Marshall Football

The room for error is minuscule, but Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato is a name you should keep in mind when talking about next year’s Heisman award. Don’t put him at the top of your list—not yet, at least—but don’t lose track of him, either. 

As we saw this year with Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch, you don’t have to play at a major university to be considered for college football’s most prestigious award. Playing quarterback certainly doesn’t hurt, winning a lot of games is a necessity and big numbers will be required. But that’s something Cato has delivered plenty of over the past two seasons and could continue deliver going forward.

In the Military Bowl, those big numbers arrived as expected. Cato threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns in Marshall’s 31-20 victory over Maryland, taking MVP honors in the process. 

His brilliant touchdown pass to Gator Hoskins late in the fourth quarter put this one away, capping off a superb game and season for Marshall.

A 10-win season for the Thundering Herd was not in the cards before the season began. After a disappointing 5-7 mark in 2012, reaching a bowl game seemed like a realistic hurdle to approach. This team did that and then some while operating with a completely rebuilt staff.

Kudos must go out to head coach Doc Holliday, who was able to bring it all together in just one offseason.

Doc Holliday hired 7 new assistant coaches last off-season and proceeded to win 10 games. Helluva job, Doc.

— Pete Roussel (@coachingsearch) December 27, 2013

With a potent offense that averaged more than 40 points per game—and balance with an improved running game—Marshall was able to cruise past most Conference USA opponents. Not only that, but it could have been better. 

Marshall's first three losses were by a combined 13 points—eight of those points coming in a triple-overtime thriller against Virginia Tech.

This team was good, one people should have paid more attention to, and it will return a lot of key pieces in 2014. This includes Cato, who ended the season absolutely blazing. In the last seven games, Cato accounted for 27 total touchdowns (3 rush) and only three interceptions. 

For the season, Cato accounted for 45 total touchdowns and nine interceptions. In 2012, even in a down year for the team, Cato notched 38 scores. The numbers have been there, and there’s no reason to believe it will change next season. Cato’s favorite target, Tommy Shuler, will be back, and this duo could prove to be one of the nation’s best.

Another offseason to work in a pass-friendly system will also help, and Cato will continue to develop at the position. All of this points to the possibility of an enormous senior season for the quarterback, one that could garner Heisman discussion early and pick up momentum with big performances and key victories throughout the year.

If Marshall can build upon its stellar 10-win season, coming away victorious in some of the matchups it just barely let slip away this season, perhaps Cato will get looks from the Heisman voters.

Playing for a non-power program certainly won’t help matters—neither will the relatively simple Conference USA schedule—but the box scores could be difficult to ignore. And if Marshall can win enough games, Cato could build upon a reputation that grew plenty with an impressive showing over an ACC school in the Military Bowl.

Our obsession with the Heisman aside, he will be one to watch next season. Although Cato isn’t a physical presence like many of the other quarterbacks discussed in the award, checking in at around 6'0", he has been incredibly productive.

CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd quantified his worth perfectly. I’d actually put the number a little higher.

I can think of about 25 BCS programs that would kill for Rakeem Cato.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 27, 2013

What is the ceiling for Marshall going forward? At the very least, it’s not in sight just yet. And the sky appears to be the limit on the team’s star quarterback, who won’t go unnoticed and underappreciated much longer. 

The Marshall Thundering Herd (9-4) bring their high-octane offense to Annapolis, Maryland to take on the Maryland Terrapins (7-5).

After finishing first in the Conference USA East, Marshall will be looking for its first 10-win season since 2002, while Maryland looks to improve to 6-1 against the spread in its most recent bowl games.

Point spread: Thundering Herd opened as three-point favorites on the Military Bowl spread; the total was 63. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 45.6-28.9 Thundering Herd

Why Marshall can cover the Military Bowl spread

The Thundering Herd own one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, led by junior quarterback Rakeem Cato. Cato threw for 3,579 yards this year and finished third in the NCAA with 36 touchdown passes. Marshall went over the total in their last seven games, thanks to the seventh-ranked scoring offense (43 points per game).

Maryland will have a tough time matching up with speedster receiver Tommy Shuler, who led Marshall with 1,097 receiving yards, and tight end Gator Hoskins, who caught 13 touchdowns. Marshall’s offense is averaging 502 yards per game and will have no problem with the Terrapins in extending their current 7-2 against-the-spread run in bowl games.

