HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A.J. Turner showcased an impressive performance, rushing for 177 yards and scoring three touchdowns, including an electrifying 88-yard dash that sealed the game with under two minutes left. His contributions also included a 30-yard touchdown catch just before halftime, powering Marshall to a 35-20 victory over Georgia State on Thursday night.

Turner opened the scoring with a 2-yard rush, and soon after, Toby Payne executed a fake PAT to convert a 2-point attempt, putting Marshall ahead 8-0 just shy of the three-minute mark in the first quarter. Kicker Rece Verhoff then added a 47-yard field goal before Turner extended the lead further with a 23-yard rushing touchdown on the opening play of the second quarter, pushing the score to 18-0.

Georgia State’s Zach Gibson connected on two touchdown passes—one for 13 yards in the second quarter and another for 3 yards to Michel Dukes with about six minutes left in the third quarter. Following this, Liam Rickman hit a 20-yard field goal that brought Georgia State within striking distance, making the score 25-20 with just under 15 minutes remaining in the game.

Verhoff countered with a long 49-yard field goal about five minutes later, adding to Marshall’s tally. Gibson completed the game with a 19-of-32 passing performance for 192 yards, while Dukes recorded seven receptions for 66 yards and also contributed 41 rushing yards for the Panthers. Meanwhile, Freddie Brock led Georgia State’s ground game with 124 rushing yards on 18 carries, showcasing a solid individual effort.

Overall, the match highlighted notable performances from both teams, but it was Marshall’s early lead and strategic plays that ultimately paved the way for their victory.