Topic: HerdZone: Marshall Defense Stuffs ECU for 26-7 Victory

[ZackUSAF82]

HUNTINGTON - Led by an outstanding defensive performance the Marshall football team produced a dominant effort Saturday night, beating East Carolina 26-7 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Bernard Morris became the first quarterback in Marshall history to rush for 1000 yards in a career as he registered 364 yards of total offense. On the day, Morris was 24 of 32 passing for 238 yards and two touchdowns, and he had 126 yards rushing with another score on the ground. The senior connected with a trio of primary receivers. Cody Slate, E.J. Wynn and Emmanuel Spann combined 15 catches, 163 yards and two touchdowns.

ECU came in averaging 32 points-per-game but was hampered all night by the Thundering Herd defense, which limited the Pirates to just 276 yards. Marshall shut down the ECU running game, holding one of Conference USA's top rushing attacks to just 108 yards. ECU running back Chris Johnson had to just 72 yards on 12 carries. Patrick Pinkney led the Pirates passing attack with 109 yards through the air.

Marshall dominated the time of possession in the first half, controlling the ball for 21:12 minutes of the first 30 minutes. The Pirate offense was able to get nothing going early as the Herd pitched its second first half shut out of season.

After receiving the opening kickoff Marshall took the lead on its first drive. Morris led the Herd on a 16-play march that took 8:36 off the clock and ended with a 34-yard Anthony Binswanger field goal.

The Herd moved the ball into ECU territory twice in its next three drives but was turned away on both occasions. Marshall finally able to break into the end zone just as the first half was winding down.

Link: http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111007aaa.html