Why Maryland can cover the Military Bowl spread

Maryland is led by a dynamic quarterback of their own, senior signal-caller CJ Brown. Brown led through the air with 2,045 yards and 11 touchdowns, and also added 12 scores with his feet, which are good enough for fourth in the country amongst quarterbacks. While Marshall boasts impressive offensive statistics, it came against inferior competition.

The Thundering Herd played the 113th ranked strength-of-schedule and were 1-4 against teams who are playing in bowls this year. Maryland can use Brown’s running ability along with running back Brandon Ross to control the tempo and keep the ball out of Cato’s hands.

Smart Pick

In the end, Marshall’s offense is just too strong. Maryland will move the ball on the Thundering Herd’s 56th-ranked rush defense in between the 20’s, but will struggle to put points on the board. Maryland only scored 21 touchdowns on 43 red-zone attempts this year, and field goals won’t cut it against Marshall.

Compare that to Marshall, who scored 48 touchdowns on 61 red-zone trips, and ranked sixth in the nation with a 92 percent conversion rate inside the 20. The Military Bowl betting experience has been over the total with favorites winning the five straight years and, in another high-scoring contest, Marshall will outscore Maryland and cover the 2.5 points.

Trends:

• All five prior bowls played OVER total
• Favorites won all five prior meetings SU
• Maryland is 5-1 ATS past six bowl games
• Marshall is 7-2 ATS past nine bowl games
• Marshall played seven straight OVERs to end the season
• OVER was 6-2 past 8 Maryland games this season

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.

The state of West Virginia currently only has two Division I programs. That also just happens to be the same amount of NFL players that were born in the state; the great Randy Moss of the San Francisco 49ers and Derek Hardman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Born and raised in West Virginia, it’s also where Aaron Dobson has played all of his football. Attending Marshall University—a quick 45-minute drive from his hometown—Dobson plans on increasing that number of players playing in the NFL from his home state.

“It’s a blessing to have a chance to play in the NFL,” said Dobson. “I’m one of the few to make it out of West Virginia.”

Despite being blessed with prototypical build and athleticism for a wide receiver, he was merely a 2-star recruit coming out of high school. Not only were the physical tools there, but so was the production, notching 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a senior in high school.

“It motivates me a lot,” Dobson said on being overlooked. “West Virginia is not that big of a football state. Not many recruits come out of West Virginia that often.”

Dobson was also able to gain further experience and exposure in high school, playing in the Under-19 World Championships, an experience he enjoyed for being able to play with other good high school players and meeting “people from different countries who are picking up on our sport.”

From there, Dobson went on to have an excellent career at Marshall. He finished with 165 receptions, 2,398 receiving yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns, numbers that are all top 10 in the Marshall career ranks.

“It was a great time; Marshall was a great fit for me,” Dobson said. “I don’t regret going there at all. I’m still in the same position I wanted to be coming out of high school, with a chance to go to the NFL.”

Dobson listed graduating college first when asked about his favorite moments at Marshall, saying “it’s a great accomplishment.” One of his other memorable moments was one that many around the nation know Dobson for.

On November 26, 2011, Dobson made one of the greatest catches ever seen at the college football level against the East Carolina Panthers. While being blanketed by Pirates corner Derek Blacknall, Dobson went up for a jump ball with just one hand and managed to reel it in.

“It was just instinct,” said Dobson on what is known as “The Catch.” “The ball is in the air and I was just thinking go get the ball. It just kind of landed in my hand perfectly. It was all instincts.”

Gerard Parker, the current tight ends coach at Purdue and former wide receivers coach at Marshall, joked that he is always told that he should say they had some drill where they practiced that, but said “there (isn’t a) drill for the catch he made.”

“Everybody’s reaction was ‘wow, he got that ball,’” Parker said. “I honestly expect him to get jump balls, but not make reverse backhanded catches like that.”

Dobson’s abilities never ceased to amaze Parker.

“His expectations have been held to a level of greatness,” Parker commented. “He has always been a basketball type of guy. When I saw him his junior year, I was surprised how well he can sit down and got in and out of transition.”

Dobson was indeed a former basketball player in high school. According to Dobson, he considered playing college basketball and said “it was a tough decision.”

“As it came down to it, I just thought I would have a better chance of playing at the next level in football,” Dobson continued. “I think I made the best decision to this day.”

