The Western Michigan football team lost a close game against Marshall, falling 27-…. SEE MORE….
at Marshall
Next Game:**
at Ball State University
10/5/2024 | TBD
Full Schedule
Roster
HUNTINGTON, W.V. – The Western Michigan football team lost a close game against Marshall, falling 27-20 on Saturday.
The Broncos (1-3, 0-0 MAC) were down 17-3 at halftime but opened the third quarter with an impressive drive, culminating in a touchdown. On third and six in Marshall territory, Jaden Nixon burst through the middle and sprinted 36 yards to score, narrowing the gap to 17-10. The drive consisted of eight plays and 75 yards, all on the ground, shared between Nixon and Zahir Abdus-Salaam.
Solid Marshall stood their ground
Marshall answered back with a 12-play, 58-yard drive that ended in a field goal, extending their lead to 20-10. The Broncos retaliated with another touchdown, starting with an eight-yard pass from Hayden Wolff to Blake Bosma. After a strong run by Abdus-Salaam, Wolff evaded a sack and connected with Womack for a 22-yard gain. Nixon then ran the ball to the Marshall 3-yard line, and Wolff found Bosma wide open in the end zone, closing the gap to 20-17 as the third quarter ended.
To kick off the fourth quarter, Marshall was forced to punt. Following a 27-yard return by Bugs Mortimer, Luka Zurak hit his second 45-yard field goal of the game, tying the score at 20-20.
On the next drive, Thundering Herd quarterback Stone Earle was hit and fumbled, allowing Jayden Childers to recover for the Broncos at the MU 41. However, after advancing further into Marshall territory, Wolff fumbled on third and ten, giving the ball back to Marshall on their 30.
Nerve cracking game
Just three plays later, Earle connected with Christian Fitzpatrick for a 34-yard touchdown, restoring Marshall’s lead at 27-20.
The Broncos had 7:39 left on the clock and methodically moved down the field, reaching the Marshall 5-yard line. Nixon was tackled for a loss on third and one, making it fourth and three with 36 seconds remaining. Wolff’s pass attempt to Malique Dieudonne in the end zone was too high, resulting in a turnover on downs, and Marshall took a knee to end the game.
Nixon led all rushers with 146 yards, marking his second career 100-yard game and his second in a row this season. Wolff completed 15 of 29 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, while Womack caught six passes for 43 yards. Both Sambucci and Bosma had four receptions, with Sambucci recording a team-high 56 yards.
Defensively, Bilahl Kone and Aaron Wofford each had nine tackles, while Armani Adams contributed the team’s only sack. Damari Roberson added seven tackles and two pass breakups.
The Broncos will hit the road again next Saturday to begin Mid-American Conference play against Ball State at 2 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and broadcast on the Bronco Radio Network.
