HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Eastern Kentucky University’s football team lost 59-0 at Marshall University on Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The Thundering Herd (1-0) scored 21 first quarter points to grab a big early lead. Xavier Gaines got it started with a 22-yard touchdown catch from Grant Wells. A 21-yard pass from Wells to Talik Keaton with 2:01 to play in the first put the home team in front 21-0. Jaron Woodyard hauled in a 42-yard touchdown pass with 3:07 left in the second quarter to make it a 38-0 lead at the break.
Parker McKinney started at quarterback for Eastern and completed 7-of-10 passes for 71 yards. Quentin Pringle had 39 rushing yards on six carries, including a 23-yard gainer. Keyion Dixon caught three passes for 34 yards.
Wells finished 16-of-23 for 307 yards with four touchdowns for Marshall. Thundering Herd running back Brenden Knox rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown.
Matthew Jackson had a game-best 12 tackles for Eastern Kentucky. Fellow linebacker Eli Hairston had 10. Freshman Jaylen Herrud recorded his first career sack. Newcomer Darrian Baker also had a sack.
The Colonels will be back in action next Saturday when they play at West Virginia University. The game will air live on FS1 and begin at 12 p.m. ET.
