BOCA RATON, Fla. —Four turnovers by were too much to overcome as Marshall failed to unseat Florida Atlantic from first place in the Conference USA East division. A scoring recap from the Herd’s 30-25 loss:
First Quarter
FAU: 2-yard touchdown run by Jason Driskel (9:50)
The Owls got off to a fast start thanks to running back Devin Singletary as he ran the ball on six of FAU’s first seven plays gaining 47 yards. On fourth-and-1 Singletary gained 9 to Marshall’s 22 before another fourth down conversion by running back Greg Howell gave FAU a fresh set of downs inside the 5.
FAU leads 7-0
FAU: 19-yard touchdown run by Willie Wright (6:32) PAT missed by Greg Joseph
On a third-and-16, Marshall quarterback Chase Litton looked for receiver Marcel Williams, but a high pass tipped right into the hands of FAU cornerback Jalen Young, who returned the pick inside the red zone. It took just one play for the Owls to make points out of the turnover as receiver Willie Wright took a speed sweep to the left side.
FAU leads 13-0
Second Quarter
Marshall: Kaare Vedvik 28-yard field goal (7:09)
After a missed field goal at the beginning of the second quarter, Marshall finally put points on the board thanks to a 31-yard catch and run by receiver Williams. From first-and-goal at the FAU 8, the Herd settled for a 2-yard run and two incomplete passes before a field goal try.
FAU leads 13-3
FAU: Greg Joseph 31-yard field goal (:03)
Marshall had an 11-play drive going but another high pass by Litton intended for Willie Johnson sailed into the hands of FAU’s Shelton Lewis. A 66-yard run by Singletary put FAU back in scoring position, where they took the field goal as the half came to a close.
FAU leads 16-3
Third Quarter
Marshall: Chase Litton 5-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Yuracheck (12:10)
Coming out of the half Marshall needed a score to keep the game close. Facing a third-and-9 in their own territory it looked like another punt was likely, but another big play by Williams put the Herd back in it. Williams 59-yard catch was a big part of his 122-yard performance. Ryan Yuracheck capped off the drive with a short catch.
FAU leads 16-10
Marshall: Keion Davis 1-yard touchdown run (7:27) XP missed by Kaare Vedvik
A surprise onside kick was placed perfectly by kicker Kaare Vedvik, who ran alongside the ball and fell on it for the recovery. Marshall’s offense got it going with the help of a pass interference on third-and-2 for the automatic first down. On fourth-and-4 the Herd went for it and a perfectly thrown ball from Litton to Williams on an out route resulted in a 20-yard gain. Running back Keion Davis fought his way through the trenches for a touchdown a few plays later. Marshall had the opportunity to take the lead but a missed extra point by Kaare Vedvik was another big momentum swing.
Tied at 16-16
FAU: Kamrin Solomon 60-yard touchdown pass to Devin Singletary (2:25)
Tied at 16 and with FAU on their own 6-yard line, it seemed like Marshall would have a chance to take the lead, but trickery by FAU’s high tempo offense cost the Herd. A double reverse sweep that ended with a pass to tight end Harriso Bryant got the Owls 24 yards worth of breathing room. The very next play a screen to Kamrin Solomon turned into a huge touchdown when the receiver pulled up to pass and found Singletary wide open streaking down the middle of the field.
FAU leads 23-16
Fourth Quarter
FAU: Singletary 13-yard touchdown run (10:37)
On Marshall’s first play of the fourth quarter Litton once again through way high over the head of his receiver into the arms of FAU cornerback Jalen Young. FAU proceeded to run the ball six straight times, five with Singletary, who had gains of 21 and 13 yards.
FAU leads 30-16
Marshall: Litton 15-yard touchdown pass to Yuracheck (5:16)
The Herd’s best drive of the night started with a conversion on fourth-and-2 with the help of a direct snap to Yuracheck. FAU’s defense then stepped in and gave Marshall three automatic first downs due to a personal foul, pass interference, and defensive holding. On fourth-and-10 Litton found the tight end for his second touchdown of the night.
FAU leads 30-23
Marshall: Safety (:08)
FAU elected to kneel the ball for three plays, and then the punter ran the ball out of the back of FAU’s endzone to avoid dangerous return man Keion Davis. The ensuing punt gave the Herd a chance, however small, but a return full of laterals came up short.
FAU leads 30-25
— By Troy Alexander