It started with a hush that you rarely hear in Columbus. 103,871 people usually make a lot of noise, but when Ethan Payne plunged into the end zone from one yard out to put the Thundering Herd up 7-0 early, the Horseshoe went dead silent. Honestly, most people expected a typical Power Four steamrolling from the jump. Instead, they got a scrappy Marshall team that decided to punch the bully in the mouth for the first thirteen plays of the game.
That’s the thing about Marshall vs Ohio State football. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. In reality, it’s a game of "what ifs" and explosive talent that usually ends in a Buckeyes win, but rarely without some bruises along the way.
What Really Happened in the 2024 Matchup
The final score was 49-14 in favor of Ohio State. If you just look at the box score, you’d think Marshall got walked. But look closer. Marshall actually held the ball for over 36 minutes. That is an insane amount of time for a Sun Belt team to keep a top-three Ohio State offense off the field. Stone Earle, the Herd's quarterback, was incredibly efficient early on, hitting short passes and using his legs to keep the chains moving.
But then, the talent gap just sort of... erupted.
Ohio State didn't need long drives. They didn't need to grind. They just needed space. Emeka Egbuka took a short pass 68 yards to the house to tie it up almost immediately. Then Quinshon Judkins decided to remind everyone why he’s a Heisman-caliber back, ripping off an 86-yard touchdown run that is now the third-longest rushing play in Ohio State history.
The Turning Point Nobody Talks About
There was this moment in the second quarter that could have changed everything. Ohio State led 14-7 and they muffed a punt. Marshall recovered it inside the 10-yard line. For a second, it looked like we were headed for a tied game or at least a 14-10 nail-biter.
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Then came the flag.
Illegal formation on the punt team. The recovery was wiped out. Instead of Marshall having the ball at the doorstep, Ohio State got to keep it, and they scored two plays later. That’s a 14-point swing right there. Basically, if you’re playing the Buckeyes, you have to be perfect. Marshall was good, but they weren't perfect.
The History of Marshall vs Ohio State football
Before 2024, these two hadn't met in over a decade. The last time was 2010, another big win for the Buckeyes (45-7), though that one was later vacated because of the whole "Tattoo-gate" scandal. But if you want to talk about the game that actually defines this "rivalry," you have to go back to 2004.
That 2004 game was a heart-stopper.
Ohio State was ranked No. 9 in the country. Marshall came into the Shoe and absolutely refused to go away. It was 21-21 with just seconds left on the clock. Mike Nugent, the legendary Buckeyes kicker, had to nail a career-long 55-yard field goal as time expired just to escape with a 24-21 win.
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- 2004: Ohio State 24, Marshall 21
- 2010: Ohio State 45, Marshall 7 (Vacated)
- 2024: Ohio State 49, Marshall 14
The series history is short—only three games—but it’s always meaningful for the kids from West Virginia. It’s their chance to play on the biggest stage in the Midwest.
Breaking Down the Stat Sheet
The 2024 game stats are kind of a trip. Ohio State averaged 10 yards per play. Read that again. Every time they snapped the ball, they moved ten yards. That’s essentially a first down on every single snap of the game.
| Category | Marshall (2024) | Ohio State (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 264 | 569 |
| Rushing Yards | 125 | 280 |
| Passing Yards | 139 | 289 |
| Time of Possession | 36:15 | 23:45 |
Marshall actually won the time of possession battle by nearly 13 minutes. Usually, that means you win the game. But when the other team has Jeremiah Smith catching 53-yard bombs and TreVeyon Henderson averaging 12.7 yards per carry, time doesn't really matter. The Buckeyes are built for the "quick strike." They had touchdown drives of 32 seconds, 12 seconds, and 9 seconds.
You can't defend that with "grit" alone.
Why the Herd Couldn't Keep Up
It wasn't just the offense. Ohio State's defense, led by guys like Lathan Ransom (who had 8 tackles and a TFL), eventually figured out Stone Earle’s rhythm. In the second half, Marshall didn't score a single point. They got worn down. Charles Huff, Marshall's head coach, admitted as much after the game, saying the Buckeyes' depth just eventually broke them.
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Also, Marshall’s special teams struggled. They had an interception by Josh Moten, which was huge, but they couldn't capitalize on it. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s kicker, Jayden Fielding, actually got benched during the game for kicking the ball out of bounds three times on kickoffs. If the Buckeyes have a weakness, that's where people were looking—special teams and occasional sloppiness.
Key Takeaways for Future Matchups
If these two teams meet again, there are a few things we've learned from the history of Marshall vs Ohio State football.
- Don't let the Buckeyes get explosive. If you can keep the game in front of you and force 12-play drives, you have a chance. Marshall did this for a quarter, but once the 50+ yard plays started happening, it was over.
- Special teams are the equalizer. In 2004, it was a field goal that won it. In 2024, a penalty on a punt recovery killed Marshall's momentum. These small details are where the "G5" teams can actually beat the "P4" giants.
- The crowd matters, but only for so long. Marshall silenced the Shoe for about ten minutes. But top-tier teams like Ohio State are used to adversity. They don't panic when they go down 7-0.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the stats, keep an eye on how Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson continue to split carries. Their "two-headed monster" approach is arguably the best in college football right now. For Marshall, watch how they use the experience of playing in front of 100,000+ people to dominate the Sun Belt. They showed they can move the ball on anyone; they just need to finish.
Next time you're checking the schedule, don't sleep on these "guarantee games." Sometimes the most interesting football happens when the underdog refuses to follow the script.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, start tracking the recruiting pipelines in Ohio and West Virginia. Much of Marshall's roster consists of players who grew up wanting to be Buckeyes, which adds a layer of personal motivation you won't find in many other non-conference games. Reviewing the 2024 game film shows that Marshall's offensive line play was actually a bright spot—something to watch as they move into conference play.