Marshall head coach Charles Huff made a surprising pitch to Ohio State players, offering an enticing NIL deal featuring all-you-can-eat Tudor’s Biscuits if they consider transferring to Huntington. This unique approach comes as the Thundering Herd prepare for a challenging matchup against the No. 3 ranked Buckeyes in Columbus this Saturday, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
Acknowledging the uphill battle, Huff pointed out that his team is currently a 40-point underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook. During a press conference, he highlighted the caliber of talent at Ohio State while playfully inviting their players to join his squad for a taste of the local cuisine.
“I feel good about the track we’re on, and I feel good about the players we have, [but I] would love to have some of those guys from Ohio State, too,” Huff remarked. “So, if any of those guys that run really, really fast at Ohio State like Tudor’s Biscuits, I promise you, all-you-can-eat all day if you transfer here.”
While Huff’s proposal may be more humorous than serious, he did not hold back on his admiration for the Buckeyes. He stated, “I’ll be honest, they are probably the best team I’ve seen on film — ever,” citing their impressive roster as superior to even the legendary 2001 Miami national championship team he faced while at Alabama.
“They’ve been able to go out and acquire some of the best talent in the country,” he added, emphasizing the strength and explosiveness of Ohio State’s squad.
This season, the Thundering Herd holds a record of 1-1, featuring a commanding 45-3 victory over the Stony Brook Seawolves and a 31-14 loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies. Marshall’s offensive unit is spearheaded by quarterback Stone Earle, a transfer from North Texas, and running back A.J. Turner, who has amassed 222 rushing yards at an impressive 15.9 yards per carry in the first two games. Additionally, wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick, a Michigan State transfer, has contributed with 170 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In his fourth season with Marshall, Huff has guided the team to a combined record of 23-18. The pinnacle of his tenure came in 2022, when the Thundering Herd achieved a 9-4 record and bowl eligibility in each of his complete seasons.
A potential upset in Columbus would not be unprecedented for Marshall. Under Huff’s leadership, the team pulled off a remarkable victory against then No. 8 Notre Dame in South Bend, winning 26-21 during the 2022 season.
On the other hand, the Buckeyes are off to a strong start this season, boasting a 2-0 record with decisive home victories over the Akron Zips and Western Michigan Broncos, outscoring them 108-6. Ohio State currently holds the second-shortest odds at +340 to win the 2024 national championship, trailing only Georgia on DraftKings Sportsbook.