Marshall prepares to host Gardner-Webb in nonconference finale

Marshall enters the Sept. 26 homecoming matchup at 2-1, while Gardner-Webb is 1-3. The Sun Belt has confirmed a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and ESPN+ broadcast; Cole Pennington's return to Huntington adds a storyline. Tony Gibson is stressing finishing, limiting explosive plays and avoiding penalties, with Marshall's rushing identity and Del Rio-Wilson's return central to preparation.