It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Marshall, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Ketchum Park in Marshall, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Field Main Restaurant or visit Honolulu House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Marshall, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Marshall, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Marshall, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:02 p.m. | Joan C.Edwards Stadium (30,475) | Huntington, WV MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS 1-0, 0-0 CUSA AT MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD 0-1, 0-0 SUN BELT WATCH: ESPN+ | S...
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:02 p.m. | Joan C.Edwards Stadium (30,475) | Huntington, WV | ||||
| MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS 1-0, 0-0 CUSA | AT | MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD 0-1, 0-0 SUN BELT | ||
| WATCH: ESPN+ | STATS: LINK | RADIO: WGNS (LINK) | ||||
HUNTINGTON — Following an impressive season-opening victory, Middle Tennessee hits the road for the first time in 2026 when the Blue Raiders travel to Huntington, West Virginia, to take on Marshall Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.
The Blue Raiders opened the season last Saturday, rolling to a 38-14 victory over Murray State at Floyd Stadium in a weathered delayed game that was officially called at 12:55 a.m. with 11:01 remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Roman Gagliano threw for 200 yards, while running back Antonio Martin rushed for 103 yards and wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy recorded 118 receiving yards to lead the Blue Raider offense. MTSU also turned in a strong defensive effort, holding the Racers to 14 points.
Saturday's contest will provide MTSU with its first road test of the season and a chance to build momentum before returning home to face Nevada on Sept. 19. Marshall enters the matchup 0-1 after opening its season with a 45-0 loss at Penn State. The Thundering Herd will be making its 2026 home debut Saturday, adding another challenge for the Blue Raiders in what is expected to be a spirited atmosphere in Huntington.
The Blue Raiders and Thundering Herd have met 12 times previously, with Marshall holding a 7-5 advantage in the all-time series. Marshall won the most recent meeting, 42-28, in 2025, while MTSU earned a 34-28 victory in the teams' previous matchup in 2021.
» Saturday, November 12 - 6:02 p.m. CT » Joan C. Edwards Stadium » Huntington, WV
» The Blue Raiders and Herd will be meeting for the 13th time in football after facing each other last year in Murfreesboro. Marshall owns a slim 7-5 advantage in the series, which began in 1992 in the NCAA I-AA playoffs. The two schools played as members of CUSA together from 2013-2021 and during that span, MTSU owned a 5-4 advantage in the series. The Blue Raiders are just 1-5 all-time in Huntington with the lone win coming in 2018 (34-24). BLUE RAIDER NOTES
» After starting the year with a win last week, the Blue Raiders have a chance to begin the season 2-0 for the first time since 2001. » Dating back to last season, the Blue Raiders have scored 30 or more points in three straight games for the first time since the 2023 season. The last time an MTSU team hit the 30-point mark in four straight games was during the 2022 campaign. » MTSU started 10 players against Murray St. who came from last year's transfer portal haul (five on offense and five on defense). » The 38 points scored against Murray State is the most put up in the Derek Mason era. » The Blue Raider offense has committed just one turnover in its last four games combined. » MTSU had eight offensive drives against Murray State and five of them ended in scores. » MTSU's weather delay was 4:13 in win over Murray State and marked the third straight year the Blue Raiders have had a home game interrupted for weather. They had 2:40 delay in 2024 against TTU and a 2:12 delay against Marshall last year. That totals 9:05 in delays or right at 3 games. » Consecutive Starts: AJ Jones 8, Korey Smith 5, Kalen Woods 5 and Alex Gale 5
BLUE RAIDERS VS SBC
» MTSU spent 12 years as members of the Sun Belt Conference from 2001 to 2012. The Blue Raiders carry a mark of 50-38 against teams from the Sun Belt Conference all-time. Overall, MTSU has lost three straight to the SBC with the last win coming on Nov. 24, 2012 against Troy.
FIRST TIME STARTERS
» MTSU had 13 players make their first starts as Blue Raiders in the win over Murray State in the opener. On offense, WR Markus Allen, RB Antonio Martin, OL Chris Moreno, OL Trevaris Edwards, OL Quentin Butler, and OL Reese Tripp all made their first starts as Blue Raiders. Defensively, S James Johnson, LB Ashton Taylor, CB Aidan Singleton, S Gumbo Gaskins, DE Kaven Call, DE Aidan Butts and DL Archie Roseman all made their first starts.
BIG START FOR LACY
» WR Cam Lacy got the 2026 season off to a strong start. The Toccoa, GA, native equaled his personal-best with eight receptions against Murray State while setting a career-high with 118 yards. Lacy, who was fifth on the team last year with a career-best 38 receptions for a team-high 549 ya, rdsalso had 78 yards after catch against the Racers to go with his one touchdown. It was the third 100-yard receiving game of his career.
