Marshall dominates Louisiana-Lafayette to win Sun Belt Championship

In Lafayette, Louisiana, on a Saturday night, the Marshall Thundering Herd secured their first Sun Belt Conference Championship by defeating the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 31-3. The victory marked a significant achievement for Marshall, a team that transitioned to the Sun Belt after spending 17 seasons in Conference USA. The game began with Kenneth Almendares scoring a 40-yard field goal for Louisiana, but Marshall quickly responded with an impressive seven-play, 75-yard drive. Quarterback Braylon Braxton connected with Tychaun Chapman for a 37-yard touchdown, giving Marshall a lead they maintained throughout the game. In a dominant performance, Braxton threw two touchdown passes and contributed to ensuring Marshall’s solid offense. Jordan Houston played a crucial role in the game with 117 rushing yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run, showcasing the team's well-rounded attack. Rece Verhoff also contributed with a 32-yard field goal, while Ethan Payne added a 15-yard rushing touchdown. Braxton's third-quarter touchdown pass to Bralon Brown increased Marshall's lead to 24-3, effectively sealing the victory. The Thundering Herd's defense stifled the Ragin' Cajuns, who struggled to maintain offensive momentum. With this win, Marshall improved their season record to 10-3, marking their first double-digit win season since 2015. They also achieved a seven-game winning streak, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since the 2020 season. Louisiana-Lafayette also ended the game with a 10-3 record but faced difficulties as they tried to regain control of the match after falling behind. This victory was particularly significant given Marshall's recent restructuring of its football program and their efforts to establish a competitive presence in a new conference. The change in conferences has been promising for Marshall, allowing them to showcase their talent and resilience on a bigger stage. Leading up to this championship game, Marshall had been building momentum, proving that their adaptation to the Sun Belt has been successful. The championships not only highlight their athletic prowess but also demonstrate the program's potential for continued success within the new conference landscape. With key players like Braxton, Houston, and the solid defense on full display, the future looks bright for the Thundering Herd in upcoming seasons.