Western Kentucky went for two in overtime to beat Marshall 67-66. Western Kentucky pretty much controlled the game for all four quarters, leading 49-42 at the half.
Western Kentucky got off to a quick start scoring twice in the first four minutes of the game, to get out to an early 14-0 lead. Both touchdowns were on passes from senior quarterback Brandon Doughty, who’s draft stock might have skyrocketed this season. Doughty finished the season with 36 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions, throwing for 3,853 yards. Marshall would respond with a touchdown to cut the lead to seven. On the next offensive play for Western Kentucky, Doughty threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Taywan Taylor to give the Hilltoppers a 21-7 lead. The game was back and forth after that with one team scoring in the next one responding with points of their own.
The game will go down as the Conference USA game of the year, but I think that the conference would have benefited more from a Marshall win. I hope the Thundering Herd get a good bowl game because I would love to see them against tough competition.
Marshall’s quarterback Rakeem Cato played his worse game of the season, throwing four interceptions. He did threw for 417 yards and seven touchdowns, but the interceptions is what cost his team the game. Junior running back Steward Butler had a big game running for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Marshall also had two receivers with over 130 yards receiving. Davonte Allen had 141 yards and two touchdowns, while Tommy Shuler had 132 yards and a touchdown.
Western Kentucky’s quarterback Brandon Doughty had the game of his life, throwing for 491 yards and eight touchdowns. It took every single one of those passes to beat the Conference USA powerhouse. Junior running back Leon Allen had 237 yards rushing and a touchdown. Western Kentucky had two receivers with over 100 yards receiving. Taiwan Taylor had 122 yards and a touchdown, while Jared Dangerfield had 117 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Higbee had a great game too, catching six passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns.
The two teams combined for 1,446 total yards, 933 passing yards, 513 rushing yards, 74 first downs, 64 completions, 71 rushing attempts, and 133 points.
Marshall lost their chance to play in a big time bowl game. They will play the winner of the Louisiana Tech vs Rice game next week in the conference championship game.
Just like that, Western Kentucky leads undefeated Marshall, 14-0! @drpepper #oneofakindplays http://t.co/4vup6FAmWB
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 28, 2014
What a throw and catch! Western Kentucky leads undefeated Marshall. @drpepper #oneofakindplays http://t.co/SYGcz1Qct2
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 28, 2014
Are you not entertained?!! Western Kentucky and #24 Marshall in a SHOOTOUT. @drpepper #oneofakindplays http://t.co/MoYE9LMPQZ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 28, 2014
Are you kidding? ANOTHER Touchdown. @drpepper #oneofakindplays http://t.co/E61BHYvk5q
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 28, 2014
