West Virginia 24, Marshall 21: WVU Mounts Incredible Comeback To Break The Herd’s Hearts

What No. 23 West Virginia did to Marshall on Friday night has to go down as one of the most unlikely comebacks in recent memory.

The Mountaineers won, 24-21 in overtime, but consider this: with under nine minutes left in the game, Marshall, a sizeable underdog that has never beaten West Virginia in the 99-year history of the rivalry, had the ball at West Virginia’s six yard line.

Marshall coach Doc Holliday opted to give the ball to true freshman Tron Martinez, who coughed up the ball. West Virginia then set to work on a 96-yard drive that ended with a touchdown.

With the score 21-13 and 3:09 left on the clock, Marshall punted and managed to stick the ball at the Mountaineers’ two yard line. And once again, WVU mounted a staggeringly long drive that ended with a touchdown. A two-point conversion sent the teams to overtime.

West Virginia opened overtime with a field goal to lead, 24-21. Marshall then received possession, and a botched backfield play sent the Thundering Herd back eight yards. On fourth down, Marshall sent its kicker, Tyler Warner, in to attempt a 39-yard field goal. Warner had only three successful field goals to his name in his college career, and his kick sailed just wide to the right.

Plenty of discussion is sure to follow. Check out the rest of this StoryStream to read about the game as it happened. And to join the celebration with Mountaineers fans, check out our West Virginia blog, The Smoking Musket.