Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Albany
Marshall Football Opens Its 2023 Season Against Albany
9/1/2023 2:15:00 PM | Football
Season-opener will be first-ever meeting between Thundering Herd, Great Danes
2023 MARSHALL FOOTBALL TICKETS | Charles Huff Weekly Press Conference
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Football opens its 2023 season at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening when the Thundering Herd hosts the Albany Great Danes at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Live
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Game notes: Marshall | Albany
Twitter: @HerdFB
Instagram: @Herd_FB
PRE-GAME NOTES
Marshall enters the 2023 season as one of just nine teams to end the 2022 season having won five straight games. The Thundering Herd was also the lone team to do so with an underclassman at quarterback leading the way.
Cam Fancher returns as the starter at quarterback for the Thundering Herd after posting a 6-1 record at the helm of the offense after taking over midseason. Marshall also returns a healthy Rasheen Ali in the backfield after he played in just three games last season. Four of five starters return on the offensive line, led by center Logan Osburn and left tackle Ethan Driskell.
The Thundering Herd defense will be under new leadership as Jason Semore takes over, but Semore returns a bulk of talent that led Marshall to finishing top-10 in FBS in several categories, including No. 1 overall in opponent third-down percentage, No. 6 in interceptions and No. 8 in total defense.
Talent returns at all levels with defensive end Owen Porter leading the charge following a year in which he led the team in tackles for loss (15), sacks (9.5), quarterback hurries (9) and forced fumbles (2). Micah Abraham also returns for his final season with the Herd after being tied for third in FBS in interceptions with six last season. He also had 10 pass breakups, giving him 16 passes defended for the year – the second straight season in which he's achieved at least 15. Eli Neal also returns at linebacker after leading the team in tackles with 98 in 2022.
For a more in-depth look at Marshall football, visit HERE.
ABOUT ALBANY
Albany comes into Saturday's game with a record of 1-0 after defeating Fordham, 34-13, in last week's season opener.
Defense led Albany to the lopsided win as the team recorded a program-record 10 sacks in the victory, led by Anton Juncaj, who set a single-game record with four.
Sophomore quarterback Reese Poffenbarger led the offense, going 23-of-40 for 253 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Poffenbarger also rushed for 47 yards on eight carries to account for more than 300 yards of total offense.
Albany's head coach is Greg Gattuso, who is in his 10th season at the helm of the Great Danes. Albany is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
For more information surrounding the UConn football program, visit HERE.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the first-ever meeting between Albany and Marshall.
GAME THEMES
Saturday's game theme is "We Are … Marshall."
This is a game in which Marshall Athletics wants to bring the entire community together with its football program. In addition to Marshall's Staff and Faculty Appreciation Day, Huntington-area youth are also invited to represent their local groups – sports teams, spirit teams (cheer and dance), and other local youth groups in which they are involved. In accordance with the Marching Thunder, it will also be Band Day where local high school bands are invited to come play with the Marching Thunder. It is the perfect way to kick off 2023! Don't forget to WEAR GREEN!!
TICKET INFORMATION
For information on purchasing tickets for Saturday's contest against Albany, click HERE.
To purchase a single-game parking pass for Saturday's game, click HERE.
For all the latest information about Marshall Football, follow @HerdFB on Twitter and @Herd_FB on Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
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