Team History
In 1970 a plane crash killed all 75 passengers, including 6 coaches and 37 players from Marshall. They had to recruite athletes from other sports to rebuild afterwards and they struggled to field a winning team for a while. But in the 90's they parlayed 2 FCS national championships into a promotion to the FBS and have been pretty succesfull all things considered.
Quick Facts
Peak of Program
In 1996 they won the FCS national championship, then rattled off 5 double digit win seasons in their first 6 at the FBS level. In 99 with Chad Pennington they went undefeated and finished #10 in the final AP poll.
Rock Bottom
The 1970 plane crash that killed 75. The movie We Are Marshall in 2006 tells the story. They won no more than 4 games in a season for 11 years after.
Best Ever Player
Randy Moss (WR, 1996-1997): In 1997 he was a unanimous All American and won every award for the position. In 2 years he had 3500 yards and 54 touchdowns.
Best Ever Coach
Bob Pruett (1996–2004): amassed 94–23 with an undefeated 1996 season and six conference titles. The team won 5 consecutive bowl games at one point under his leadership.
Stadium
Joan C. Edwards Stadium (James F. Edwards Field)
First Season
1895
Enrollment
15,000