Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
5-4 , 2-3
Old Dominion
3-6 , 2-3
Herd Blanks Monarchs For Fifth Victory of The Season
11/5/2022 8:02:00 PM | Football
Marshall defense forces four ODU turnovers in shutout win
NORFOLK, Va- Entering Saturday, the Old Dominion offense averaged 358.1 yards per game. The Monarchs also had put up an average of 24.6 points per game in 2022.Â
Thanks to the Marshall Thundering Herd defense, both averages will be lowered.Â
The Marshall defense stifled the ODU offense, holding the hosts to 198 yards, forcing four turnovers, and most notably, allowing no points. For the first time since 1983, the Thundering Herd shutout an opponent on the road, defeating Old Dominion (3-6, 2-3 Sun Belt), 12-0.
Linebacker Charlie Gray led the defense with eight total tackles. Eli Neal and TyQaze Leggs each collected a sack. Emmanuel Balogun, Esaias Carpenter, and Owen Porter each were credited with half a sack.
Porter, who two weeks ago earned Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors with his 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in a win over JMU, provided the defense's first turnover. With the Herd leading 3-0 in the second quarter, the Huntington native stripped receiver DJ Mack Jr. as he was crossing the middle, setting up the Herd for their second field goal of the game.Â
Converted field goals were the story for the Thundering Herd's offense. Kicker Rece Verhoff provided the points for Marshall. Kicks from 33, 26, 30, and 23 yards out provided the needed points for Coach Huff's side. The freshman from Columbus Grove, Ohio is a perfect 7/7 inside 40 yards this season. Â
The Marshall offense saw two 100 yard rushers. Quarterback Cam Fancher completed 13 passes, but more notably rushed for 136 yards. Running back Khalan Laborn rushed for 139 yards on 18 carries. The native of nearby Virginia Beach, possesses eight 100+ yard rushing games this season.Â
Leading 6-0 at the break, the Herd's second offensive drive of the second half translated to a nine play, 63 yard drive capped by Verhoff's third field goal to make it a two possession game.Â
The points were all the defense needed, as Abraham Beauplan's leaping interception in the opening minute of the fourth quarter set up the visitors for add-on. Verhoff's fourth kick from 30 yards out gave Coach Huff's side the 12-0 lead.
The defense prevented any hope from the ODU crowd of 18,327 with a pair of turnovers on downs, and another forced fumble, this time with Koby Cumberlander doing the honors of stripping the ball, helping to seal the 12-0 shutout victory.
The win is Marshall's first shutout of the season, last time coming in a 38-0 win over FIU on October 30th of last year. The Herd's 1983 win at Morehead State was the last time the Thundering Herd kept a team off the board in their own stadium, (35-0).Â
Marshall (5-4, 2-3 Sun Belt) returns home to face App State next Saturday, November 12 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Team Stats
Mar 3, ODU 0
Mar - Verhoff,Rece 33 yd field goal 14 plays, 76 yards, TOP 06:28
Mar 6, ODU 0
Mar - Verhoff,Rece 26 yd field goal 5 plays, 14 yards, TOP 02:24
Mar 9, ODU 0
Mar - Verhoff,Rece 30 yd field goal 9 plays, 63 yards, TOP 03:59
Mar 12, ODU 0
Mar - Verhoff,Rece 23 yd field goal 6 plays, 22 yards, TOP 03:24
