Playing to the level of competition

Marshall has always seemed to play to the perceived level of competition. It has historically played hard against big name teams, and a bit too soft against teams one would think they can put away in the first half. These teams wind up hanging around deep into the third quarter — requiring the Herd getting back on track in order to pull the game out of the fire.
Remember in 1998 when the Herd was looking for a bowl berth against Louisville and the final game was a “bunny” contest against the I-AA Wofford Terriers? Well, Marshall scored all their points in the first half, then subsequently fell asleep while the ferocious Terriers ran up and down the field — scoring 20 unanswered points. Only a missed Wofford field goal in the final minute preserved Marshall’s win and bowl berth. How about 2005 when William and Mary made it a contest deep into the third quarter — leading the Herd 24—23? Again, Marshall had to fish out a 36 — 24 victory.

So there's the theme. I'd thought about doing a historical perspective with mascots from teams who gave Marshall problems in the past, but abandoned that idea as the composition would get too busy and confusing. So I'm keeping it simple with the task at hand.

Going with a weight-lifting theme (not as overused as the boxer thing) yeah but still cliche'.
Despite that, it gives a fun opportunity with facial expressions. An alarmed, uncertain Marco lifting a bar laden with dispassionate Wildcats. (see Wildcat below). I lowered the position of the bar from the earlier sketch as Marco is supposed to be having difficulty with the lift. Otherwise, it looked like he pretty much had it up. Getting the straining body English will need to be emphasized too.
Next, how to get the Wildcat balanced on the bar. I was going to just have them sit there, but decided it would be more visually fun to wrap them in such a way that would be both logical and relatively more comfortable if one was actually going to do it. At first having the legs over the bar as well, but realistically, this would have the Wildcat hanging to far back that you couldn't see his face. So here the bar is under the arms, and he's locked his hands together under his legs. Its simple, thoughtful, disciplined and methodical way to hang on the bar — dangerous characteristics when applied to a football team.

I may also make some reference to Marshall's two earlier games against Miami and WVU.