The Thundering Herd’s first spring scrimmage is Friday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — After seven practices, the lessons learned by the Marshall football team will be put to the test on Friday as the Thundering Herd conducts its first live-ball scrimmage at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
After Thursday’s practice, new MU head coach Tony Gibson said he’s hoping for a much-improved performance from the Herd’s offense.
Gibson said that playmakers aren’t stepping up on the offensive side of the ball.
“Offensively, we’ve got to have an identity and have guys step up,” Gibson said. “I know we have a lot of new guys, but we’re seven practices in and it’s got to get better. Right now, the defense is ahead of the offense, but there’s no excuse for not playing hard, not executing drives and finishing plays.”
Friday’s scrimmage will simulate game conditions and will even feature Sun Belt Conference officials. Gibson and his staff hope to see the team work through around 100 plays in the workout.
Gibson said a big goal for him is to see a higher level of energy from players, no matter the position.
“I always challenge the guys after practice to get better tomorrow and keep stacking days where we can have something to build on and get some continuity, especially on offense,” Gibson said.
Herd coaches also hope to see quicker reactions in playmaking today and less slowing down to think about how to execute plays.
“No excuse for some guys getting it and some not getting it,” Gibson said. “Getting a signal and knowing what to do isn’t too much to ask.”
After Friday’s scrimmage, Marshall will have just seven more spring practices left, with sessions wrapping up with the Green-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
Off the field, Gibson said this week has been a positive one for the Marshall program, with a huge turnout of NFL scouts for the Herd’s Pro Day on Monday and a large number of MU players participating in a Wednesday morning pothole-patching community service project on Huntington’s streets.
“It was good for our guys to get out and give back to the community since they give so much to this university,” Gibson said. “I do hope our guys play football better than they fill potholes.”
Photo Credit: Marshall University
Story: Bill Cornwell