Untouchables

Marshall ('98: 12-1, 8-1 MAC)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:29 PM

The Plot

If the Thundering Herd can handle a Sept. 4 opener at Clemson, they could be on their way to giving the BCS-computer keepers something to think about. With 10 starters returning from an offense that scored over 31 points a game and a defense that includes five All-MAC selections, Marshall is clearly the class of the league. But anything short of a perfect season will find them back in Detroit for another Christmas.

The Director

Starring

QB Chad Pennington -- Had his most productive season in '98 despite no Randy Moss.
RB Doug Chapman -- No Marshall player has rushed for four 1,000-yard seasons.
FS Rogers Beckett -- Considered one of the nation's premier players at his position.

Co-starring

WR Nate Poole -- Pennington's top returning target needs to rise to next plateau.
T Mike Guilliams -- Has started every game, two years running.
DT Giradie Mercer -- Menace up front had 96 tackles in '98, 16 of them for loss.
LB John Grace -- Outside punch in Marshall's 4-3 scheme had 143 tackles.
CB Danny Derricott -- Exciting cover man affected outcome in five Marshall wins.

And introducing

TE Gregg Kellett - Sophomore will take over starting spot after 59-yard catch in bowl game.

Why it will work

Simply a higher level of talent than most all of conference.

Why it won't

No experienced backup if Pennington goes down.

Our critics' review

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