The 2011 Marshall Thundering Herd football team represented Marshall University in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Thundering Herd were led by second-year head coach Doc Holliday and played their home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. They are a member of the East Division of Conference USA. They finished the season 7âÂÂ6, 5âÂÂ3 in C-USA to finish in second place in the East Division. They were invited to the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl where they defeated FIU 20âÂÂ10.
In the 2010 season under first year head coach Doc Holliday, the Thundering Herd finished with an overall record of 5âÂÂ7 and 4âÂÂ4 within Conference USA. After starting the season 1âÂÂ6, Marshall won four of the last five games. They missed playing in a bowl game for the first time since 2008.
The Herd again fell to The Mountaineers in a game that was delayed a total of 4 hours, 22 minutes and called with 14:36 left in the 4th quarter. Following 3rd a quarter Tavon Austin kickoff return for a TD that gave the Mountaineers a 27âÂÂ13 lead with 5 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter the game experienced a lightning delay that lasted 3 hours, 6 minutes. Once resuming play a Vernard Roberts 1 Yd Run extended the WVU lead to 34âÂÂ13 early in the 4th quarter, after which the game was once again delayed for lightning. It was ultimately agreed to by both teams to end the game.
Marshall and Tulsa last met in 2008 at Huntington in a game won by Tulsa 38âÂÂ35. Marshall is 0âÂÂ2 all time against Tulsa.
Marshall and Memphis last met in 2010 at Huntington in a game won by Marshall 28âÂÂ13. Marshall is 4âÂÂ2 all time against Memphis. This year's game will be played on a Thursday.
Marshall and East Carolina last met in 2010 at Greenville in a game won by East Carolina 37âÂÂ10. Marshall is 3âÂÂ9 all time against ECU. Because both teams are 5âÂÂ6, the winner of the matchup will receive bowl eligibility, while the loser will not.
Marshall has a 6âÂÂ2 record in bowl games, with the last one at the 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl defeating Ohio, 21âÂÂ17. Defensively, Marshall is tied for fifth nationally in tackles for loss (95), and is tied for 15th in fumbles recovered (14). Nationally, Vinny Curry is tied for third with six forced fumbles and is also second on in tackles for loss (21) and is sixth in sacks (11.0). George Carpenter has three fumble recoveries which places him tie for 12th place.