Every game day carries with it a hype not even a Drake beat can touch. The warmups become more ritualistic, the preparation becomes more precise and each player and coach takes their job a little more seriously, knowing both strangers and loved ones will be watching, all eyes on them.
But this Saturday in Huntington, West Virginia hype takes a backseat to history as Marshall hosts Middle Tennessee on the 50th anniversary of the devastating plane crash that rocked the small town back in 1970. 75 members of the Marshall community lost their lives – 36 players, 25 fans, nine coaches and administrators and five flight crew members.