Marshall turns turnovers into 36-23 win over Old Dominion

Four turnovers by Old Dominion cost the Monarchs the game Saturday in Norfolk. Marshall converted each mistake into points, finishing with a 36-23 victory. The Thundering Herd dominated time of possession despite being outgained on the day.

Jorge Diaz Nicholas kicked five field goals, a school record, to stabilize the scoring. He successfully converted attempts from 35, 30, 24, 40, and 24 yards. TJ Lester provided the explosive offense with two rushing touchdowns. The first came on a four-yard run up the middle after an early fumble recovery by Cannon Mu Lewis.

Marshall’s defense forced the pace. Kenyatt Hardge II sacked Old Dominion quarterback Jaxon Potter on the second play of the game. The Monarchs then gave up a 49-yard touchdown run by Lester on the following drive. Caleb Clark-Gloer, Daytione Smith, and Charles McCartherens each intercepted a Potter pass during the contest.

Marshall started five drives inside Old Dominion territory. The team held the ball for more than 10 minutes longer than their opponents. Despite this control, Marshall was outgained 409-336 in total yards. They converted only two of 14 third-down attempts.

The Thundering Herd’s three quarterbacks combined for 142 passing yards on 8 of 18 attempts. Judah Price ran for 82 yards while Lester added 76 on the ground. Old Dominion’s Jaxon Potter threw for 329 yards, and Josh Rodriguez caught nine passes for 143 yards. Maurki James rushed for two touchdowns, and Brandon Crutchfield returned an interception 44 yards for a score.

Marshall improves to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Sun Belt Conference. Old Dominion falls to 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference play. The Thundering Herd leads the series against ODU, 11-1. Marshall plays at Georgia Southern next Saturday. Old Dominion travels to Coastal Carolina in the same time slot.