Herd defense ready for MSU

Marshall's 18-game winning streak, which has lasted the better part of two seasons, will be challenged this Saturday when they travel to East Lansing, Mich., to battle Michigan State. who will enter the game with a No. 23 national ranking.

The Thundering Herd is aware that its days of sneaking up on people are in the past.

"The days of us surprising people are over," Marshall coach Bob Pruett said. "When we schedule these types of games they know what kind of football team we are going to have."

Spartans' Coach Bobby Williams echoes Pruett's statements.

"We're facing a team that was undefeated and finished No. 10 in the country last year," Williams said of Marshall. "This team is no push over and we need to be on our game to beat them. We expect this game to be a dog fight."

Michigan State finished its season last year by beating Florida in the Citrus Bowl in Williams' first game as coach after replacing Nick Saban who left for Louisiana State.

The battle on Saturday pit the Thundering Herd defense against the Spartan's offense.

Junior quarterback Ryan Van Dyke will throw to what many experts are calling the best pair of tight ends in the country ­ seniors Ivory McCoy and junior Chris Baker.

Pruett is weary of Michigan State's sophomore running back T.J. Duckett.

"T.J. is probably the best running back we have faced since I got here," Pruett said. "We have to tackle well and be in position to make the play at all times."

Marshall's defense includes six returning starters, led by junior linebacker Max Yates, a nationally ranked secondary led by seniors Maurice Hines, Doug Hodges and Danny Derricott, and a defensive line led by defensive tackle Jimmy Parker and defensive end Paul Toviessi.

Van Dyke said his team will be ready for the Thundering Herd defense.

"Their defensive is not going to catch us by surprise," Van Dyke said. "We know they're good and expect to come here and win."

Yates said the experience Marshall has gained in the past two seasons playing in front of large crowds will be helpful against Michigan State.

"Two years ago we played South Carolina, and last year we played Clemson and BYU," Yates said. "We have played in big games in hostile environments and we are confident in our abilities to go down there and win."

Pruett agreed.

"We are a good football team and Saturday in front of a nationwide audience is the best chance to prove it," he said.