Dobson is certainly thankful for the game of basketball though and how it has helped him in football.

“It definitely helps,” said Dobson on being a former basketball player. “The skills in basketball transfer to the football field. Body control, going up and attacking the ball, it definitely transferred from being a basketball player.”

Dobson, whose favorite receivers were Jerry Rice and Larry Fitzgerald growing up, said he enjoys the position because he “gets to make plays.”

Unfortunately for Dobson though, he had to miss some time this past year with a knee injury.

“It was tough, definitely tough,” remarked Dobson. “It was the first time I didn’t dress out and come play. It was tough being on the sideline and not being able to help my team on the field. I had to be a leader off the field and keep people motivated him.”

Parker mentioned how not having Dobson altered the offense.

“It changed us a little bit,” said Parker. “It changed us from being able to take the top off and throw the ball down the field vertically. We missed the home-run hitter.”

Despite being underrated coming out of high school and the injury this past season, Dobson always remains very positive.

Every day, Dobson sends out two tweets. One of them which says “Positive Thoughts… Positive Outcomes,” and the other, “Tgfad blessed,” which means “Thank God For Another Day.”

“Basically, just thinking positive about everything,” Dobson said on his outlook on life. “A lot of negative things happen in life so you can’t get down about it. I just try to stay positive and make something bad a positive. My parents always told me to stay positive and thank the Lord that I have another day on earth.”

Dobson’s family is a big motivator in his life and a main reason for pushing himself to reach his dream.

“They're really supportive of me,” Dobson said. “I love the game, I love competing, I love working hard. I just want to give back to them.”

Parker said that “AD is a good guy,” and commented on how he matured during his time at Marshall, learning the type of work needs to be put into being a great player.

Now Dobson is putting in more work in preparation for the NFL draft. He attended the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, having a chance to compete with some of the top seniors in the country. Currently, he is training at the IMG Academy with other college football stars such as Sheldon Richardson, Robert Alford, Robert Lester, and fellow wide receiver prospect DeAndre Hopkins. Dobson has befriended other soon-to-be NFL stars while putting in work.

“It’s great being around guys that have the same dream as you,” said Dobson. “Being around guys like that makes you work harder. I’ve made a lot of good friends down here that I think will be friends for years to come.”

Positive thoughts...Positive outcomes #DailyTweet

— Aaron Dobson 3 (@aarondobson17) February 19, 2013

Each day, they are up bright and early for breakfast. Then, they have a couple classes, for things such as interview preparation and mental conditioning. After that, they proceed to do movement workouts, followed by positional workouts, and this all before lunch. After lunch, they hit the weight room, and then are done for the day.

It’s a rigorous day, but one that Dobson understands he needs.

“There is always room for improvement,” Dobson said. “Working on my routes, speed, hands, everything. Always room to improve.”

The NFL is waiting just around the corner from Dobson, and it’s something that Parker believes he is ready for.

“If he stays healthy and gets in there with a good group of a wideouts, I think the sky’s the limit for him,” said Parker.

This upcoming weekend, Dobson will have the chance to continue to show NFL teams his abilities at the scouting combine.

According to Parker, there has been upwards of 90 scouts to visit Marshall in order to get a look at Dobson. The combine still means a lot to Dobson though.

“It’s exciting,” said Dobson. “Only a certain amount of people get invited to the combine. To be one of the 39 wide receivers to be invited is a blessing. You get to show the coaches and everybody that is watching what you can do and your abilities.”

After watching his former teammate Vinny Curry get drafted last year in the second round to the Philadelphia Eagles, saying that he was “nervous like I was getting drafted,” Dobson is ready for his own big day.

“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I was seven years old,” said Dobson. “To actually be in a position to where it’s coming true, it’s exciting. I can’t even really put it into words. Just thanking the man above for keeping me healthy and giving me the chance to play football at the next level.”

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Ohio U  27  Marshall   24

Rakeem Cato, Aaron Dobson and Tommy Shuler almost pulled it off. Should have pulled it off. But they didn't. Without turnovers, they win—even with Cato as the leading rusher.

Ridiculous. Rakeem put on another passing exhibition. He was 44-of-65 for 432 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. The completions were a Marshall record.

But the next stat is the most telling: Cato was the Herd's leading rusher with 32 yards on six attempts. Travon Van was next with 15 yards on 13 attempts!

