WHAT YOU NEED NOW - CONTENT UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY
June 23, 2005
MU COUNTDOWN
#8– Dec. 5, 1997: Marshall's Inaugural MAC Season Ends with Title
by Grant Traylor
Huntington News Network Sportswriter
As Marshall officially winds down the final ten days of being a member in the Mid– American Conference, the talk has certainly shifted to Marshall football in Conference USA.
But, before shutting the gates on the MAC career, HNN would like to take a chance to look back at some of the great moments in Marshall football.
The following is one part of a 10– day series of the greatest football games over Marshall's eight years in the Mid– American Conference…from ashes to glory and beyond.
Here's a look at our #8 classic: The 1997 Mid– American Conference Title Game
HUNTINGTON– After going undefeated in 1996, there were many doubts about the change to Division I– A. Marshall silenced the doubts with a 34– 14 victory in the Mid– American Conference championship game in Huntington.
The atmosphere was electric as 28,021 fans braved a hard snow falling well before game– time to see if the Thundering Herd could become the first team in history to win double– digit games in its first season at Division I– A.
Play started off slowly for both teams as the elements won the first half.
The field crew would blow off each 10 yards and the hash marks in between timeouts as conditions became so blustery that fans faces were covered with ice as they watched the spectacle.
Toledo was able to take a 7– 3 halftime lead into the locker room, but Marshall's offensive players got warm during the break. Whether it was a heater or the words of coach Bob Pruett, Marshall second half was a complete transformation from the first.
The conditions improved slightly at halftime as the wind died down to the point that it did not hinder the passing game.
This was evidenced as super sophomores Chad Pennington and Randy Moss, both of whom had record– setting performances in 1997, finished the MAC season off how they had performed it the entire year: flawless.
Pennington and Moss hooked up for a pair of third quarter touchdowns to give Marshall a 17– 7 lead going into the fourth quarter.
From that point, Marshall's defense could do no wrong, as Marshall's offense could not be contained.
After a Billy Malashevich 25– yard field goal, Pennington and Moss hooked up again for what would prove to be Moss's final collegiate touchdown, this one from 20 yards away.
A Doug Chapman touchdown made it 34– 7 and sent the fans ready to rush the field before Toledo got into the end zone to set the final score.
Fans rushed the field to celebrate the announcement that Marshall football was not only back in Division I– A, it was alive and well.
The game is still known as "The Snow Bowl" to Marshall constituents when talked about in conversation. "The Snow Bowl" started a great rivalry with Toledo, one that the MAC desperately needed.
The new rivalry brought about national television exposure and also previewed the teams who were expected to be in the championship game each season.br>
The victory was a milestone in the history of Marshall football and started a great run in MAC championship game appearances.
It was the beginning of greatness in a league that previously thought of them as anything, but great.
Marshall's move to Conference USA will definitely take pages out of the 1997 book to try and have as smooth a transition into a new atmosphere as possible.
