Behind a strong effort by two freshman running backs, Marshall was able to defeat Rice 54-51 in double overtime at Rice Stadium Saturday afternoon.
For the first time since 2009 the Thundering Herd had two players gain 100 yards on the ground. Stewart Butler lead the way with 18 carries for 166 yards and one touchdown. Not to be outdone fellow freshman Kevin Grooms rushed 12 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns including the game winner in double overtime. Grooms also added a touchdown reception in the second quarter.
Even though Marshall gained 334 yards on the ground quarterback Rakeem Catro was far from an after thought. The sophomore signal caller connected on 27 of 38 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Cato's favorite target was his former high school teammate Tommy Shuler. Shuler caught eight passes for 87 yards.
Marshall's defense had another tough game, surrendered 646 yards of offense. The biggest thorn in the defenses side was Rice quarterback Taylor McHargue. The dual threat passer lead the Owls with 17 rushing attempts for 153 yards and a touchdown. Through the air McHargue completed 21 of 37 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
Marshall returns to the gridiron next week for an out of conference game at Purdue. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:15pm ET, TV coverage will be provided by the Big Ten Network.
Links
HerdZone.com
Marshall Withstands Shootout, Beats Rice 54-51
The Charleston Daily Mail
Marshall football: Herd overcomes Rice in 2OT
Video: Doc Holliday's post game press comments
The Herald Dispatch
Final: Marshall 54, Rice 51, 2OT
Associated Press
Marshall rushes pass Rice 54-51 in 2OT
Notes - Box score...Marshall's leading rusher Travon Vann was moved from running back to defensive back during practice this week. Per Doc Holliday's post game comments the move appears to be permanent...Defensive end RaShawde Meyers did not travel with the team to Rice. In three games this year Meyers registered one start and six tackles...Defensive lineman Armonze Daniel saw a number of snaps at linebacker...Freshman punter Tyler Williams averaged 51 yards on five attempts with three balls placed inside the twenty yard line...Prior to today's game Marshall had lost eight straight games in Texas...Purdue, the Thundering Herds opponent next Saturday, did not play this week.
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