The Confessions of a Closet Marshall Sympathizer

by Dr. Charley West on Oct 12, 2009 1:40 PM EDT in Marshall

Ok, after reading that headline, you're probably looking for your go-to stake for the classic Monday afternoon witch burning (it's the only way I start my week). But, I implore, bear with me on this one.

I, very quietly and very selectively, cheer for Marshall. OK, now you're definitely angry, but I will try to explain...

Marshall doesn't matter in the big scheme of WVU football anymore. They are not a challenger for the mantle of "best team in WV," nor were they ever. But still, their fans seemed downright determined to prove they were the team of the Mountain State. "Chad Pennington this, Byron Leftwich that" annoyed the hell out of me, just as I'm sure it did the same for all other Mountaineer fans. That's where the true hostility towards Marshall came from -- their fans. Fast-forward a few years and most of that hostility I once felt is long gone. Hell, even Randy Moss is wearing WVU gear.

[photo via Zimbio/Getty Images]

If that's not proof that Marshall doesn't matter, I don't know what is.

So, when they're playing on the road at Tulane, I cheer a little bit for Marshall. If they're home to UCF, I cheer a little bit for Marshall. And if hell freezes over, I cheer a little bit for Marshall, because they're in a bowl game.

Of course, there are qualifiers to this cheering if it, in any way, shape, or form, affects West Virginia. Without saying, I am 1000000000% a WVU fan. I would rather wear a scarlet letter to Mountaineer Field than any form of the color green. That's a no-brainer. But beyond that, there are other qualifiers. For example, Marshall hosted ECU earlier this year. Of course, we play both teams, but being that ECU is the stronger team, a good Pirate squad makes WVU look better. No debate there -- I cheered like hell for ECU. Notice, I didn't say I cheered against Marshall, just for ECU.

The other example is a little more complex. Earlier this year, Marshall played Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. They usually play one of these big, non-conference away games each season. Now, everyone knows Virginia Tech isn't on the top of any Mountaineer fan's Christmas list. So, I had a decision to make. Virginia Tech or Marshall? I chose Virginia Tech. Why? It's easy. As I mentioned above, Marshall doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things for WVU. But if they were to start knocking off big opponents on the road (like they used to under Pruett), that tide may begin to change. They would become more relevant on a national stage and, just like that, they would matter to WVU. So, so that happens and I can continue cheering for them in meaningless C-USA games, I chose the Hokies. Yuck.

So, that's my Marshall fandom summed up in a few paragraphs. After reading it, I'm sure most Marshall fans would rather me not secretly (now, not so much) cheer for them, especially considering I will continue to make fun of their school, program, and fans given any opportunity, but that's just too bad.

Just don't expect me to be buying any green clothing.

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my only question when do we start playing VT again

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by WVPiratesfan on Oct 12, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

I simply feel sorry for them now.

It is a given that they will always be the best commuter school in the state. Nobody is even close to them for that title. Football, however, is a different story.

There were a few years that Fairmont State could’ve knocked Marshall off its high horse.

After talking to Charley last night I realized that I really don’t cheer against Marshall. Granted, it is because I forget they play most weekends. However, even if I remembered they were playing, I still wouldn’t wish ill upon them.

A win for Marshall is a win for the state. That sounds good to me.

I will say it is funny that WVU normally keeps it close and then absolutely KILLS all their hopes of victory in the end. I just love to see the faces of Marshall fans full of hope turn to utter despair. It makes me smile.

I dislike their idiot fans with a passion because they wish us the worst, since they think it makes them look better. (Actually, that describes some of our fans too.)

by 5th Year Senior on Oct 12, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions

I don't understand

Why would you root for Virginia Tech over Marshall?

A Marshall win would be a nice W in their ledger, so unless they were in the crapper the rest of the season, it brings some respectibility to their program when they play WVU and the Mountaineers beat them.

Plus, really? Va Tech? The school that has given us so much pain and suffering with their thug like Vick boys playing qb? The school that just abandoned the Big East for the Always Crappy Conference?

Me, personally, I don’t openly root for Marshall, but I like to see them do good. I’d rather see them at 8-4 than 4-8. And to be a homer, Marshall doing well does bring additional good PR to the state.
Again, I’d never pick Marshall over WVU in anything (excpet maybe a losing contest, then they have a chance), but I won’t root against them unless there is some deep meaning to it.

That said, early prediction, WVU 38 Marshall 10.

by BurghMountaineer on Oct 12, 2009 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah Charley WTF.

After taking a few seconds to ponder your post I agree with Burgh. How could you root for VTech over Marshall? I would only root for VT against Michigan and then I would really be rooting for a meteor.

by 5th Year Senior on Oct 12, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I am over Virginia Tech

I just don’t care about them anymore. I am sure if we ever meet in a bowl game the ill-feelings will come back, but they’re just not there right now.