Some writers and pundits say Cato should have handed off more instead of passing so much. I say he almost won the game!

If your primary running back is averaging 1.2 yards per carry, would you keep giving him the ball?

Grant Taylor of the Herald-Dispatch.com quoted coach Holliday after the game:

“As long as we continue to move the ball, I don’t really care if we throw it or run it, but at some point, you have to be able to do both.”

The defense is still a little soft against the rush, giving up 3.8 yards per carry. Ohio also had 200 yards passing. Nice, but certainly not great.

With Cato's passing, Marshall actually out-gained the Bobcats by almost 100 yards.

It was a game against a good team that the Herd could have won. In the end it came down to a final interception. Cato blames himself. He's wrong.

The game was lost when Cato handed the ball off and runners got nowhere. Cato averaged 5.3 yards per rush. Remi Watson gained 10 yards on two carries. Is he the answer?

I don't think so. The 5'11" 202-pound freshman got nowhere against WVU.

Wanted: One running back. Speed, quickness and power required. Current players eligible to apply. Hurry.

Marshall begins Conference USA play on the road Saturday at Rice. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. I hope somebody can run the ball.

Comments welcome!

Saturday's game between Marshall and Ohio University will be a battle. However, coach Doc Holliday has the Herd primed and ready to ring the bell this year.

Last year, the Bobcats shredded the Herd 44-7. With the assistance of six Marshall turnovers and a freshman quarterback that wasn't ready for prime time, the Herd fell apart in the first half and were dominated.

However, there is no future in the past. That was then and this is now.

Marshall took a beating against WVU in a game they should not have opened with, but learned from the experience.

Sophomore quarterback  Rakeem Cato and company were completely outclassed for three quarters, but fought hard until the end of the game. They played WVU to a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter, and Cato racked up some very impressive numbers.

He also showed something he did not have against Ohio last year: poise, maturity and confidence in his ability.

Another Marshall weapon is talented senior receiver Aaron Dobson, who is also having an outstanding year.

Any frustrations suffered against the Mountaineers were taken out on Western Carolina in Saturday's 52-24 victory. The Herd gained over 600 total yards in the romp. Cato and company are raring to go, and it seems that The Doc has healed their problems.

Defeating the Bobcats, however, will not come easy. After 10 wins last year, including a bowl victory over Utah State, Ohio University is on a roll.

They opened up with a 24-14 defeat of demoralized Penn State, and followed that last week by demolishing New Mexico State 51-24.

The Bobcats are poised to break into the top 25. Head Coach Frank Solich has a good team, led by quarterback Tyler Tettleton, a 6'0", 200-pound junior.

Tettleton has completed 46 of 64 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns, and has rushed for two more scores. Tettleton is elusive, having been sacked only twice on the season.

His favorite target so far is sophomore receiver Donte Foster. Foster, a 6'1", 193-pound redshirt junior, has 10 catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns through two games for the Bobcats.

Leading the Bobcats in rushing is Beau Blankenship, a 5'9", 202-pound junior. Blankenship has rushed for 277 yards on 58 carries with two touchdowns. He has also added seven catches for 72 yards.

The Bobcats are bringing a good team into Huntington Saturday. Just not good enough.

Prediction: Marshall over Ohio, 38-28

What do you think? Comments and predictions welcome!

Marshall crushed Western Carolina as anticipated Saturday, winning 52-24 in a warm-up for next week's game against Ohio University. Marshall evened its record at 1-1. The Thundering Herd out-gained the Catamounts 615-335, including a 430-to-191-yard margin through the air

Marshall jumped out to a 24-0 lead before WCU kicked a field goal to end the first half.  Rakeem Cato had a big game as expected, passing for 377 yards and three touchdowns on 32-of-42 passing with no interceptions.

Cato spread it around in the second quarter, throwing TD passes of one yard to Gator Hoskins, two yards to Aaron Dobson and 12 yards to Demetrius Evans. Cato was relieved by freshman Blake Frohnapfel in the fourth quarter.

Frohnapfel threw for an additional touchdown and was a perfect 4-of-4 for 93 yards. The injured Aaron Dobson led all Marshall receivers with 81 yards on nine catches including a touchdown. Antavious Wilson added six receptions for 93 yards.

