Marshall Players Fume After Teammate Blasted When Calling For Fair Catch

Marshall players were heated on Saturday during the R+L Carriers Bowl in New Orleans after one of their teammates was blasted on a dirty hit after signaling for a fair catch.

Louisiana-Lafayette junior punter Rhys Byrns had a 37-yard punt and Marshall redshirt senior returner Willie Johnson signaled for a fair catch. Despite Johnson’s clear signal, redshirt junior cornerback Jayrin Wilson went slamming into him.

Marshall’s players were visibly upset on the sideline over the illegal hit, Larry Brown Sports reports. Ultimately, Wilson was penalized 15 yards for the play and was ejected for targeting. The Thundering Herd began their possession at the 33 when play resumed, but only gained five yards and punted right back to the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Marshall led 21-16 against Lousiana at the time of Wilson's ejection, and because the ejection occurred in the second half, the redshirt junior will also miss the first half of the 2022 season opener.

The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns (13-1) went on to beat the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-6) 36-21 in the first meeting between the two teams.

Follow Meg Turner on Twitter @Megnturner_ and Instagram @Megnturner.

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