Marshall Sneaks Past Western Kentucky 26-23

If there’s one rivalry in C-USA that seems to provide constant entertainment, it’s WKU and Marshall. Saturday’s 2019 chapter of the Moonshine Throwdown was no exception.

Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser hit a 53-yarder as time expired to get the victory.

The Herd got off to a 17-0 lead in the first half thanks to a touchdown pass and a touchdown run from Isaiah Green followed by a field goal from Rohrwasser. At that point, WKU would get their first score with the first of two rushing TDs by Gaej Walker. Walker would finish the day with 102 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries.

Rohrwasser added another field goal from 31 yards before the end of the half and a 43-yarder about midway through the third quarter.

Photo by Steve Roberts/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

WKU would then score 16 straight points to tie the game up about halfway through the fourth quarter. Marshall began their game-winning drive with about 1:21 remaining in the fourth.

This result obviously makes the C-USA East divisional race all he more exciting. The Tops are still in first place having played one more conference game and thus have one more conference win, with Marshall in second.

WKU turned the ball over three times, including an interception and a lost fumble by Ty Storey and an interception on a pass attempt by Jacquez Sloan. The Hilltopper defense forced no turnovers. This likely played into why the Tops didn’t come out on top despite gaining more total yards than the Herd.

While defense was important for both teams, it was special teams that ended up making the biggest difference. Rohrwasser was 4/4 on field goals and 2/2 on extra points. WKU’s Cory Munson missed a field goal and an extra point on the day. Those four points would have won them the game.

For Marshall, Isaiah Green’s development continues to show as he wrapped the game with his best completion percentage of the season at 64.5%. Brenden Knox turned in a decent day as well with 84 rushing yards of his team’s 171.

The Hilltoppers next return home to face FAU on Saturday, November 2nd. Marshall head to Rice that same day.