Aug. 9, 2008

Huntington, W.Va. - The sounds of full-contact football practice returned to Joan C. Edwards Stadium today as the Thundering Herd worked out in full pads for the first time since spring. Several hundred Herd fans came out to watch the open practice that was filled with plenty of hitting and enthusiasm.

It is pretty impressive that so many people would take a couple of hours out of their Saturday to watch a team practice in the hot sun. That's pretty special to have fans that care so much about their favorite football team and I know there are a lot of other schools that would like to have such a devout following.

One of the highlights of the day was the Hoot and Holler drill that features a short yardage battle between five offensive players and four defensive players. The offensive unit consisting of three linemen, a quarterback and a running back attempt to score a touchdown in a confined space of only a few yards against three down linemen and a defensive back. Each unit celebrates their victories over the other side, helping fuel the competitive fire of both units. On this particular day, the defense appeared to get the best of the offense with only two running plays making it across the pylons in seven or so series. Vinny Curry stepped up to make several stops in the drill.

Offensively, Darius Passmore caught a short pass from Mark Cann and broke it for a touchdown in team work thanks to a downfield block by fellow receiver Bryant Milligan.

The Herd got a lot of work in today that the coaching staff will be able to break down in post-practice video as the team continues to prepare for the season opener against Illinois State, which is now only 21 days away.

If you don't have your season tickets in hand already, I encourage you to go online to the ticket center on herdzone.com or call 1-800-THE-HERD. This season Marshall's six-game home schedule features five opponents who appeared in bowl games last season. Among those visiting Huntington are Big East opponent Cincinnati and defending Conference USA Champion UCF.