Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Upends Buffalo, 26-16
10/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Marshall Upends Buffalo, 26-16
10/18/2003
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Marshall wideout Darius Watts became the Thundering Herd's all-time receptions leader, surpassing Mike Barber's all-time record with nine receptions and 252 career catches, in a
26-16 win over the Buffalo Bulls in Mid-American Conference play Saturday afternoon.
The win was tougher than many expected, however, when the Bulls cut the Thundering Herd lead to three, 19-16 in the beginning of the third quarter on a two-yard Chad Upshaw touchdown reception from quarterback P.J. Piskorik, Marshall responded with a touchdown of their own on the next possession when junior running back Earl Charles rushed over the right end from six yards away to give Marshall (4-3, 2-1 MAC) the final margin of ten points.
True freshman Hiram Moore had a big, third-down 16 yard reception to keep the game-deciding, fourth quarter drive alive. At the time, the Herd clung to a slim, three-point lead, 19-16.
The Herd led the Bulls 19-3 going into the half, and looked to be in control on a windy and rainy day at UB Stadium. Marshall quarterback Stan Hill threw an eight yard pass to Watts and ran for another score with 14 minutes to go in the second quarter to give MU a 14-3 lead. Charles ran for another score seven minutes later to give the Herd the 19-3 halftime margin.
The third quarter belonged to Buffalo, as the Bulls scored the only touchdown of the quarter on a Chris McDuffie one yard run with six minutes to play in the third quarter.
Junior running back Earl Charles, from Brooklyn, N.Y., led the Herd in rushing, carrying the ball 22 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns in his second career start.
Marshall outgained Buffalo (0-8, 0-3 MAC) in total yards, 386 to 279. However, the Herd once again had troubles with turnovers, fumbling the ball two times - with both resulting in Buffalo scores.
The Herd is in action again next weekend at Western Michigan. Kick-off is set for a 2:30 start.