Written by Joe Klawe
A strong fourth quarter Marshall defense held UConn to 16-10 through Saturday’s St. Petersburg bowl, never ceding a lead to the Huskies.
The Thundering Herd opened strong with Chase Litton’s first quarter touchdown pass to tight end Ryan Yurachek from 16 yards out, later followed by UConn’s Ron Johnson and his rush to the end zone to make it 7-7.
Through halftime, Marshall made the most of two offensive drives with field goals on both – 21 yards and 29 yards, respectively – from Nick Smith at 6:19 left the quarter and another a minute later at 4:57 before the end of the second. The Huskies were unable to respond until the third quarter arrived with a last second opportunity for a field goal from Bobby Puyol from 52 yards out. Puyol’s new St. Petersburg bowl record for farthest field goal made earned the kicker game MVP honors.
The end of the third quarter granted UConn an interception to take possession although could not capitalize on the turnover, leaving the score at 13-10 in favor of the Herd.
Fourth quarter defense from Marshall pressured the the trailing team into an unsuccessful field goal. Hopes to tie the game, or for the Huskies lead, renewed when Smith put up an attempt to far right for a no-goal. UConn went at it again, this time to give the Herd a chance at closing the game after an interception, and Marshall defended their drive by seizing the remaining score opportunities.
A final field goal by Smith made it 16-10 in the fourth. UConn maintained possession for six minutes but could not push their plays past midfield.
Thundering Herd head coach Doc Marshall led the team to its second St. Petersburg victory and third straight season with at least ten wins following Saturday’s win.
The Thundering Herd opened strong with Chase Litton’s first quarter touchdown pass to tight end Ryan Yurachek from 16 yards out, later followed by UConn’s Ron Johnson and his rush to the end zone to make it 7-7.
Through halftime, Marshall made the most of two offensive drives with field goals on both – 21 yards and 29 yards, respectively – from Nick Smith at 6:19 left the quarter and another a minute later at 4:57 before the end of the second. The Huskies were unable to respond until the third quarter arrived with a last second opportunity for a field goal from Bobby Puyol from 52 yards out. Puyol’s new St. Petersburg bowl record for farthest field goal made earned the kicker game MVP honors.
The end of the third quarter granted UConn an interception to take possession although could not capitalize on the turnover, leaving the score at 13-10 in favor of the Herd.
Fourth quarter defense from Marshall pressured the the trailing team into an unsuccessful field goal. Hopes to tie the game, or for the Huskies lead, renewed when Smith put up an attempt to far right for a no-goal. UConn went at it again, this time to give the Herd a chance at closing the game after an interception, and Marshall defended their drive by seizing the remaining score opportunities.
A final field goal by Smith made it 16-10 in the fourth. UConn maintained possession for six minutes but could not push their plays past midfield.
Thundering Herd head coach Doc Marshall led the team to its second St. Petersburg victory and third straight season with at least ten wins following Saturday’s win.