After losing the last three games against Power 5 opponents, the Blue Raiders opened up conference play against Marshall.
Hard hitting safety Jovante Moffatt made the first big play of the game intercepting a pass from Marshall quarterback Isaiah Green. The Blue Raider offense was able to capitalize with a touchdown run by Chatton Mobley.
The Marshall Thundering Herd quickly responded on a dazzling 75-yard catch and run by Armani Levias.
O'Hara and the Blue Raiders answered with a 10 play 72-yard drive that led to a field goal, extending the lead to 10-7 going into the 2nd quarter.
Marshall executed a 5 minute drive that ended in a field goal tying the game at 10 with 10:45 remaining in the 2nd.
After a missed field goal by the Blue Raiders and a punt by Marshall, O'Hara added another touchdown on a 4-yard scamper to take the 17-10 lead with 3:42 remaining in the half.
The Thundering Herd added three more points after an officiating mishap at the end of the 1st half .
The Blue Raider offense opened the 2nd half with punt, but the defense backed them up; forcing a turnover on downs at the 7 yard line. Even after a series of big plays that saw both teams execute 40+ yard pass plays, the scored remained 17-13 at the end of three.
The only score in the fourth quarter for either team came by way of a screen pass to the speedster Zach Dobson extending the Blue Raider lead 24-13. This proved to be enough as
the defense closed out the game in dominating fashion forcing a turnover on downs, and intercepting two more passes.
The star of the game was Jovante Moffatt who proved to be an absolute force, racking up 14 tackles and intercepting two passes.
Up Next for the Blue Raiders is Conference USA foe Florida Atlantic led by Lane Kiffin.
Jimmie Covington, Reporter