Also, I don’t deal with VT fans on a day-to-day basis. With Marshall fans, you can’t get away from them down here. If Marshall beat VT, my next week would be a living hell. You wouldn’t be able to shut them up.

by Dr. Charley West on Oct 12, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't deal with VT fans on a day to day basis...anymore

more Maryland now, but I still can’t stand them at all. Not so much because they left or how they left, just a general disdain for the school. This is absolutely awful to admit, but, when the tragedy occurred down there (there was heartfelt sympathy for the school and anyone involved, don’t get me wrong)….the whole media storm of support for the football team the following season (months later) really left a sour taste in my mouth. I don’t like Beamer even a little bit.

by WVUIE97 on Oct 12, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

my hatred of VT goes way back

and not to any particular instance, (ie Marvin Graves and Syracuse)

by WVUIE97 on Oct 12, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Rivalry?

More like sibling rivalry … we all feel the same way about Marshall..they are our kid brother, we protect them and beat up anybody that teases them. I would rather not play Marshall because if we beat them then mom’s pissed so there is nothing to gain.

KEN

by KENH on Oct 12, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

A couple weeks ago their athletic director was quoted as saying that Marshall fans had a chip on their shoulder when it came to WVU. That’s Step #1, Admitting you have a problem.

by Simple Jack on Oct 12, 2009 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

I Miss the 1-AA Marshall...

In the 80’s it was easy. WVU was our big league team, and Marshall was our second-tier team. And then they moved up and their fans became intolerable, at least, to me. But I do still pull for them when they are playing in-conference. And I disagree with you 5th on the Tech game. I was pulling for the Herd because they are on our schedule and had they somehow won that game, we would have gotten some residuals from the idiot pollsters….

I know where you are coming from, though. I guess I am kind of a closet supporter of the the ugliest shade of green in college football. Why can’t they have Ohio U.’s green?

by JP Fanshawe on Oct 12, 2009 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

I thought..

I said I was rooting for Marshall over the chokies. I guess I was not clear. My bad

by 5th Year Senior on Oct 12, 2009 10:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think he was talking about me.

I was being selfish when I said I rooted for VT to beat Marshall. Not just beat, kill.

I just wanted to avoid hearing a peep from Marshall fans for a few weeks.

by Dr. Charley West on Oct 12, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Amen, JP

Marshall was fine as a I-AA team…like you said, WVU was the major leagues, and the Turd was the minor league. They still are, but are now in the wrong division. It just doesn’t work.

by rumplestiltskin on Oct 13, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions

IT'S MARSHALL WEEK!!!

Wake me up after it’s over. I’m from northern WV and don’t care….no rival to me…..we only have one true rival from my perspective.

by WVUColumbus on Oct 13, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed.

It’s amazing how what part of the state you’re from reflects your vision of rival. Northern part of the state? All Pitt. Deep southern part of the state? VT. Eastern panhandle? Maryland. That part of western WV that I like to pretend is part of Kentucky? Marshall.

by Dr. Charley West on Oct 13, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

That's twice now

That I agree with you. Being from the northern panhandle, we get bombarded with lots of Pitt and Ohio State info.

Always and forever Pitt is Shit. They are the only real rival WVU has.

I lived in MD for a while and was close with some that were close to the UMD football department. They never looked at WVU as a main rival, but they ALWAYS geared up for WVU because of the fanbase and the attention, we the fans bring to the game.
BTW, not that anyone cares, but Ralph is a total dick, but that meeting is a story for another time.

by BurghMountaineer on Oct 13, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I also liked....

playing Virginia Tech, and although they were a clear rival to WVU, I never considered them even close to PITT in terms of hatred, etc.

Another reason I HATE PITT is because I don’t believe that a punky, soft school residing in the Oakland section of town belongs in one of the greatest cities in the world. Eventually, I hope global warming moves University of Pittsburgh to a LOSER city such as Cleveland and that the city of Pittsburgh is annexed by WV….WVU fits the profile of the city of Pittsburgh, while PITT doesn’t……Period!

by WVUColumbus on Oct 13, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

My bark is louder than my bite....

so I just formally submitted an “Articles of Annexation” to the WV government. I’m requesting that the city of Pittsburgh cede from Pennsylvania, request immediate departure of University of Pittsburgh to Cleveland, and now be called Pittsburgh, WV….I’ll let you all know if it gains any steam…..I’m optimistic w/ this current endeavor.

by WVUColumbus on Oct 13, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

the entire city of Pittsburgh

needs to fall into the 3 rivers and never return

by WVUIE97 on Oct 13, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

and take all the sports teams with it

by WVUIE97 on Oct 13, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Spoken like a true....

Cleveland sports fan.

by WVUColumbus on Oct 13, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

as far from Cleveland as you get in every sport (click on my profile and see for yourself)

my teams are all over the place. I just can’t stand Pittsburgh or the sports teams. No offense meant to you, in the least. I’ve never been one to root for the closest team to me, btw. As a matter of fact, the local teams (other than WVU, obviously) to me are among my most hated. My favorite team choices were influenced by a lot of weird little things (and not success, I swear) at an early age, but I’ve always been faithful.

by WVUIE97 on Oct 13, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions