Oh, the horror.
Oh, the humiliation.
Usually, you can take my Marshall football predictions as gospel. Heck, Sandi Patty would sing about THEM. (She's a gospel singer, you heathen.)
But last season I missed MU's final regular-season record by (and it pains me to even type this) two games. Two!
I know, right? In 2014, I predicted the Thundering Herd to finish 11-1 and BAM, on the dot. In 2013, I missed by one game.
But two games last season? Not acceptable. Embarrassing.
Now, though, it's time to get back in the groove. On Sunday, I'll unleash my WVU prediction. But here's that of Marshall:
n Sept. 10, Morgan State at Marshall - The visiting Bears have 66 lettermen and 15 starters returning - and still no shot at beating Marshall. Coach Fred Farrier has a couple nice players in cornerback Delonta Hall and running back Orlando Johnson. But MSU was picked to finish seventh in the MEAC. North Carolina A&T it is not. Marshall, 44-17.
n Sept. 17, Akron at Marshall - One might think Terry Bowden has it going now in the Land O' Rubber. After struggling for a few years, the Zips went 8-5 in 2015 and won their last five games, including against Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Yet they did so with a boatload of seniors that have now departed. Watch for QB Thomas Woodson in the spread offense, but expect the Herd to pull away. Marshall, 38-24.
n Sept. 24, Louisville at Marshall - Congrats to Herd AD Mike Hamrick for getting the Cardinals in Huntington. This just might not be the year to do so. Louisville was placed behind only Clemson and Florida State in the Atlantic Division part of the ACC poll and is a Top 25 preseason team. You probably think of offense when you think of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino (OK, and maybe motorcycles), but defense has been the calling card in two seasons within the ACC. Louisville, 35-17.
n Oct. 1, Marshall at Pitt - Again, timing is everything. Playing in the Steel City used to be a smart ploy. In 2014, the Panthers were 6-7. The two seasons before they were 7-6 and 6-7. Last year, though, Pitt went 8-5 and enters this season only behind North Carolina and Miami in the Coastal Division according to the ACC poll. Pitt boasts runner James Conner, a terrific story, and a dominating offensive line. Marshall's nice defensive line will have to bow up. Pitt, 28-21.
n Oct. 8, Marshall at North Texas - This is better timing to go on the road for Marshall. The Mean Green is coming off a 1-11 season and has first-time head coach Seth Littrell trying to fit a square peg (a wide-open passing attack) into a round hole (a roster built for power running). Littrell, helped by offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, is importing a slew of junior college players. Marshall, 48-24.
n Oct. 15, Florida Atlantic at Marshall - WVU isn't the only team to turn to a Trickett for help. FAU has hired coordinator Travis Trickett, brother of ex-Mountaineer QB Clint, to turn around an anemic Owl offense that scored over 26 points just three times last season. Even if head coach Charlie Partridge wasn't in Boca Raton, he'd be feeling the heat after back-to-back 3-9 seasons. Expect a happy Homecoming for the Herd. Marshall, 35-14.
n Oct. 22, Charlotte at Marshall - God bless Brad Lambert. He's trying. He made a nice "get" in landing quarterback Kevin Olsen, brother of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg. Lambert has a couple nice players in back Kalif Phillips, receiver Austin Duke and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. What he doesn't have is that first C-USA victory. Marshall, 45-13.
n Oct. 29, Marshall at Southern Mississippi - This should be a fascinating game. Herd quarterback Chase Litton will have to step up in a big way. Southern Miss, meanwhile, is transitioning from head coach Todd Monken's offense (he's now with the Tampa Bay Bucs) to that of ex-WVU coordinator Shannon Dawson. Southern Miss does have all-league QB Nick Mullens and some nice targets returning. New Eagles head coach Jay Hopson is more defensive minded. Southern Miss 40, Marshall 30.
n Nov. 5, Marshall at Old Dominion - It's Year 3 at the FBS level for the Monarchs. Coach Bobby Wilder is making strides while shape-shifting his team at the same time. He's moving the offense from a wide-open attack to one with a real ground game. Expect Old Dominion to challenge for a bowl, but not for a win versus the Herd. Marshall, 28-14.
n Nov. 12, Middle Tennessee at Marshall - The Herd's season will be judged by how it fares against Southern Miss, Western Kentucky and this team. Luckily for Doc Holliday, this one is in Huntington for a night game. The view from here is MU's offense will be able to score. The question is, how will the Herd's defense hold up against QB Brent Stockstill, wide receiver Richie James and company? The feeling from here: well enough. Marshall, 30-28.
n Nov. 19, Marshall at Florida International - At first glance, one might think this could be a trap game. Although this isn't your father's Mario Cristobal FIU team, it is improving under Ron Turner, from four wins in 2014 to five last season. Also, there were no offensive losses of note from last season. But on second glance, there's FIU's wobbly defense. Advantage, Marshall. Marshall, 42-30.
n Nov. 26, Western Kentucky at Marshall - It's always an advantage when a big game is at home, which this one is for MU. The problem is, WKU's new quarterback - which hasn't been named - will have all season to grow. Hilltoppers coach Jeff Brohm, trying to replace impressive Brandon Doughty, now with the Miami Dolphins, has four candidates, including transfers from Louisville and South Florida. But he won't be Doughty. That should swing this one the way of Marshall. Marshall, 31-30.
Final record: 9-3, C-USA East title.
Contact Mitch Vingle at 304-348-4827 or mitchvingle@wvgazettemail.com. Follow him on Twitter @MitchVingle.