As i see it

"For the times, they are a-changin'." - Bob Dylan

Of course, Dylan wasn't talking about Marshall football, but the old folk song directly applies to the Herd's fresh new feeling.

I'm not going to sit here and claim that the Thundering Herd is on its way to a Conference USA Championship (however, I wont rule out that notion either), but things have definitely been changing for the better in Herd Country.

 The Herd was one of the winningest college football teams in the 90s, but after recent struggles, Marshall seems to have a foot in the right direction.

Obviously, the biggest difference is the change in personnel.

When Thundering Herd Athletic Director Mike Hamrick hired Doc Holliday, a West Virginia native, as Mark Snyder's replacement as head football coach in December, it created a buzz in Huntington.

While Snyder seemed distant and disconnected from Marshall fans, Holliday seems to be a complete 180. A blue-collar style coach who relates to fans.

I could sit here and point out all of the bad things about Snyder and his coaching staff, or I could instead point out the good things that Holliday brings to the table.

Holliday has been coaching college football for over 30 years and has coached at programs such as Florida, West Virginia and North Carolina State.

His forte is indeed recruiting. He is known as one of the most successful and compelling recruiters in college football.

Along with Holliday came Chris Rippon, who held defensive and special teams oriented coaching jobs with Rutgers, Syracuse and Ole Miss. Also joining Holliday at Marshall is former Florida strength and conditioning coach Frank Piriano.

What should we expect from this year's Thundering Herd? It's hard to tell without watching them play a down under Holliday as of yet, but I'm guessing this team will be far more disciplined resulting in fewer penalties. I expect to see a well-managed team that uses time wisely. I expect the team to be more hard-nosed and play with a more smash-mouth style. I expect them to be quick, yet hard-hitting.

Holliday has a lot on his table, but I believe he has the capability and aggressiveness to bring the Herd back to glory.

Now that's a change I can believe in.

Contact columnist Jonas Swecker at swecker@marshall.edu.