2001: Miracle in Mobile

The Herald-Dispatch

All talk about Marshall football in 2001 begins and ends with the GMAC Bowl.

Marshall, the program known for accomplishing the incredible, did it again. The Thundering Herd rallied from a 38-8 halftime deficit to defeat East Carolina, 64-61, in double overtime at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, giving the fans in Mobile, Ala., and a national TV audience an almost-unbelievable show.

Byron Leftwich zipped an 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Davis on the third play of MU's second possession in the second overtime, giving the Herd its fourth consecutive bowl victory and third over a team from Conference USA.

"We talked about belief and faith," MU coach Bobby Pruett said of what was said at halftime. "When you're down 38-8, you're grasping for something."

It was the highest scoring bowl game in history, and certainly one of college football's greatest comebacks. Previously, the highest scoring bowl was Texas Tech's 55-41 victory over Air Force in the 1995 Copper Bowl.

Marshall had a substantial lead slip away against Toledo in a MAC Championship Game defeat and things were looking bleak again at halftime of the bowl game.

Then, Leftwich carried the team to one of the most stunning victories in school history. With his 70th pass of the night Leftwich connected to Davis, completing the largest comeback in bowl history.

Leftwich finished 41-for-70 passing for 576 yards with four touchdown throws and one scoring run.

The teams combined for 1,141 total yards.

Afterward, people everywhere were asking, "Did you see that game?"

Marshall coach Bobby Pruett could make a living as a motivational speaker. Anyone who hired him, however, might want to bring him in halfway through the session. Pruett was at his motivational best at halftime of the 2001 GMAC Bowl when his team faced a 30-point deficit. "We talked about not quitting," Pruett said. "We talked about belief and faith. Faith is very special. We believe in the good Lord. We can't see Him or touch Him or feel Him, but we know he's there. We talked about having faith in one another. This was a lesson these guys will never forget." Marshall stormed from behind to beat East Carolina, 64-61, in double overtime.