Herdman
Rookie
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2004
- Posts
- 51
- Reaction score
- 0
Hope the Cards can bounce back as well.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps...=/20061122/SPORTS0301/611220334/1015/SPORTS03
Recent winning ways have eased Fitzgerald's frustration
HUNTINGTON -- A brief moment of individual accomplishment was offset by a potentially season-dooming loss.
Marcus Fitzgerald alertly snatched a tipped pass from the air for a 25-yard touchdown at SMU. Marshall led, 21-17, in the fourth quarter, but a late collapse resulted in a 31-21 loss and 1-5 record.
"Personally, my level of frustration is at an all-time high right now," Fitzgerald said on Oct. 14. "I don't know what's going on with our team. We're a lot better than our record shows."
Four wins in the following five games proved out Fitzgerald's point. Marshall (5-6, 4-3 Conference USA) enters its regular season finale one victory from bowl eligibility. The Thundering Herd visits Southern Miss (7-4, 5-2) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. CSTV will televise the game.
More than two months after venting his frustration in Dallas, Fitzgerald's mood has noticeably lightened.
"You've got to answer to that," Fitzgerald said of Marshall's slow start. "We are a much better team and a much better coaching staff than everybody thinks. We have a lot of potential, and I think there's no limit to what we can be as a team.
"I'm excited about who we are and where we're going to be as a team this year."
Individually, Fitzgerald's numbers have slipped from last season. In 2005, he caught 41 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games; this year, Fitzgerald's totals include 12 receptions for 160 yards and one TD.
He no doubt would prefer a few more passes in his direction, but Fitzgerald is compensating with complete performances. His blocking has improved, helping springboard tailback Ahmad Bradshaw to a career season. Bradshaw leads C-USA and ranks No. 6 nationally with 1,413 rushing yards.
"Statistically there are always frustrations," Fitzgerald said. "That's how it is in playing the game. Everybody wants to shine in some way or another.
"I think this year has been very important for me to step up blocking and I've been blocking for Ahmad, helping him get in the end zone more."
Like his teammates and coaches, Fitzgerald continues to lament losses to SMU and Central Florida. Marshall owned fourth quarter leads in both games, but the Herd responded to consecutive losses with four victories since Oct. 14.
"Imagine if we had beaten Central Florida and SMU," Fitzgerald said. "We'd be getting ready for the Conference USA Championship Game and letting guys rest up in this last week.
"But things happen for a reason and this has made us stronger. It kept us more humble and if we get this win I think we're deserving."
Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is [email protected].
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps...=/20061122/SPORTS0301/611220334/1015/SPORTS03
Recent winning ways have eased Fitzgerald's frustration
You must be registered for see images
Join our conversation. Click here to add your view to this story
HUNTINGTON -- A brief moment of individual accomplishment was offset by a potentially season-dooming loss.
Marcus Fitzgerald alertly snatched a tipped pass from the air for a 25-yard touchdown at SMU. Marshall led, 21-17, in the fourth quarter, but a late collapse resulted in a 31-21 loss and 1-5 record.
You must be registered for see images
Fitzgerald was running short on answers. The junior wide receiver's production had slipped compared to previous years and his team was staring at a forgettable season.Four wins in the following five games proved out Fitzgerald's point. Marshall (5-6, 4-3 Conference USA) enters its regular season finale one victory from bowl eligibility. The Thundering Herd visits Southern Miss (7-4, 5-2) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. CSTV will televise the game.
More than two months after venting his frustration in Dallas, Fitzgerald's mood has noticeably lightened.
"You've got to answer to that," Fitzgerald said of Marshall's slow start. "We are a much better team and a much better coaching staff than everybody thinks. We have a lot of potential, and I think there's no limit to what we can be as a team.
"I'm excited about who we are and where we're going to be as a team this year."
Individually, Fitzgerald's numbers have slipped from last season. In 2005, he caught 41 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games; this year, Fitzgerald's totals include 12 receptions for 160 yards and one TD.
He no doubt would prefer a few more passes in his direction, but Fitzgerald is compensating with complete performances. His blocking has improved, helping springboard tailback Ahmad Bradshaw to a career season. Bradshaw leads C-USA and ranks No. 6 nationally with 1,413 rushing yards.
"Statistically there are always frustrations," Fitzgerald said. "That's how it is in playing the game. Everybody wants to shine in some way or another.
"I think this year has been very important for me to step up blocking and I've been blocking for Ahmad, helping him get in the end zone more."
Like his teammates and coaches, Fitzgerald continues to lament losses to SMU and Central Florida. Marshall owned fourth quarter leads in both games, but the Herd responded to consecutive losses with four victories since Oct. 14.
"Imagine if we had beaten Central Florida and SMU," Fitzgerald said. "We'd be getting ready for the Conference USA Championship Game and letting guys rest up in this last week.
"But things happen for a reason and this has made us stronger. It kept us more humble and if we get this win I think we're deserving."
Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is [email protected].
