BOCA RATON, Fla. — Florida Atlantic got 275 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns from Devin Singletary and its defense intercepted Marshall’s Chase Litton four times in a 30-25 win Friday night.
“We can’t turn the ball over like we did, and unfortunately, the last couple of games we have had too many turnovers,” coach Doc Holliday said. “You have no shot at winning if you don’t take care of the ball.”
Marshall (6-3, 3-2 Conference USA) surrendered 203 rushing yards to the NCAA’s rushing touchdown leader Singletary, who ran 28 times for 203 yards.
The Herd’s offense also got off to another slow start against FAU (6-3, 5-0), trailing 13-3 at the half.
Litton had thrown five interceptions in the first eight game this season but tossed three to FAU cornerback Jalen Young.
“Bad quarterback play lost us that game,” said Litton. “I can’t get them back. I put us in a bad situation and didn’t do enough for my team.”
Marshall outgained FAU 381-353 with receiver Marcel Williams pulling in four passes for a season-high 122 yards. Tyre Brady added eight receptions for 82 yards, and tight end Ryan Yuracheck caught two scores, but they couldn’t overcome the turnovers.
“Those guys are excellent guys, guys you want in your program,” Litton said. “You have to get them the ball and I need to do a better job of that.”
On the ground Marshall struggled to 128 yards. Keion Davis led Marshall’s backs with 22 carries for 72 yards and Tyler King faired even worse carrying 14 times for just 40 yards.
During a 20-point second half, Marshall briefly tied the game at 16-16 before the Owls pulled ahead on a 60-yard receiver pass to Singletary and a 13-yard touchdown.
Linebacker Chase Hancock once again led the Herd in tackles with 11. Davon Durant had the only turnover opportunity of the game when he stripped the ball from Singletary’s hands, but FAU recovered. The front seven was only able to generate one hurry and had no sacks as FAU quarterback Jason Driskel played the role of game manager.
Driskel finished his night 11-of-17 with 104 yards.
Singletary had a 66-yard run along with the trick-play catch, the first gains of 50-plus yards Marshall’s 24th-ranked defense had given up all season.
“That running back is unbelievable,” Yuracheck said.
Linebacker Azee Al-Shaair led FAU in tackles with 13.
FAU was also able to pressure Litton effectively getting a rare sack on Marshall’s top 10-ranked offensive line in sacks given up. Four quarterback hurries also contributed to Litton’s rough night.
The Owls won their fifth straight game, became bowl-eligible in Lane Kiffin’s debut season and ended an 0-4 run against the Herd.
“Obviously, exciting times for these players, for our university, all of our former players,” said Kiffin. “Any time you do something that hasn’t been done before, as far as beating Marshall for the first time ever, it’s about these players. It’s just been really exciting for me to work for them.”
— By Troy Alexander