HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—Saturday’s matchup with Rhode Island had a little bit of everything, a weather delay, dominant defense, and more than 700 yards of total offense. Here’s what I took away from the 48-7 win over Rhode Island.
Starting Slow
Two games in a row Marshall has take some time to get the offense cranked up. While The Herd moved the ball in the first half, it had trouble finishing drives. Marshall left at least 14 points on the field with missed opportunities in the endzone. Three lost fumbles didn’t help either.
When it is rolling, offense is unstoppable
But once the offense did get started there was little Rhode Island could do to stop it. The offensive line blew open gaping holes for the running backs and Cato had nearly all day to throw. He was even able to connect on a couple of shots down field. If Marshall doesn’t make mistakes the score could have been much more lopsided.
Historic production
Marshall’s 723 total yards is the fourth highest single game total in school history. The 789 yards The Herd piled on VMI in 1991 still stands at the all-time record. Marshall outgained Rhode Island by 549 yards on Saturday, the since at least 1941. Records get sketchy before that. (Thanks to Steve Cotton for the research)
Campbell, Csonka, & Rockhead?
In an age of high tempo, spread offenses that like to throw the ball all over the field, Devon Johnson is a throwback, resembling the way power backs such as Earl Campbell and Larry Csonka ran the ball. Johnson is fun to watch as he doesn’t try to juke the defender. Rather he gets his pads low and tries to run through a potential tackler. Johnson ran through Rhode Island for 137 yards on 14 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Rain, rain go away
Saturday’s game was delayed for a half-an-hour due to severe storms that rumbled through the tri-state area causing some flash flooding. Rains returned later in the first half, soaking fans at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. My wife reminded me after the game she has now sat in the stands through weather delays/pouring rains storms in Tennessee in 2006, vs. UCF in Huntington in 2010, in Morgantown in 2011, in Blacksburg in 2013 and now this past Saturday. Meanwhile, I’ve been dry and comfy in the broadcast booth. I definitely owe her one.