When Conference USA puts out its preseason coaches’ poll, you might as well start from the bottom in looking for Marshall.
This January, the Herd was picked 12th of 12 teams. In 2015, 10th of 12; in 2014, 12th of 13.
And so on. The Herd was also picked dead last in 2006, 2012, 2013 and next-to-last in 2011. In some years, the league mercifully did not publish the results past the top five.
On the field, the Herd has “met” those dismal expectations at times, finishing last four times, including three in a row from 2011-13.