WV holds off in-state rival Marshall
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by Behbigben15
College Football's number 3 team in the Nation had some trouble in the first half of today's game against their state rival Marshall. WV won the game 48-23, but in the first half it looked like we may witness another upset. W. Virginia's two heisman hopefuls, QB Pat White, and RB Steve Slaton were pounded on by the Thundering Herd's defense. Slaton was held to just 2 first-half rushing yards, and Pat White was contained as well, as both were gang-tackled by the Marshall defense. But, as expected, Marshall was eventually worn down by the explosive WV offense. WV started off the second-half with three TD's in their first three possessions of the second-half, and regained the momentum after gaining just 118 total yards in the first half. Slaton broke out with 144 rushing yards and 2 TD's in the second half, for a total of 146 rushing yards and 2 TD's in the game.
Marshall QB Bernard Morris, a big (6'4) QB who has a strong arm, yet he can also take the ball himself if he has to, led Marshall to a first-half lead. He looked sharp in the first half, Marshall had the lead twice in the first half. Morris finished the game 19 for 29, for 256 yards and 2 TD's. There was very few mistakes for both teams, Marshall had 1 turnover and 5 penalties, while WV had no turnovers and just 2 penalties. West Virginia's offense is in my opinion the best in the Nation, at least the most explosive. They could run the option every play and still run all over nearly every defense.
If you play mistake-free football, then your going to most likely win the game, I was worried about WV early on, but WV pulled out of Marshall with a close, yet not so close win. Look for WV's two heisman hopefuls to continue to run all over every defense they face. WV will travel to Maryland (my home state) next week, the 13th, and will most likely leaving MD 3-0. MD's defense doesn't stand a chance against this offense.
WV Game Stats
Total yards- 511
Passing yards- 149
Rushing yards- 362
3rd down- 4 for 11
TO- 0
Poss- 31:59
Individual Stats
Pat White- 13 for 18, 149 Passing yards, 2 TD, 18 Rushing ATT, 125 Yards, 1 TD
Steve Slaton- 24 ATT, 146 Yards, 2 TD
Noel Devine- 5 ATT, 76 yards, 2 TD
Darius Reynaud- 8 Rec, 126 Rec. yards, 2 TD
WV had a total of 52 Rushing attempts.
SCORE ALERT:
- Oregon 32, Michigan 7- Half Time
