HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall rolled to a 21-0 win over Kent State, which lost its quarterback in the first quarter of Saturday night. A recap of the scoring below:
First Quarter
In a scoreless first quarter, the only opportunity came for Kent State when Justin Rankin’s 44-yard touchdown run was called back for holding. Kicker Shane Hynes could not convert on the 42-yard field goal that went wide left.
Second Quarter
Marshall: Chase Litton 5-yard touchdown pass to Marcel Williams (0:06)
Marshall’s first red-zone opportunity came in the final minute of the half. On a third-and-10 from Marshall’s own 29, a holding penalty on Kent State cornerback Elvis Hines gave the Herd a first down. Willie Johnson took the ball into Golden Flash territory with a 19-yard catch across the middle. A fourth-and-1 run by Keion Davis extended the drive, and two more penalties—an illegal hands to the face and a offsides on a spike—moved Marshall to Kent State’s 5. It took until third down, but Chase Litton finally found receiver Marcel Williams in the back of the end zone.
Marshall leads 7-0
Third Quarter
Kent State got a 17-yard catch on third-and-17 by Kavious Price at midfield, followed by Chris Jackson’s pass interference on fourth-and-2. Jackson got his revenge just two plays later when he picked the ball off near the goal line.
Fourth Quarter
Marshall: Chase Litton scrambles for 14-yard touchdown run (7:03)
Marshall finally got some second-half points courtesy of a nine-play, 62-yard drive. A 29-yard throw from Litton to Tyre Brady on third-and-2 was the catalyst. The biggest play was something Herd fans don’t see often, however. On third-and-12 from the 14, Litton pulled the ball down and zig-zagged his way into the end zone to give Marshall a two possession lead.
Marshall leads 14-0
Marshall: 29-yard touchdown run by Tyler King (1:08)
Marshall ate clock on their final drive of the game — running the ball on seven straight plays with redshirt freshman Tyler King.
He capped it off with a 29-yard touchdown run that was the nail in the coffin.
Marshall leads 21-0
— By Troy Alexander