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SPORTS
Snyder sizes up Friday's competition
Chris Harris/The Herald-Dispatch Marshall football coach Mark Snyder talks about Marshall's upcoming game against the University of Cincinnati Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, during his weekly press conference at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
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HUNTINGTON — Tuesday’s Mark Snyder press conference served as a reminder in perspective.
Marshall University’s fourth-year head football coach was conducting his weekly sit-down with media members, previewing Friday night’s anticipated ‘White-Out’ clash with Cincinnati. About midway through the back-and-forth session, big-play wide receiver Darius Passmore’s matchup with UC’s physical cornerback tandem of Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith was mentioned.
“It’s going to be a challenge for Passmore with the press coverage,” paraphrasing the reporter’s statement.
Snyder immediately countered.
“It’s an opportunity for him,” he said. “These guys (Mickens and Smith) are being looked at by every NFL scout and they have them very highly rated. They are very good football players and this is an opportunity for him.”
Passmore, the nation’s 12th-ranked receiver, versus Mickens and Smith figures as a must-see game within the game when Marshall (3-2, 2-0 Conference USA) and Cincinnati (3-1, 0-0 Big East) kick off at 8 p.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. ESPN will televise the Thundering Herd’s non-conference finale.
Marshall’s go-to downfield threat has responded, leading the team with 30 receptions, 512 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound senior averages 17.1 yards a catch and 102.4 per game.
“Offensively, I think they’re still trying to search and find themselves,” Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly said. “I think they have some big-play players. Passmore, obviously, has shown himself to be a big-time player.”
The Bearcats’ pass coverage has struggled, allowing more than 257 yards a game, despite the presence and experience of Smith and Mickens, who each measure 6-foot and 190 pounds. Mickens has one of UC’s five interceptions, but the Bearcats have surrendered nine touchdown passes.
Smith and Brandon Underwood have alternated at cornerback and free safety, while strong safety Drew Frey suffered a broken forearm last week at Akron. Smith returns to cornerback this week with Underwood at free safety and Cedric Tolbert listed as the No. 1 strong safety. All are seniors.
“(Mickens and Smith), they are very good,” Snyder said. “I visited with (Thundering Herd quarterback) Mark Cann yesterday about with DeAngelo playing in the middle we can’t be throwing the ball up — that flutter ball — because that thing will be intercepted this week.
“They are that talented. I just hope they don’t figure it out until after our game, what that right rotation is.”
Most intriguing with the matchup is the no-nonsense approach Mickens and Smith will bring against Passmore. Considered among the nation’s most physical pair of corners, both will press Passmore at the line.
“As a matter of fact, coach Snyder told me they’re going to run man for at least 15 times,” Passmore said. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a challenge for me this week.”
Passmore opted for “challenge” in lieu of “opportunity,” but he welcomes the up-close, on-an-island coverage awaiting Friday night.
“I believe in my ability 100 percent,” Passmore said. “I have no doubts in my game whatsoever.
“Press has always been a strength because of my speed. If I get off the ball real clean it’s like basically, a (go) route. What they have to do is get their hand on me, but I’ve been working on that, getting with my hands and my feet on getting off the ball.
“I’ve gotten better at that.”
