HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (AP) — Rakeem Cato threw five touchdown passes for Marshall in a 52-14 victory over Miami (Ohio) in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.
Cato had a game-changing third quarter with three touchdown passes to break a tie and ignite 37 unanswered points for the Thundering Herd. Cato led the nation in passing yards and completions per game last season. Marshall’s 304 total yards rushing contributed to its successful passing game, compared to just 74 yards rushing for Miami (Ohio).
Austin Boucher’s touchdown pass gave Miami (Ohio) a quick lead in the first quarter before the Redhawks fell behind in the second by giving up two touchdowns. Boucher was 10-for-22 for 165 yards. Miami (Ohio) managed to tie the game at 14 with two minutes left before the half, but were unable to score the rest of the night.
