Hall looks to adjust approach

HUNTINGTON -- Role reversal defines Ashton Hall's job this week.

Against East Carolina and the University of Central Florida, Marshall University's junior strong safety served as a run-stopper. Saturday at Rice, Hall shifts to pass coverage mode, facing one of the nation's most prolific offenses.

Onus falls on Hall and the Thundering Herd secondary this weekend. Marshall (4-6, 3-3 Conference USA) and the Rice Owls (7-3, 5-1) kick off at 3:30 p.m. (EST) in Houston. CBS College Sports Network will televise the game.

Despite missing two games because of injury, Hall ranks ninth on the team with 36 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. The 5-foot-10, 193-pound veteran has intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.

Saturday, Hall and the secondary face an Owls offense averaging 40.8 points and 462 yards a game. Quarterback Chase Clement directs an attack loaded with playmakers, including a pair of 1,000-yard wide receivers.

"I'm still supposed to be effective against the run, but this week I have to be more aware of the pass because they air it out more than some of our other opponents," Hall said.

All-Conference USA wideout Jarett Dillard averages 15.8 yards a reception, totaling 1,093 yards and 17 touchdowns on 69 catches. Multiple threat James Casey leads Rice with 85 receptions for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns.

Clement and the Owls spread opponents in four- and five-wideout formations, often forcing safeties into single coverage. Hall, who arrived at Marshall as a cornerback, anticipates such scenarios.

"I think so, because that's all football is, it's matchups," Hall said. "They're going to try to find the perfect matchup and I'm sure (Marshall defensive coordinator Rick) Minter is going to do a good job so they don't have a perfect matchup.

"That way we'll always have the advantage.

"I feel pretty comfortable because they have me practicing hard. If I work hard at it, I should be good."

Hall has his coaches' confidence. Since returning from injury, he has teamed with Aaron Johnson as a sound strong safety tandem, remaining cognizant and effective against both the run and pass.

"Ashton is playing very well right now," Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder said.

Marshall enters as a 7.5-point underdog and has lost two straight, weighed against Rice's four-game win streak. Last week's loss to UCF especially was disappointing, considering the C-USA East Division stakes and Homecoming weekend.

The 30-14 loss admittedly has lingered, but returning to practice Tuesday was welcomed.

"It helps us get over it," Hall said. "We don't think about it as much. They told us to get over it Sunday, but we really didn't get on to Rice until Tuesday.

"Once we started practicing, that's what helped us get over the loss against UCF."