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The Marshall Thundering Herd should come into this matchup well-rested after a week off from action. Their homestand continues as they prepare to take on the UAB Blazers at 7 p.m. ET Dec. 18 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The Thundering Herd have a defense that allows only 11.38 points per game, so UAB's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Marshall ended up a good deal behind the Rice Owls when they played two weeks ago, losing 20 to nothing. What made the loss an especially bitter pill for Marshall to swallow was that they had been favored by 24.5 points coming into the game. QB Grant Wells had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: besides failing to produce a single touchdown, he threw five interceptions with only 165 yards passing.
Meanwhile, UAB didn't have too much breathing room in their contest with Rice this past Saturday, but they still walked away with a 21-16 victory. UAB QB Tyler Johnston III was slinging it as he passed for two TDs and 217 yards on 18 attempts in addition to picking up 41 yards on the ground. Johnston III's 63-yard touchdown toss to WR Myron Mitchell in the third quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the afternoon.
The Blazers' defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Owls' offensive line to sack the QB five times total. Leading the way was LB Jordan Smith and his 2.5 sacks. Smith now has 4.5 sacks this season.
UAB's win lifted them to 5-3 while Marshall's defeat dropped them down to 7-1. Giving up five turnovers, the Thundering Herd had had trouble holding onto the ball. We'll see if UAB can exploit that vulnerability.
