I don't see a reason Marshall's football team can't rebound from last season's nightmare.
There. I've written it.
Yes, I apparently hold MU's coaching staff in higher regard than some in Huntington. And, yes, I believe the Thundering Herd won't suffer nearly as many injuries in 2017 as it did in 2016.
The reason I opened with that statement, however, can be summed up in two words: the 2017 schedule.
I've always maintained Marshall should do well in the current watered-down version of Conference USA. With the exception of last season's injury-a-palooza, MU simply has too much tradition and support to fare poorly in the league. Folks in Huntington care.
Yet today let's dive a little deeper. Let's really look at that schedule. I've seen where SB Nation has the Herd as a "Tier 3" C-USA team in 2017. I've seen where MU's latest recruiting class was No. 6 in its league by 247 Sports.
But, again, let's look at that schedule. It's one chock full o' winnable games for Marshall. And I really, truly don't see why a healthy MU can't bounce back - immediately.
As our Doug Smock wrote the other day, Miami won't be a pushover in Marshall's opener. The RedHawks did go on a six-game winning streak last season and only lost its bowl game to Mississippi State because of a blocked field goal attempt. Miami has much back and will certainly be gunning for the Mid-American Conference title.
Also, North Carolina State, which hosts the Herd in the second game, is a tough one. Some are touting the Wolfpack as ACC sleepers after ending last season by winning three of its last four, including a wipeout of Vanderbilt in the Independence Bowl. N.C. State has a very nice defensive front returning and only three departed from the offense.
But let's take a quick glance of the 2017 schedule from there.
n Sept. 16, Kent State - These aren't exactly your father's 2012 Golden Flashes. KSU finished last season 3-9, have no offense or defense to write about this season and plays Clemson two weeks prior and Louisville the week after.
n Sept. 30, at Cincinnati - There's a reason the Bearcats have a new coach in former Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. UC was 4-8 last season and will still be in rebuild mode this season. Also, before this game, Cincy will play three road games, including one against the Fighting Jim Harbaughs in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ouch.
n Oct. 7, at Charlotte - After defeating Marshall and Southern Miss last season, the 49ers finished with a whimper and posted a 4-8 record. They are still a work in progress.
n Oct. 14, Old Dominion - All project ODU to battle Western Kentucky for the C-USA East title after last season's 10-3 record, but, uh, was that just a mirage? Note this one is in Huntington and also note Monarch quarterback David Washington is gone.
n Oct. 20, at Middle Tennessee - MU won this matchup last season 42-17. MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill, who didn't play in that one, will be back from injury. But did you happen to see Hawaii hang 52 on the Blue Raiders' defense in that bowl game?
n Oct. 28, Florida International - There's a reason Butch Davis is the new coach. FIU was 4-8 last season. Its offensive line is a mess.
n Nov. 3, at Florida Atlantic - There's a reason Lane Kiffin is the new coach. FAU lost to Marshall last season and finished 3-9. The Owls' 2017 offense should be fine, but the defense not so much.
n Nov. 11, Western Kentucky - The best news for Marshall is ex-WKU coach Jeff Brohm and his offense have gone to Purdue. Also, much of the Hilltoppers' offense, other than QB Mike White, will have to be replaced. Note this is, again, in Huntington.
n Nov. 18, at Texas-San Antonio - Actually, I like the Roadrunners. Nice recruiting class. Stayed close to all teams last season. But finished 6-7. And this season UTSA's athletic director put Houston and Baylor on the schedule.
n Nov. 25, Southern Miss - Actually, coach Jay Hopson had a pretty good team last season if you take away the turnovers. The Golden Eagles finished 7-6 and beat Marshall 24-14 in Hattiesburg. Fine QB Nick Mullens, however, is gone. And this one is in Huntington.
So you get my drift. Surely MU coach Doc Holliday is pushing his team harder in 2017. Surely he's on the conditioning staff to improve.
And if all falls into place, there's no reason whatsoever MU can't rebound. Immediately.
Contact Mitch Vingle at 304-348-4827 or mitchvingle@wvgazettemail.com. Follow him on Twitter @MitchVingle.