Sept. 27, 2008

Final Stats

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia University's defense stifled the Marshall offense Saturday in the Third Annual Friends of Coal Bowl, limiting the Thundering Herd to just 158 yards and one field goal in a 27-3 victory as Marshall slipped to a record of 3-1 (2-0, C-USA).

After combining for a spectacular offensive performance against Sothern Miss last week, Marshall's three primary offensive threats were highly limited against WVU. Darius Marshall finished the day with 45 yards on 16 carries. Darius Passmore was held under 100-yards receiving for the first time this season with just 39. Cody Slate finished the day with 40 receiving yards on three catches. Freshman Mark Cann was 15-of-36 passing for 119 yards and threw an interception.

Darius Marshall did have an outstanding day on special teams with 203 yards on four kickoff returns, including runs of 75 and 64 yards. Defensively, redshirt freshman DeQuan Bembry led the way with eight tackles and an interception.

The Mountaineers were led by senior quarterback Pat White who passed for 130 yards and ran for an additional 61. Noel Devine was WVU's leading rusher with 125 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Jock Sanders had 60 yards receiving on eight catches and also scored a touchdown.

White led the Mountaineers on a systematic opening drive, spreading the ball around to multiple wideouts with a quick passing attack. Devine scooted around the right end for a four-yard touchdown run to cap the nine-play, 76-yard drive and give the WVU the lead 7-0.

Marshall looked to be stopped for three-and-out on its opening possession, but WVU's Ellis Lankster fumbled the punt setting up the Herd with a first-and-goal on the six yardline.

On first down Cann, completed a pass to tight end Lee Smith for an apparent touchdown, but the play was negated by a holding penalty. Marshall was forced to settle for a 34-yard Tyler Warner field goal.

With 10:54 remaining in the half, Marshall took over at its own 15 and mounted a 16-play, 58-yard march. The Herd was threatening to score and attempted a fake field goal at the WVU 13-yardline. However, the snap went over the head of holder Emmanuel Spann, ending the drive.

WVU took over at its own 28 and moved down the field quickly, scoring on a 21-yard strike from White to Dorrell Jalloh to move ahead 14-3 at the end of the half.

Marshall fumbled on its opening possession of the third quarter, setting up the Mountaineers with excellent field position. Devine ripped off a 36-yard run and White capped the possession with a four-yard scoring pass to Sanders.

Darius Marshall put the Herd in position to score with his 75-yard return. However, Marshall continued to hurt itself with a pair of penalties that moved it back the 45-yardline. On second down, Cann dropped back to pass and was stripped by WVU's Doug Slavonic. Fortunately, the Herd got the ball back almost immediately as Bembry recorded his first career interception.

Mountaineer kicker Pat McAfee booted kicks of 36 and 39 yards respectively to give WVU the final 27-3 total.

The Thundering Herd will return home to the friendly confines of Joan C. Edwards Stadium next week for a Friday night game against Cincinnati. The game is set for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff on ESPN. Fans are encouraged to wear white and the first 7500 to enter the stadium will receive free white tee-shirts.