Marshall defeats FAU 36-31 behind a game-winning touchdown

Since becoming conference mates, Marshall and FAU has always been a chippy game. While not recognized as a rivalry by either a school, there’s no doubt that both teams play with a lot more urgency when they square off and Friday night was no different.

The game featured all of the unsportsmanlike penalties and personal fouls, and it was Marshall who once again, came out on top over FAU with a come from behind 36-31 victory. Brenden Knox had a terrific game, as his 17 yard touchdown run turned out to be the game-winning score. Knox finished the game with 220 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Knox averaged a whopping 9.6 yards per carry as he ran over FAU defenders throughout the night.

A few minutes prior, it looked like FAU was going to extend their winning streak to five games on a game-winning touchdown drive of their own. After being harassed to the tune of being sacked seven times, Chris Robison engineered a 69-yard touchdown drive in seven-plays to give FAU a 31-30 lead with less than four minutes left in the game.

On the game winning TD drive, Robison was 3-of-5 for 77 yards. His last pass to Deangelo Antoine was a beauty as the 35 yard gain put FAU inside the five yard line. Malcolm Davidson would punch it in on the next play from two yards.

Unfortunately for the Owls, Chris Robison’s potential game-winning TD drive was not meant to be. With 31 seconds left in the game, Robison was picked off by Steven Gilmore, ending the game for good.

Robison played valiantly as he was constantly under pressure throughout the game. Robison passed for 362 yards with a career high 2 rushing touchdowns.

The loss pushes FAU to 4-3 and 2-1 in conference play. Marshall picks up a pivotal road win as the Herd is now also 4-3, 2-1. Both teams trail WKU, who sits atop C-USA East with a 3-0 record.