COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: #83 MARSHALL

OFFENSE

The good news for Marshall is that eight starters return to its offensive unit. The bad news for the Herd is that this unit ranked 102nd in the nation in total offense (after ranking 103rd in 2010).

The biggest name to watch is wide receiver Aaron Dobson, an athletic senior who made one of the great one-handed touchdown catches of the year against East Carolina; words can’t do the clip justice, you must watch it on YouTube. Much is expected of Dobson, who mulled entering the NFL Draft before deciding to spend one more year with the Herd.

Throwing to Dobson and the rest of an experienced receiving corps is sophomore quarterback Rakeem Cato, who had some on-the-job training as a true freshman, starting nine games and throwing 15 touchdowns. Coach Doc Holliday says Cato will be leaned on more this fall after making good decisions in the spring. Running backs Tron Martinez and Travon Van, who combined for 1,200 yards, are also back.

Holliday says the biggest factor holding up his offense the past two seasons has been the offensive line, and the Herd now have three starters returning plus junior college transfer Gage Niemeyer, who made an immediate impression at left tackle in the spring.

READ MORE: http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/marshall-2012