— By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall completed its November to remember on Saturday.
Khalan Laborn ran for two scores, the first an 83-yard dash late in the second period to jump start the Thundering Herd offense, Rasheen Ali got his first TD in almost a year, Cam Fancher continued his progress at quarterback and the defense recorded three straight sacks in a key fourth-quarter sequence to power Marshall past Georgia State, 28-23, in Sun Belt Conference play at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The Panthers scored on their opening drive of the game and of the second half and got a late fourth-quarter score to cut the deficit to 28-23 with 3:45 remaining.
Marshall would take the ensuing kickoff and run enough successful plays to run out the clock to make Senior Day a success, the Herd 4-0 in November and awaiting word on a bowl opponent a bit sweeter.
“The prettiest, ugliest win we’ve ever had,” Herd coach Charles Huff said. “Hats off to Georgia State. They came to play. They kept the game back and forth. Our guys found a way to win.”
Part of the problem might have been the emotions of Senior Day where 17,427 fans turned out to pay tribute to the 20 players in their last appearance at home.
“Not a good job at the start,” Huff said. “Emotionally confused. The second half we made plays. Cam managed the game at an elite level. It’s nice to see (No.) 22 (Ali) back. Laborn made a big play in the first half. The defense, the three big plays. You’ve got to battle. This is what happens when you battle.
“Told them at the beginning of the week this would be about a story you tell 20 years from now is going to be and or but. Either you played tough in the Joan the last time, great crowd, great weather and we won the game. Or played tough in the Joan, great crowd, great weather, but we lost. We do it together or not. Remember this day, this outcome. I’m glad they were able to pull it off.”
Ali totaled 102 yards rushing, Laborn 100 and Fancher 69. The southpaw completed 18-of-28 for 202 yards and two scores. The Herd (8-4 overall, 5-3 in the Sun Belt) amassed 486 total yards.
Huff continues to admire what Ali’s done since he got hurt in preseason and didn’t return to action until last week at Georgia Southern.
“He has to work on his touchdown savvy,” Huff said. “It’s been a while since he’s had that kind of success. He’s handled it. It’s a validation.”
The Panthers (4-8 overall, 3-5 Sun Belt) opened the day with a 55-yard pass from Darren Grainger to Kris Byrd wide open down the middle. Grainger then threw a 20-yarder to leading receiver Jamari Thraser and Tucker Gregg scored on a 3-yard run.
Marshall did move the ball at times, but Rece Verhoff missed field goals from 46 and 29 yards. The Panthers got a 26-yard field goal from Michael Hayes for 10-0 lead with 7:40 left in the second.
In need of a spark, Laborn, who came to the Herd from Florida State via the transfer portal, provided it with his 83-yard dash down the right sideline.
“A guy had the angle on me,” Laborn said. “Let me prepare a move. I’m not going to let another ankle tackle stop me. Kept my eye or the prize, the end zone.” His previous long run for a score was 78 yards against Gardner-Webb.
Fancher would later produce scrambles for 13 and 23 yards to set up the 5-yard toss to Ali for a 14-10 lead at the half.
“Loved it,” Herd defensive lineman said Koby Cumberlander of Ali’s TD.
“Great to see that,” Fancher said.
Grainger found Thrasher for a 12-yard TD early in the third period to take the lead 17-14.
The Herd would strike back quickly and Fancher connected on three straight passes – to tight end Devin Miller for 11 yards, Montgomery for 33 and Charles Montomery on a 32-yard TD strike and 21-17 lead.
Marshall’s defense then responded with successive sacks by Owen Porter, Eli Neal and Cumberlander to excite the Edwards Stadium crowd. After a punt, Eli sprinted for 33 yards on first down at the 6. It took four plays, but the Herd got it in when Laborn went over from a yard out on fourth down with 5:28 left in the game.
Georgia State would not go away. Grainger found Thrasher for 54 yards to the Herd 31. The Panthers would score on a 2-yard run by Marcus Carroll with 3:45 to play, but the try for two failed on an incomplete pass. The Herd then got possession and ran out the clock.
Cumberlander and Laborn put the events of the day in perspective. Laborn now has 1,472 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.
“Blessed to be here. I cherish Marshall. Best moments of my life here,” Cumberlander said. “A legacy is about what type of impact you made in football, community. Our style … attack, attack, attack. It keeps us going.”
“This meant a lot,” Laborn said. “I came here in January and showed what type of player I can be. Nice to finish on a high note. I’ve cherished every moment. Couldn’t let Senior Day be ruined.”
Huff talked about Fancher’s continued growth.
“Maturation,” Huff said. “It’s taken time at that position. He has a lot of growing to do.”
It appears the Herd as expanded its offensive playbook and Fancher is more than happy.
“More on my plate. It’s my job to handle it. Each game it slows down more and more. A dual threat the defense has to have an extra defender. Respect or trouble. That what we see. Give the receivers a chance to catch the ball.”
Grainger threw for 291 yards, but the Herd defense sacked him seven times and limited him to 16 yards on 19 carries. Thrasher caught nine passes for 155 yards.
Herd seniors introduced honored before the game were Zach Appio, Damion Barber, Jace Bobo, Joshua Bowers, Esaias Carpenter, Henry Colombi, Charlie Gray, J.T. Dukes, Jacob Kirkendoll, Laborn, Stacey Marshall Jr., Miller, Isaiah Norman, Cedrice Paillant, Stone Scarcelle, Anthony Watts, Micah Abraham, Steven Fauchex and Porter.