Published: August 25, 2008 11:49 pm         

New season, new faces Saturday for Marshall

Plenty of new awaits Marshall fans when the Thundering Herd opens the season Saturday.

A new quarterback taking plays from a new offensive coordinator. A might-as-well-be new defense getting direction from a new defensive coordinator.

When Illinois State visits Joan C. Edwards Stadium for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff, fans will be hoping for a fresh start as the Herd begins its quest for its first winning season since 2003.

Mark Snyder spoke enthusiastically about his team Monday on Conference USA’s first coaches teleconference of the season. The defensive-minded coach is excited about the defense, even after last year’s injury-riddled unit allowed 191.0 rushing yards per game and made just 13 sacks.

Snyder says he and new defensive coordinator Rick Minter have “very similar” philosophies.

“We are excited to have Rick here,” Snyder said. “He is a good football coach. We will be doing a lot of the same things we have been doing around here.

“It depends on what kind of offense we are facing as to what type of defense we will play.”

Depth and speed have been the buzzwords about Marshall’s defense this month.

“I’m excited about the defense just from the sheer numbers,” Snyder said. “We are probably — not probably — we are faster than we have been since I have been here. And we have depth.

“One of our problems last year was (a lack of) depth along the defensive line. That seems to be a strong suit for us this year. I’m excited about that group.

“We have depth and I think we are going to be a fast, fast defense.”

Offensively, Snyder has yet to name a starting quarterback. That decision is expected to be made at Snyder’s weekly press conference today at 1:15 p.m.

Redshirt freshman Mark Cann was the No. 1 QB going into camp. He was challenged by junior Jonathan Garner, sophomore Brian Anderson and junior Wesley Beardain.

Snyder, now in his fourth year, has been impressed by each player’s confidence under new coordinator John Shannon.

“I have been pleasantly surprised,” Snyder said. “These kids have a moxie about them. John Shannon has really heated them up — and so has Rick defensively — and I think they have handled it (well).

“What we felt may be a weak link, I’m not so sure that will be the case. I have been pretty impressed.

“Again, we’ll wait and see when the lights go on, how the guys perform. But thus far they have handled the pressure cooker we have tried to put them under.”

— E-mail: gfauber@

register-herald.com