After dropping a 69-34 decision to WVU last week, Marshall earned its first victory of the 2012 season, defeating Western Carolina 52-24 Saturday night at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The Thundering Herd was paced by the offense and quarterback Rakeem Cato. Overall Marshall gained 614 yards, 378 from Cato's right arm. The sophomore QB had his second stellar performance of the season, completing 32 of 42 passes while tossing three touchdowns. Cato had lots of help from receivers Aaron Dobson and Antavious Wilson. Wilson lead the Herd with 98 yards receiving on six receptions. Dobson was not far behind, hauling down a team high 9 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. On the ground Marshall used a group of running backs to gain 182 yards on 48 carries. Freshman Stewart Butler paced the Herd with 60 yards on only eight attempts.
On defense Marshall did a good job of containing former Thundering Herd quarterback Eddie Sullivan. Sullivan played every offensive snap for WCU, completing 21 of 41 passes for 205 yards with three touchdowns (one passing & two rushing) and a interception. Marshall defenders did not take it easy on their former teammate, getting slapped with two roughing the passer penalties.
The Thundering Herd returns to Joan C. Edwards Stadium next week as they meet Ohio University (2-0,0-0) for the "battle of the bell". The Bobcats defeated Marshall last year in Athens 44-7. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm.
Game Notes - Box Score...Freshman defensive back A.J Leggett has suffered a season ending shoulder injury and will take a redshirt. Leggett did not play against WVU or WCU...Offensive lineman Garrett Scott and Josh Lovell did not play after being injured in the WVU game. Both should be back next week...Redshirt freshman D.J Hunter started at outside linebacker after being moved from safety earlier this week...Hunter was not the only position change as Devon Johnson switched from linebacker to tight end. Further complicating manners, Johnson started at fullback...Justin Haig missed his fist field goal of the season, a 37 yard attempt in the first quarter. He converted a 24 yard FG for Marshall's first points of the game...Punter Tyler Williams had a quiet night, only punting once...Back-up quarterback Blake Frohnapfel entered in the fourth quarter, completing 4 of 4 passes for 54 and a touchdown to his brother, tight end Eric Frohnapfel...Marshall's offense had its first 600 yard game since 2003 against Kent State.
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