HUNTINGTON - The overriding good news in the Marshall camp about its 27-21 win over Florida Atlantic: It avoided a loss that would have been brutal.
Horrific.
Mortifying.
Not catastrophic, but getting there.
It's not because FAU is the worst team in America, because it clearly is not. The Owls have now lost their last six games, with the last four by a combined 17 points.
If you paid a shred of attention the previous three seasons, you knew Owls would be a tough out, regardless of either team's records. MU is now 4-0 vs. the Owls, but all games have carried some degree of doubt.
As some of you remember, I even picked FAU in the 2013 game, a win Marshall fished out of the gullet of defeat.
All that said, beating FAU brought on the really good news, the temporary salvation of the 2016 season. If this Thundering Herd team can rebound well enough to play in a bowl game or even compete for a division championship, you'll look squarely at this game.
In my humble estimation, a loss would have killed the Herd's season, even though the postseason was mathematically possible. The fan base, smarting from ugly losses to Akron and North Texas, would have really jumped ship.
But now, the Herd is 2-4 and more important, 1-1 in league play. Check the standings and you figure out that's not a bad place to be.
But it's not all smiley faces around the Shewey Building for a number of reasons, including:
n There are no gimmes among the final six games - either because the teams are good to begin with (Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Southern Mississippi) or seem to have improved (Charlotte, Old Dominion, Florida International as of late). FIU and ODU are unbeaten in C-USA play (!) and MU plays both on the road.
And yes, Charlotte is suddenly a factor. The 49ers sneaked out a win 28-23 over FAU on a replay reversal, and let a win slip away Saturday against FIU, losing 27-26. That they're competing with anybody is progress for that infant program.
n The Herd's run game is disconcerting on both sides of the ball. In two conference games, Herd tailbacks are averaging only 2.94 yards per carry. Keion Davis, who it says here is the team's top back, has 107 yards in 36 totes and averages just 2.97.
That cannot continue. Neither can the Herd's struggles against the run.
Giving up two 100-yard games (Devin Singletary 111, Greg Howell 109) is no way to live. Giving up 182 yards in the first half and 281 in a game doesn't fly, unless you're playing a team in which the pass is a gadget play.
Honestly, that should have been the case for FAU. Jason Driskel is not to be confused with brother Jeff of Florida and Louisiana Tech fame, and his doesn't have consistent threats at the other end. The fourth-down drop by Kalib Woods tells you as much.
Even in the second half, the Herd struggled to slow down the Owls' inside runs. The defense was handed a gift when FAU offensive coordinator Travis Trickett - yes, the former West Virginia student assistant - dialed up a toss sweep on fourth-and-1.
In this era of athletic defenders, toss sweeps are risky anyway. On this play? Wow.
Anyway, you can pencil in Charlotte's Kalif Phillips for 150 yards as the Herd takes on the 49ers at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. He had 99 vs. FIU, and has 435 for the season.
Quarterback Hasaan Klugh is also a dangerous runner, gaining 95 vs. FIU.
n The offensive line was down three starters at one point.
The depth of a unit that is struggling with run-blocking was tested in the second half. At one point, the line consisted of A.J. Addison, Jordan Dowrey, Levi Brown, Nate Devers and Sandley Jean-Felix. All have starting experience, so the line appears to be at least eight deep.
Back to some good news, such as:
n Chase Litton had his best game of the season, and got everybody involved.
He went 27-of-39 for 330 yards and a touchdown, that 65-yard beauty of a downfield throw to Josh Knight. And if you were wondering why (fill in the blank) hasn't gotten the ball, such questions were pretty much answered.
Of the eight different players who caught passes, seven did so for first downs. On third downs, Litton was 5 of 6 for 86 yards, not shabby numbers.
If this Herd team can bump up the rushing average to the desired 4 yards per carry, you'll like the result.
n Josh Knight is indeed turning into that slot receiver the Herd needs.
Do you remember the man nicknamed "Box" had five career catches for 57 yards entering this season? He has 25 receptions for 325 yards and four touchdowns so far.
n Pass defense has improved.
Granted, the quality of quarterbacking and receivers have declined in recent weeks (see Driskel comment), but you must remember the Herd made Akron's Thomas Woodson look like a Heisman Trophy candidate in Week 2.
Most improved player? Cornerback Chris Jackson, and not because of that room-service interception that killed an FAU drive late in the first half. He just looks more confident.
n The Herd's four-game losing streak didn't become five. The season is interesting, for now.
That was the best news of all. There is much to improve, but the task is more pleasant this week.