HUNTINGTON, W. Va. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Ethan Payne contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns, while Braylon Braxton added another touchdown pass as Marshall claimed victory over Louisiana-Monroe with a final score of 28-23.

The game saw the Warhawks take a 14-14 tie into the fourth quarter, where Max Larson kicked a 29-yard field goal to give Louisiana-Monroe an early lead. However, Marshall quickly responded on their next possession. Braxton connected with Christian Fitzpatrick for a 33-yard touchdown after a swift two-play, 78-yard drive that took just 40 seconds, initiated by Jordan Houston’s impressive 45-yard rush to kickstart the series.

Both teams exchanged punts before the Thundering Herd orchestrated a successful six-play, 48-yard drive. This drive, which lasted three and a half minutes, concluded with Payne scoring from eight yards out, extending Marshall’s lead to 28-17 with just over three minutes left in the game.

The Warhawks fought back as Aiden Armenta connected a 26-yard touchdown pass to Artis Cole with just 1:48 remaining, showcasing his precision by completing all four of his passes for a total of 75 yards on that drive.

Despite the late push from Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall managed to recover the onside kick and successfully ran out the clock in four plays, securing their victory. Notably, Ahmad Hardy for ULM delivered a strong performance, rushing for 207 yards on 25 carries and scoring a touchdown of his own.