Marshall Fall Short At NC State, Lose First Game Of 2023

The Marshall Thundering Herd are no longer one of college football's remaining unbeaten teams. Marshall lost Saturday's road contest with NC State by a score

© Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Marshall Thundering Herd are no longer one of college football's remaining unbeaten teams. 

Marshall lost Saturday's road contest with NC State by a score of 48-41. It was Marshall's third result in a row that was decided by a touchdown or less.

Charles Huff and company took a 24-21 into the half, but ran into issues defending longer plays in the second half. NC State had three plays of at least 37 yards in the third quarter alone. Four different NC State players gained at least 37 yards on a single play in this contest.

The Herd defense did intercept NC State quarterback MJ Morris three times, but also allowed three touchdowns.

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Sophomore quarterback Cam Fancher finished with 29 completions on 51 attempts, the highest pass count of his career. Marshall ran 90 total plays before the final whistle. Fancher threw two touchdowns and an interception in this contest in addition to rushing for two touchdowns.

The Herd battled back to put overtime within reach with under a minute left, but could not get past their own 11-yard line.

As a team, Marshall's rushing output was their lowest of the season with 104 yards. Running back Rasheen Ali was the team's leading rusher with 63 yards. 

The Herd will look to rebound when they face Georgia State on October 15 in Atlanta on ESPN2.