2004: Season of discontent

The Herald-Dispatch

Marshall ended the 2004 season with its first non-winning record (6-6) in more than two decades.

The season began with a stunning loss to Troy State at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, followed by close defeats at nationally-ranked Ohio State and Georgia -- both by close margins.

Coach Bobby Pruett's team fell short of the Mid-American Conference title with late-season losses to Akron and Bowling Green, but received an opportunity to play Cincinnati in the Fort Worth Bowl. UC won, saddling the Thundering Herd with its lowest victory total in Pruett's nine seasons.

Pruett also had to deal with some disciplinary problems (several player arrests) during the year.

"We had some big disappointments," Pruett said. "Troy State and Akron were two huge disappointments. Other things, our off the field distractions were a direct reflection of problems that resulted in the number of losses.

"It demonstrated that we have some work to do in the leadership department. When I talk about leadership I talk about on the field and off the field leadership."

Stellar senior performances by defensive end Jonathan Goddard and receiver Josh Davis were among the season highlights.

After the 2004 season ended Marshall coach Bobby Pruett conducted an extensive question and answer interview with beat writer Anthony Hanshew of The Herald-Dispatch. The coach spoke on many topics, but most of the talk focused on success of the program. "I think we've had nine years of unparalleled success," Pruett said. "When I say unparalleled success they'll say 'well 6-6' but never, ever in the history of this program have we been able to compete at the level we're competing." Marshall teams coached by Pruett went undefeated in the 1996 and 1999 seasons, won the NCAA Division I-AA title in 1996, claimed five MAC championships, finished in the Top 25 polls four times and produced a dozen NFL draft picks.