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SPORTS
Herd faces another slugfest against UCF
Marshall University football proverbially rinses and repeats this week.
Coming off a smashmouth slugfest against East Carolina, the Thundering Herd stares at much of the same Saturday. The University of Central Florida hardly is subtle in its approach, making for another old-school collision.
Marshall (4-5, 3-2 Conference USA) and UCF (2-7, 1-4) kick off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. CSS will televise the game.
Coming off a 249-yard rushing performance against Houston, Marshall managed solid totals of 155 yards on the ground and 4.3 yards a carry in last week's 19-16 overtime loss at ECU.
"We were able to run the ball up the middle and get it outside some," Thundering Herd quarterback Mark Cann said. "That was key for us in the second half to get some points on the board.
"East Carolina was very physical as well. I feel like we were a physical team and I think we'll match up well."
UCF's defensive success is predicated on a physical, veteran secondary led by cornerback Joe Burnett. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior accounts for three of the Golden Knights' 15 interceptions.
Thundering Herd players, both offensive and otherwise, appreciate the unquestioned strength of a struggling team.
"I respect their defense," Marshall cornerback DeQuan Bembry said. "You have to respect them, but you can't be scared of them. I respect their defense. I know they have a good corner in Joe Burnett."
Senior right guard Matt Altobello was even more to the point, anticipating another East Division duel that will be decided along the line of scrimmage.
"This is it," Altobello said. "You look at the film and you see similarities. You see what you need to do. You take your mistakes and fix them from the week before.
"The East Division, they just hit you in the mouth. They run the football and that's what it's about. We practice for it and that's how we like to play."
LIFE IN C-USA: It has become apparent that travel is a real factor within Conference USA play. Long trips, along with differing time zones and climates, are influencing outcomes.
Orlando-based UCF faces a projected high temperature of 46 degrees Saturday with a low of 33 and a mix of rain and snow showers.
"It is a little factor," Altobello said. "You get off a plane ride and, then, you sit in meetings. But you have to look at it as another game.
"You're far away from home, but you really don't focus too much on that. You focus on what you have to do and what you have to do to win."
MATTHEWS RETURNS: Junior cornerback Zearrick Matthews' comeback from a preseason foot injury circles full Saturday against UCF. Matthews, who has been practicing since last week, is scheduled for playing time.
The 5-9, 184-pound veteran started all 12 games as a freshman and five in 2007.
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.
