-side linebacker and other personnel adjustments will be implemented this week. The switch proved effective against Houston and is essential against an offense averaging more than 40 points a game and riding a four-game winning streak.

"We'll put more speed on the field ... Rice makes you defend east and west and north and south," Marshall head coach Mark Snyder said. "That's why they're putting up so many points.

"We'll go a little smaller like we did against Houston."

QB CLUB: A potpourri of Marshall athletics highlights today's Huntington Quarterback Club luncheon. Snyder, men's basketball head coach Donnie Jones and women's basketball head coach Royce Chadwick will serve as guest speakers and be available for questions.

Pullman Plaza Hotel doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event 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.

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