NDL: S31W10 - Louisiana Monroe (21) at Marshall (29)
ULM @ Marshall
Article By: The Marshall Thundering Herd hosted the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks in a thrilling NCAA matchup that saw Marshall come from behind to claim a 29-21 victory. The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with each team battling for control throughout the contest.
First Half:
The game started with both teams struggling to make a major impact in the opening quarter, with the score deadlocked at 0-0 after the first 15 minutes. However, Louisiana Monroe would break through in the second quarter, putting up 14 points thanks to a solid performance from quarterback Aidan Armenta and running back Ahmad Hardy. The Warhawks’ offensive attack was efficient, with Armenta passing for 236 yards and Hardy adding 66 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Marshall’s offense, led by quarterback Braylon Braxton, could not generate much offense early on. The Thundering Herd only managed 2 points in the second quarter, courtesy of a safety, leaving the halftime score at 14-2 in favor of Louisiana Monroe.
Second Half:
Coming out of the break, Marshall made adjustments and began to find their rhythm. Braxton’s passing game started clicking, and the Thundering Herd finally found their offensive footing, scoring 7 points in the third quarter. Braxton threw for 280 yards in the game, including two critical touchdowns, one to A.J. Turner and another to Tychaun Chapman.
In the fourth quarter, Marshall’s explosive offense came alive. The Thundering Herd scored a dominating 20 points in the final quarter, largely due to Turner’s explosive 107-yard performance, which included a spectacular 60-yard touchdown reception. Despite a solid effort from Louisiana Monroe, including a late touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Warhawks couldn’t recover from a series of mistakes.
Key Moments:
Louisiana Monroe’s defense, led by Carl Glass Jr., kept Marshall’s offense in check for most of the game but was ultimately undone by their own offensive miscues, including 4 interceptions thrown by Armenta.
Marshall's defense, particularly J.J. Roberts, was pivotal in forcing turnovers. The Herd’s secondary came up big, intercepting Armenta 3 times, including a critical pick in the final quarter that stifled any hopes of a Louisiana Monroe comeback.
Turnovers were the game’s turning point, as Louisiana Monroe’s 5 turnovers (including 4 interceptions) allowed Marshall to capitalize and eventually pull away. Marshall had a relatively cleaner performance with just 3 turnovers (all interceptions).
Offensive Highlights:
Louisiana Monroe’s offensive line gave Armenta enough time to throw for 236 yards, but the offense was hampered by turnovers.
On the ground, Ahmad Hardy was a bright spot for Louisiana Monroe, carrying for 66 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns.
Marshall’s A.J. Turner was a standout performer, finishing with 107 receiving yards and a key touchdown. Braxton’s 280 passing yards were crucial in Marshall’s comeback.
Defensive Highlights:
Louisiana Monroe had some bright spots defensively, including Carl Glass Jr. who recorded 5 tackles and a sack. However, they struggled to contain Marshall in the second half.
On Marshall’s side, J.J. Roberts led the defense with 8 tackles and 2 passes defended. Marshall’s secondary was particularly effective, making several key interceptions, which ultimately allowed the Herd to secure the win.
Conclusion:
In a game full of momentum swings, the Marshall Thundering Herd capitalized on Louisiana Monroe’s mistakes and surged in the second half to claim a 29-21 victory. Despite Louisiana Monroe’s strong start, including impressive plays from Hardy and Armenta, their turnovers proved too costly. Marshall’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, and their 4th-quarter explosion sealed the win, moving them to a hard-fought victory on the road.