Cato-led Marshall could herd Conference USA into new College Football Playoff
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Marshall coach Doc Holliday and his players are embracing the expectations that come with being the overwhelming favorite in Conference USA.
Holliday says people are talking about the Thundering Herd the way they want to be talked about.
Marshall is led by fast-paced quarterback Rakeem Cato and defensive lineman James Rouse, the C-USA preseason players of the year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In the new College Football Playoff, the highest-ranked team from the five mid-major leagues is guaranteed a spot in one of the six major bowl games at the end of the season.
Conference USA has a different makeup for the third season in a row, with 13 teams this year. Old Dominion and Western Kentucky join after the departures of Tulsa, Tulane and East Carolina for the American Athletic Conference.