Marshall rode a big first quarter and dominant rushing attack to a 38-20 victory over South Florida on a rain-soaked field at Raymond James Stadium in the 2018 Gasparilla Bowl.
Paul Dellegatto of Fox 13 tweeted a shot of the weather in Tampa on Thursday afternoon:
Paul Dellegattou26a1ufe0fFOXCurrent situation at @RJStadium. Heaviest rain over by start of @GasparillaBowl @HerdFB @USFFootball https://t.co/0BzfvmZ3ag
The early proceedings made it seem as if Marshall and South Florida would struggle to generate offense on a slippery surface.
After the teams combined for three punts and a turnover on downs over the first four drives, the Thundering Herd scored three touchdowns in under five minutes to take a 21-7 lead heading into the second quarter.