Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
4-3 , 1-2
James Madison
5-2 , 3-2
Dominant Second Half Propels Herd to First Sun Belt Conference Victory
10/22/2022 10:41:00 PM | Football
Marshall defense holds JMU scoreless over final 46 minutes
HARRISONBURG, Va- The Marshall Thundering Herd's defense stole the show Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Bridgeforth Stadium, holding the James Madison Dukes scoreless over the final three quarters.
Marshall (4-3, 1-2 Sun Belt) picked off four passes, recovered a fumble, and returned a blocked extra point 85 yards for a two point return in a 26-12 win. The Herd finished the game on a 24-0 run.
Linebacker Charlie Gray finished with two interceptions, matching Steven Gilmore who had two picks against Gardner-Webb a few weeks prior. Micah Abraham and Andre Sam each had an interception of their own.
Owen Porter could not be stopped either, leading the defense with nine tackles, finishing with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. The Huntington native also forced a fumble and was credited with four quarterback hurries.
On offense, starting quarterback Cam Fancher completed 15 passes, throwing for 159 yards and a touchdown. Running back Khalan Laborn rushed for 151 yards with two more touchdowns. Laborn has now surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season. Corey Gammage led the receivers with five catches for 107 yards, catching Fancher's touchdown pass.
Following JMU's (5-2, 3-2 Sun Belt) second score of the game to make it 9-0, the Marshall special teams unit flipped the momentum. Damion Barber blocked the point after attempt with E.J. Jackson returning the ball 85 yards for the two points.
After weathering the early storm and trailing 12-2 in the second quarter, the Marshall offense ignited under Laborn. The Virginia Beach native broke a 61 yard rushing score to bring the Herd to within three at 12-9. The run was the sixth-year senior's second longest rushing score of the season, following his 78 yard scamper against Gardner-Webb on October 1.
Coach Huff's side dominated the second half, holding the Dukes to 71 yards in the third and fourth. Following a three and out to open the half, Fancher found Gammage on a back shoulder pass down the sideline which Gammage broke for a 57 yard score to put the Herd in front for good.
Entering the final quarter, as Marshall led 19-12, Fancher and the offense took care of the ball, allowing the defense to take control. Following the team's fourth takeaway, Laborn's second score of the game from 18 yards out sealed a 14 point road victory for the Thundering Herd.
Marshall football returns home next week for homecoming against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. from Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The game will be broadcast on NFL Network.
Team Stats
MAR 0, JMU 3
JMU - Wise,Camden 35 yd field goal 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 02:12
MAR 0, JMU 9
JMU - Horton,Zach 17 yd pass from Atkins,Billy ( kick) 1 plays, 17 yards, TOP 00:06
MAR 2, JMU 9
MAR - Jackson,E.J. 85 yd PAT return
MAR 2, JMU 12
JMU - Wise,Camden 25 yd field goal 5 plays, 40 yards, TOP 01:46
MAR 9, JMU 12
MAR - Laborn,Khalan 61 yd run (Verhoff,Rece kick), 4 plays, 84 yards, TOP 01:11
MAR 16, JMU 12
MAR - Gammage,Corey 57 yd pass from Fancher,Cam (Verhoff,Rece kick) 1 plays, 57 yards, TOP 00:10
MAR 19, JMU 12
MAR - Verhoff,Rece 38 yd field goal 4 plays, 6 yards, TOP 01:18
MAR 26, JMU 12
MAR - Laborn,Khalan 18 yd run (Verhoff,Rece kick), 2 plays, 20 yards, TOP 00:49
