Marshall Fan Experience
By Rhys Owens, FM88 Sports
Sept. 5, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — Given the time I believe most Marshall fans would have made the trip down to Athens, Ga. this past weekend to see the Herd take on the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. I was one of the lucky fans who was able to see first-year head coach Tony Gibson make his debut against a titan of the sport in Georgia’s Kirby Smart.
Despite a rough seven-hour drive and a debilitating loss, the trip was something I won’t soon forget. Marshall showed flashes of promise on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, with plays that should leave hope in hearts of Herd fans.
The immense atmosphere of Sanford Stadium and the historic tradition of Georgia football was a sight to see. Hedges surround Dooley field creating an image that is unmatched in the world of college football. The campus in Athens dominates much of the city as it flows toward the stadium via sloping hills.
Tradition is clearly a key part of game day. During pregame, the ballad of the state of Georgia is played as fans rise and point high into the stands where a member of the Georgia band plays the song on a trumpet. We were even able to see college football legend Herschel Walker get inducted into the Georgia football ring of honor in what was surely a great moment for the iconic running back.
Setting aside tradition, seeing 90,000 Bulldogs flock from campus tailgates is a sight to behold and puts into perspective the significance of the Marshall football program as a whole. Small college towns across America celebrate on Saturdays as their teams take the field. This fact alone makes me proud and grateful to be both a fan of and a student at a school like Marshall that has both a storied history in football and academics.