App State Edges Out Marshall in Thrilling Contest: App State 26, Marshall 24
Recap of Marshall vs App State (24-26). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
App State Edges Out Marshall in Thrilling Contest: App State 26, Marshall 24
In a hard-fought regular-season battle, App State emerged victorious against Marshall with a final score of 26-24. The game was a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. App State's resilience ultimately proved to be the difference.
Key Individual Performances
The game featured several standout individual performances. For App State, Jaquari Lewis was a workhorse, carrying the ball 33 times for an impressive 175 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback J.J. Kohl completed 19 of 27 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown, helping to orchestrate the Mountaineers' offensive efforts. David Larkins led App State's receiving corps with 27 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Kyle Arnholt and DJ Burks each recorded nine tackles for App State, while Colton Phares added eight tackles.
Marshall's offense was led by Demarcus Lacey, who amassed 134 receiving yards on 12 receptions. Joshon Barbie had a strong showing on the ground, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson threw for 146 yards on 13 of 21 passing. Defensively, Jayland Parker was a force, leading the team with 15 tackles and two sacks. Cameron Smith and Daytione Smith each contributed 10 tackles.
Turning Points
Several key plays swung the momentum throughout the game. In the 1st quarter, a costly penalty for intentional grounding on App State quarterback J.J. Kohl, resulting in a 14-yard loss, led to a turnover on downs, hindering their early offensive drive. In the 1st quarter, App State's defense blocked a 28-yard field goal attempt from Marshall's L. Quinn, keeping the score close.
In the 2nd quarter, a 38-yard completion from Carlos Del Rio-Wilson to Demarcus Lacey put Marshall deep into App State territory, setting up a scoring opportunity. A 32-yard field goal by D. De Freitas in the 1st quarter helped Marshall get on the scoreboard.
The 3rd quarter saw both teams exchanging blows. Marshall's X. Turner-Bradshaw returned a kickoff 29 yards, giving the Thundering Herd great field position. Later in the 3rd quarter, L. Quinn was successful on a 25-yard field goal for Marshall.
In the 4th quarter, Marshall's defense, led by Jayland Parker, sacked J.J. Kohl for a 10-yard loss, resulting in a turnover on downs. App State's quarterback J.J. Kohl knelt down three times in the 4th quarter, losing a combined 24 yards, which helped Marshall try to mount a comeback. Ultimately, App State's ability to maintain composure during crucial moments proved to be decisive.
Looking Ahead
Both App State and Marshall will look to build on their performances as they prepare for their next opponents. App State will want to focus on minimizing penalties and turnovers, while Marshall will aim to capitalize on their passing game more effectively. The game showcased the competitive nature of college football, and both teams will undoubtedly be eager to refine their strategies and continue their pursuit of victory in the upcoming weeks.