Thinking back to early season, and those Buffalo and Ball State losses, it was clear that Noah Keller wasn't at 100%.  Starting with Temple, though, Noah has been an absolute beast.  I don't know if we fully appreciate what we've seen over the past three games, but basically a guy averaging 15 tackles a game, forced fumbles, and a possessed mentality that would not let OU lose.  What said it all at the end of Temple was Bernard Pierce walking off dazed and bloody.  Mr. Pierce met Mr. Keller.  Sit down, Bernard.  Crush Miami and nail down MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

BTW, The defense has taken a lot of deserved criticism, but keep in mind that basically a 1st team MAC performer (Hyuhn) was replaced by a former walkon; a safety leading the league in pass breakups and also probably an all-MAC performer (Xavier Hughes) replaced by another former walkon (Kristoff).  At full strength it is a D that holds Marshall to a lone score.

Posted: Yesterday 10:07 PM

Re: Another MAC barnburner