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SPORTS
Looming conference games could temper today’s gameplan
MADISON, Wis. -- It's an interesting scenario Marshall University football faces today.
The Thundering Herd could earn a landmark victory, knocking off No. 11 Wisconsin at storied Camp Randall Stadium. Still, Conference USA play kicks off next week with Memphis visiting Joan C. Edwards Stadium in an early pivotal matchup.
Thus the question - does head coach Mark Snyder sell out for a shocking upset or somewhat temper personnel and game plan decisions for Memphis? Marshall, a 21-point underdog, certainly is intent on its first win over a ranked opponent since 2003, but precautions - coupled with bottom line advice from medical staff - leads to a mix entering today's noon (EST) kickoff. The Big Ten Network will televise the game.
"It is an opportunity for us no question going against a very good Wisconsin team in a hostile environment," Snyder said. "But we'll see how much we've matured.
"Our goal is to win the Conference USA championship. That's our goal - play for championships. That's what we've done.
"So we'll see how the game goes and make our decisions as we go, but our goal coming into this year is to win our half (C-USA's East Division). But first things first - Wisconsin."
Thundering Herd tight end Cody Slate, the team's leading receiver the past two seasons, won't play after suffering a sprained knee last week against Illinois State. The speedy playmaker awkwardly buckled when tailback Darius Marshall fell into his right knee.
Slate dressed for Wednesday's practice, but isn't expected to dress today.
Also out is strong safety Ashton Hall (ankle). The junior, who totaled two tackles last week, will be replaced by senior Aaron Johnson, who primarily plays nickel back.
Otherwise, Marshall's top concerns are dealing with a punishing ground game that ground out 404 yards in last week's 38-17 over Akron, and one of college football's most disruptive and entertaining environments.
Wisconsin will enjoy its 33rd consecutive sellout at Camp Randall (capacity 80,321), which will include a healthy amount of Thundering Herd fans. Marshall sold approximately 900 tickets and Marshall apparel repeatedly was spotted Friday at airports in Cincinnati and Madison.
Snyder, 1-7 all-time at Camp Randall as an assistant coach, promises visiting fans will enjoy a welcoming, festive game-day experience.
"They'll enjoy it," the fourth-year coach said. "It will be like those that went to Ohio State or Tennessee. Tailgating is pretty awesome from what I've been told, and the game-day atmosphere is pretty neat.
"I think they'll really enjoy the beginning of the fourth quarter with their little tradition there (fans bound up and down to the House of Pain song "Jump Around")."