Marshall rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns as 5'9", 165 lb freshman Steward Butler led Marshall with 60 yards and one touchdown with eight carries.

Devin Arrington added an 18-yard interception return for a third-quarter touchdown. Sophomore tight end Eric Frohnapfel scored on a 29-yard pass from Blake Frohnapfel with 6:57 left in the game to make the score 52-17.

WCU added a fourth-quarter touchdown against Marshall reserves with Sullivan running in for a 12-yard score at the 3:12 mark..

Eddie Sullivan led Western Carolina, going 19-of-40 passing with one touchdown and one interception. Sullivan also led the Cantamounts in rushing with 50 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

WCU dropped to 1-1 and faces Wofford next Saturday at 7:00 p.m ET.

Comments welcome and appreciated!

Marshall has some quality receivers. Several in fact, including the tight ends.But Aaron Dobson is the key receiver that opens it up for the others. Rakeem Cato is becoming an excellent quarterback, but Dobson makes him even better.

Against WVU, Dobson "only" had four catches for 72 yards and no touchdown. But Dobson's speed and athleticism helped 12 others catch 34 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns.

In the first half, Dobson was Marshall's MVP. But he suffered a hip  pointer and was unable to finish a game that had already been decided.  Without Dobson in the lineup, Cato was sacked and had an interception.

Dobson is the receiver opponents are afraid not to cover on every potential pass play. The 6'3", 210-pound senior from Dunbar, WV is the defensive back magnet that helps the other receivers get open.

If only for a couple of seconds, one of the other receivers is open because a safety and cornerback have to account for Dobson as they switch off on coverage. That's all the time Cato needs to find another open receiver.

Eric Frohnapfel caught six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown against West Virginia University. Tommy Shuler had five catches for 47 yards and another touchdown. Thirteen players caught at least one pass in the game.

If Marshall were playing Ohio University this weekend, Dobson would be needed. But against WCU, the team will be just fine without him. It's not like he needs the playing time to get better.

I would be very surprised if Coach Doc Holliday even lets Dobson dress for Satuday's game. As far as I know, the Doc hasn't shown his lineup for WCU yet, but I would be very surprised if it included Aaron Dobson.

The Herd is going to need him healthy next week.

Comments welcome and appreciated!

Western Carolina comes to Huntington to play Marshall at 7 pm Saturday. Unlike last Saturday, expect the Herd to stampede over the Cantamounts. This is the game that should have been the season opener.

Quarterback Rakeem Cato was 38-of-54 for 413 yards and two touchdowns against the Mountaineers last week. I would be surprised if he didn't top that in less than three quarters.

After the WVU game Aaron Dobson told Jack Bogaczyk of the HerdZone.com, “He (Cato) did a really good job. He moved the offense, spread the ball around. He kept things moving.” They'll be moving a lot more against WCU.

As for Dobson, he should watch the game in street clothes to give his hip pointer time to heal. His immense talents will not be required this week.

Twelve other Marshall player caught passes last week, and there will be plenty to go around Saturday night. Antavious Wilson, Eric Frohnapfel and the others will be fine without him.

Travon Van and Kevin Grooms will find plenty of running room behind the Marshall offensive line, even without the injured Garrett Scott. Head Coach Doc Holliday and Offensive Coordinator Bill Legg will be able to look at a lot of players and experiment with different plays.

The Herd defense will get a welcome break also after a total breakdown last week. They were not ready to play a top-10 team. The Catamount game will be the scrimmage game the defense sorely needed to establish itself as an effective unit.

WCU quarterback Troy Mitchell (6'0', 190 lb freshman) will have his hands full in only the second start of his career. This time last year, he was playing high school football in Texas.

Mitchell had a good season opener against Division II Mars Hill College, going 20-of-29 passing for 149 yards. Mitchell also scored two touchdowns rushing as WCU defeated Mars Hill 42-14.

Running back Darius Ramsey (5'7" 175 lb freshman) led Mars Hill rushing with 120 yards, and the defense held Mars Hill to 333 total yards but did allow Mars Hill to average 6.1 yards rushing. Three lost fumbles and an interception by Mars Hill turned a 10-point halftime game into a rout.

Marshall should dominate all phases of the game and get a chance to look at a lot of players. This is the game Marshall should have opened with.

Prediction: Marshall 48  WCU 13

Comments welcome and appreciated