News Summary
The Marshall University football team secured a 48-24 victory against Old Dominion, marking Tony Gibson’s first win in the Sun Belt Conference as head coach. With this victory, Marshall improved their record to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The game showcased standout performances from players like quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and defensive back Boogie Trotter, who helped the team force five turnovers. Marshall’s solid defensive strategy played a critical role in limiting Old Dominion’s scoring opportunities, setting the stage for their next challenge against Texas State.
Huntington, West Virginia – The Marshall University football team secured a decisive victory against Old Dominion, triumphing 48-24 on October 11, 2025, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. This win marks Tony Gibson’s first victory in the Sun Belt Conference as head coach of Marshall.
This victory improved Marshall’s overall record to 3-3 and their conference record to 1-1. In contrast, Old Dominion, which had entered the game with a 4-2 record, was recognized for its high-powered offense that had averaged an impressive 498.4 yards per game, ranking them 10th in Division I FBS.
During the game, Old Dominion amassed 439 total yards but faced significant challenges in converting these yards into points. Marshall took control early, building a robust lead which extended to 38 points before Old Dominion managed to score two late touchdowns, described by their coach as “garbage-time” scores.
Key Players and Performance
Marshall’s starting quarterback, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, had a standout performance, throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, accumulating 95 rushing yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Floyd Lacey contributed significantly with eight receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side, Marshall excelled by forcing five turnovers, including three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Defensive back Boogie Trotter scored a touchdown on a 22-yard interception return, further contributing to the team’s success with a key forced fumble leading to another touchdown. Additionally, Zane Porter made significant contributions with two fumble recoveries from Old Dominion’s muffed punts, which also led to points for Marshall.
Defensive Strategy
Marshall’s defense put on a remarkable display, demonstrating resilience with two goal-line stands against Old Dominion, preventing the Monarchs from scoring on critical plays. Old Dominion, known for their strong offensive performance with a 17 for 22 red-zone conversion rate, struggled to find the end zone against Marshall’s defense, converting just 2 of 4 attempts.
Coaching Insights
Coach Tony Gibson emphasized the necessity of trust in the team and game management. He made tactical decisions, including taking over defensive play-calling, which he believed was vital for enhancing the team’s chance of winning. This strategy evidently paid off, as evidenced by the team’s strong performance.
Looking Ahead
Marshall’s next challenge will come against Texas State on October 21, 2025, while Old Dominion will prepare to face James Madison on the same date. The outcomes of these matches will further influence both teams’ standings in the Sun Belt Conference and their overall season ambitions.
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Additional Resources
- HerdZone: Marshall Football Hosts ODU in SBC Home Opener
- Wikipedia: Marshall University
- WVGazette-Mail: Herd Dominant in Rout of Old Dominion
- Google Search: Marshall University Football
- Herald-Dispatch: Herd’s Open Week Gave Mental Reset
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- WCHS TV: Marshall Football Players Help Fill Huntington Potholes
- Google News: Marshall Football
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