The Marshall football team nearly pulled off a second upset of a
top-10 opponent in as many years Saturday, but fell short against No. 9 Ohio State, 24-21.
The Thundering Herd was in position to take a three-point lead against the Buckeyes with less than three minutes remaining, but Marshall kicker Ian O'Connor failed to convert a 35-yard field goal.
Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent won the game by kicking a 55-yard field goal with just 17 seconds remaining. The field goal was the longest in Ohio Stadium since 1922.
The loss drops Marshall to 0-2 on the young season, a record unexpected in Huntington.
Despite losses against Troy State (2-0) and Ohio State (2-0), Marshall still has a legitimate shot at the postseason, at least within the Mid-American Conference. Seven of the conference's 14 teams own identical 0-2 records, and no MAC team is better than 1-1.
During its most recent loss, quarterback Stan Hill led Marshall with 140 yards and one touchdown on 22-of-34 passing, while true freshman running back Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 77 yards.
Marshall's road to its first victory gets no easier next week when the team travels to play the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.
Toledo's woes continue
During the college football preseason, Toledo was the MAC's best hope for a top-25 ranking and a possible BCS bowl game. That is, at least, what national media said.
After two weeks, the Rockets have done everything to prove those prognosticators wrong. Toledo has allowed 126 points during its first two games, losses to Kansas and No. 22 Minnesota.
Toledo found itself in quick holes in both games. After one half, the Rockets trailed Minnesota 42-7 and Kansas 49-7. Toledo allowed 63 points in both games.
Big teams, big trouble
MAC teams hold a meager 7-24 record after three weeks of play,
but are even worse against nationally-ranked opponents. After four more losses last week against top-25 teams, the MAC is now 0-10 in such games.
By this point last season, MAC teams were already 2-3 against nationally ranked opponents, en route to five upset wins.
Big Ben, part two
Though he will not soon be forgotten in Oxford, the loss of former Miami quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might be eased some by the RedHawks' latest signal caller, Josh Betts.
During Miami's 45-26 loss to Cincinnati Saturday, Betts completed 26 of 43 passes for 416 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Betts has already thrown for 831 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions in Miami's first three games this season.
At this point last season, Roethlisberger had thrown for 933 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. Roethlisberger did not take a snap during his NFL debut Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Matt LaWell
