Marshall University football quietly ranks prominently in several NCAA Division I statistical categories.

Tailback Darius Marshall averages 147.4 rushing yards a game, second in the nation. His 211 all-purpose yardage average also rates second among I-A teams and he ranks No. 41 on kickoff returns (25.3 yards).

True freshman Andre Booker has validated the coaching staff's decision to pull his redshirt. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound newcomer is averaging 19 yards on punt returns, good for third nationally.

Team rankings are more modest, but there are highlights. The Thundering Herd is averaging 12.4 yards on punt returns, 30th among Division I-A schools.

Pass efficiency also has been efficient. Opponents combined rating is 112.5, ranking Marshall No. 34 overall.

Aided by four forced turnovers in a 31-10 victory at Tulane, the Thundering Herd is tied for No. 32 in turnover margin.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: West Virginia University, Saturday's opponent, features arguably the Big East's fastest defense. Schemes are multiple, making for an interesting week of film room time for Marshall players and coaches. J.T. Thomas heads the speedy group of Mountaineers with 32 tackles.

Mountaineer defenders dominated in last week's 34-13 victory at Syracuse. Marshall (4-2, 2-1 Conference USA) and WVU (4-1, 1-0 Big East) kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. Television stations throughout the Mountain State and beyond and ESPN Gameplan will have the game.

"They're very fast," Thundering Herd quarterback Brian Anderson said. "They essentially have three safeties out there, two corners and only three down linemen.

"They're a very active defense, bringing anywhere from one to three players every play."

Countering Mountaineer multiple looks figures to play out with likewise diversity, led by Anderson. Such was the scenario last week with Anderson completing passes to six different receivers instead of focusing on tight end Cody Slate and handing off to Darius Marshall.

The Herd now has three pass-catchers with at least 18 receptions.

Slate leads the group with 28 catches, 322 yards and two touchdowns. Antavious Wilson, an emerging go-to wide receiver, has caught 19 passes for 238 and two scores and Chuck Walker adds 18 receptions, 165 yards and his first career Thundering Herd touchdown.

"It felt good," said Anderson, who has thrown for 963 yards and five touchdowns against as many interceptions. "We came early with some throws and got in a rhythm and it carried out through the rest of the game.

"It felt good to get the ball to lot of different guys and seeing lot of different guys making plays."

QB CLUB CALLED OFF: Huntington's weekly Quarterback Club meeting Tuesday was cancelled. Marshall head football coach Mark Snyder and Quarterback Club president Mark George will serve as pallbearers at the funeral of Clyde Fuller, a long-time Thundering Herd fan who passed away last week.

Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 304-526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.

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