How to Beat BGSU Update

Last week I published a post about how to beat Bowling Green (http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-beat-bgsu.html. In the post I detailed three keys to the game for Herd victory. They were score early and often, rush effectively to control the clock, and cause turnovers. Lets review the game to see how well Marshall stacked up in each of those categories.

1. Score Early and Often:

Marshall did not score early or often. On the Herds first possession they marched to Bowling Green’s six yard line before a bad snap resulted in a missed field goal. Bowling Green struck first in the second half when Tyler Sheenan found Chris Wright for a fifty yard touchdown pass. Marshall did not answer until the third quarter when scrambling Brian Anderson found Antavio Wilson for a 11 yard touchdown reception.

2. Run the Ball

Marshall was extremely effective running the football. The Herd racked up 254 rushing yards, 188 of those belonging to Darius Marshall. Even though Marshall held a huge advantage in rushing Bowling Green won the time of possession battle by three minutes. You can attribute that to Marshall’s 80 yard touchdown run and a few long drives by the Falcon offense.

3. Cause Turnovers

Marshall only caused one turnover but it came at a crucial moment. After Marshall’s 80 yard touchdown run Bowling Green had first and ten on their own 19 yard line. Albert McClellan jarred the ball lose from Sheenan and Vinny Curry fell on the fumble to give Marshall possession. Unfortunately the Herd had to settle for a field goal but it did put Marshall ahead by a touchdown.

Looks like my keys to the game mostly held up. Besides score early and often Marshall did run the ball effectively and caused a turnover. Even though Marshall did not control the clock by gaining 254 yards rushing it was the Herds main source of offense. Turnovers were not abundant but the Herd was even in giveaways with Bowling Green and did score off of Sheenan’s fumble.

Lets hope Marshall keeps it up against Memphis this Saturday at the Liberty Bowl!