Another look at the Herd with Gary Fauber

I recently sat down with Gary Fauber, Marshall beat writer for the Beckley Register-Herald. Gary did a Q&A with me about a month ago, and I wanted to come back at it again right before the game to get an update on the Marshall feel for the game.

Mt. Lair-As the game is less than one week away, are you seeing the excitement growing among Marshall fans? Any special events taking place between now and the game? How would you compare the rivalry of this game to some of the bigger rivals for Marshall in their MAC days?

GF-I don't think Marshall fans can get any more excited now than they have been since the series was announced in May 2005. Most of them have wanted this game to be played for the last nine years. I'm sure there will be many tailgating-type activities for fans who were unable to get a ticket to the game.

It's hard to compare this game to past rivalries because, I believe, a rivalry is born on the field and not from smack talk be the fans. But I feel a true rivalry will be developed by the time we all leave Morgantown Saturday.

Mt. Lair-How is Marshall coming out of training camp with respect to injuries? Are there any areas that are a concern going into the WVU game?

GF-The biggest injury was to receiver Shawn Lauzon, who dislocated his hip in the team's first scrimmage. He will miss the entire year. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw and center Doug Legursky both missed time with minor ankle injuries but will be OK. Also gone is receiver Hiram Moore, suspended for the WVU game after his arrest early Saturday morning.

Mt. Lair-There was a bit of a battle for the starting quarterback position in spring. Has that been decided?

GF-Bernie Morris actually went into two-a-days designated as the No. 1 guy and has done nothing in the preseason to make the coaches regret the decision. He had a good summer in the weight room and seems to have a lot more confidence coming out of camp.

Mt. Lair- Did you notice any difference between last years summer camp and this one? Was this years camp more focused, or crisper?

GF- The biggest difference is that everyone was getting used to each other in last year's camp. Mark Snyder had just been hired in April and hired several new assistants, so there was not a lo of familiarity. I think that played a big part in the team finishing 4-7. This year, everyone knows each other and is more comfortable all around.

Mt. Lair- And lastly, what is your prediction for the outcome of this game?

GF- Mountaineer maniacs don't like to hear it, but Marshall has the ability to keep this game close for a while. But WVU comes in with its highest expectations ever - a national championship is now a legitimate goal. The Mountaineers have too much to play for to see it ruined in the first game of the season. I predicted in Saturday's edition a score of 38-20 (WVU), so I will stick with that.

Thanks again to Gary to taking the time to sit down with us. 3 days and counting...