In the2010 season under first year head coachDoc Holliday, the Thundering Herd finished with an overall record of 5–7 and 4–4 within Conference USA. After starting the season 1–6, Marshall won four of the last five games. They missed playing in a bowl game for the first time since 2008.
The Herd again fell to The Mountaineers in a game that was delayed a total of 4 hours, 22 minutes and called with 14:36 left in the 4th quarter. Following 3rd a quarter Tavon Austin kickoff return for a TD that gave the Mountaineers a 27–13 lead with 5 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter the game experienced a lightning delay that lasted 3 hours, 6 minutes. Once resuming play a Vernard Roberts 1 Yd Run extended the WVU lead to 34–13 early in the 4th quarter, after which the game was once again delayed for lightning. It was ultimately agreed to by both teams to end the game.
Marshall and Memphis last met in 2010 at Huntington in a game won by Marshall 28–13. Marshall is 4–2 all time against Memphis. This year's game will be played on a Thursday.
Marshall and East Carolina last met in 2010 at Greenville in a game won by East Carolina 37–10. Marshall is 3–9 all time against ECU. Because both teams are 5–6, the winner of the matchup will receivebowl eligibility, while the loser will not.
Marshall has a 6–2 record in bowl games, with the last one at the2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl defeating Ohio, 21–17. Defensively, Marshall is tied for fifth nationally in tackles for loss (95), and is tied for 15th in fumbles recovered (14). Nationally, Vinny Curry is tied for third with six forced fumbles and is also second on in tackles for loss (21) and is sixth in sacks (11.0). George Carpenter has three fumble recoveries which places him tie for 12th place.
