— By Bill Cornwell

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The firsts will continue for Marshall football coach Tony Gibson this weekend.

Gibson and his staff, along with 72 new players, will experience their first home game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Saturday when the Thundering Herd faces a first-time opponent, the Missouri State Bears.

The game kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.

The Bears are playing their first season at the FBS level and as a Conference USA member.

Both teams were soundly defeated last Saturday in their respective season openers. While Marshall lost 45-7 at No. 5 Georgia, the Bears were handled out west by Southern California, 73-13.

The Bears are coached by Ryan Beard, a Western Kentucky alum who is in his third season in Springfield. Beard has a 12-12 record with th

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