Herd will benefit from long drives

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HUNTINGTON - It's not always wise to try besting a team at its own game, but Marshall University might be staring at just that.

At first glance, Saturday's matchup between the Thundering Herd and Central Florida appears to pit big plays (Marshall) versus bruising ball control (UCF). Yes, the Herd likely will take its share of shots downfield, but quarterback Bernard Morris' offense would do well with extended drives of its own.

UCF undoubtedly will pound away with Kevin Smith seeking to limit Thundering Herd possessions. Smith ranks No. 2 nationally with 1,260 rushing yards and averages 30 carries a game. The junior tailback's number was called a career-high 43 times in last week's 34-17 victory at Southern Miss.

The Golden Knights control the clock by an average four-minute margin entering Saturday's clash with Marshall. UCF (5-3, 3-1 Conference USA) and the Thundering Herd (1-7, 1-3) kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium. CSS will televise the game.
ANTHONY HANSHEW; The Herald-Dispatch