SCOOP AND SCORE
» Safety Kalen Woods recorded the first defensive score under Derek Mason when he picked up a fumble in the win over Murray State and returned it 39 yards for a TD. It marked the first fumble return for a score by the Blue Raiders since the 2023 season against FIU.
RUN GAME UPTICK
» MTSU came into the 2026 season with an emphasis to elevate the running game. After one game, it appears the changes are working. The combination of Antonio Martin and Terrence Brown accounted for 170 of the team's 196 rushing yards against Murray State for an impressive average of 8.9 yards a carry. Martin notched a team-high 103 yards on 15 carries to notch just the program's sixth 100-yard rushing game since 2001.
IMPRESSIVE STARTER NUMBERS FOR ROMAN
» Signal-caller Roman Gagliano has made four career starts with three to end the 2025 season and the opener this year. In those four starts, the Opelika, AL, native has accounted for 1,318 yards of total offense with 1,111 passing yards, 207 rushing yards and been responsible for 11 touchdowns. More importantly is the fact he has thrown 170 career passes with no interceptions.
Stay up to date throughout the game as the Blue Raiders face the Thundering Herd.Final: MTSU 26 Marshall 28 After Middle Tennessee’s failed two-point conversion, Marshall ran the clock out to claim its first win of the season and back-to-back wins over the Blue Raiders. MTSU falls to 1-1 on the year and will face the University of Nevada, Reno. Marshall will travel to face fellow Conference USA member in Missouri State University in week 3.MTSU statsMarshall stats ...
Stay up to date throughout the game as the Blue Raiders face the Thundering Herd.
After Middle Tennessee’s failed two-point conversion, Marshall ran the clock out to claim its first win of the season and back-to-back wins over the Blue Raiders. MTSU falls to 1-1 on the year and will face the University of Nevada, Reno. Marshall will travel to face fellow Conference USA member in Missouri State University in week 3.
MTSU stats
Marshall stats
Q4 0:50
Gagliano fires a slant to the right side intended for Hogan Wasson, but it sails over his head and falls incomplete.
Q4 0:50 TOUCDOWN
Roman Gagliano runs circles in the backfield before heaving up a pass to the front of the end zone for AJ Jones. Two-point conversion attempt incoming,
Q4 1:54 Two-minute timeout
MTSU faces a 4th-and-10 on the Marshall 33-yard line.
Q4 2:39 Timeout
Marshall spends its first of the half with Middle Tennessee set to face 2nd-and-8 on the plus-46-yard line.
Q4 4:23 INTERCEPTION
Roman Gagliano fires across his body on 3rd-and-10, and it’s picked off by Zah Jackson, who returns it to the MTSU four-yard line. Marshall gets the ball on the two-yard line after a late hit by Middle Tennessee.
The play marks Gagliano’s first collegiate interception.
Q4 7:20
Zion Turner heaves a pass out of bounds on 3rd-and-21 at midfield. The Blue Raiders take over on their own 20-yard line after a touchback.
Q4 11:07
Roman Gagliano sails a pass over the head of the intended target, Cam’ron Lacy, and the Blue Raiders go three-and-out. Marshall takes over on its own 32.
Q4 12:06 TOUCHDOWN
Marshall quarterback Zion Turner fumbles into the end zone as he stretches across the goal line, and it’s recovered by wide receiver Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw for a touchdown.
MTSU 20 Marshall 21
Q3 0:30
Roman Gagliano heaves a pass deep out of bounds on 3rd-and-8. On a 50-yard attempt, Dominic Bourgeois’ kick bounces off the crossbar and is no good. Marshall takes over on its own 32.
Q3 4:03
Khalil Wilkins’ pass falls incomplete on 3rd-and-5, and the Blue Raiders’ defense forces another punt. MTSU takes over on its own 23.
Q3 5:36 TOUCHDOWN
Roman Gagliano fires short left to wide receiver Cam’ron Lacy, who stretches across the goal line for an 11-yard touchdown – the offense’s first of the game. The play capped a nine-play, 66-yard scoring drive that took 3:38 off the clock.
MTSU initially lined up for a two-point conversion, but burned a timeout and kicked the PAT.
MTSU 20 Marshall 14
Q3 9:15
MTSU’s defense forces a Marshall three-and-out on the Herd’s first drive of the half. The Blue Raiders take over on their own 34-yard line.
Q3 11:34
MTSU’s offense moves near midfield to begin the half, but the drive stalls after a drop on second down and a well-defended pass on third. Marshall takes over on its own 13-yard line.
Khalil Wilkins is still in the huddle at QB for the Thundering Herd.
Khalil Wilkins takes off for an eight-yard gain as time winds down. MTSU defensive lineman Zeion Simpson-Smith got up gingerly following an injury timeout. The Blue Raiders will receive the ball to begin the third quarter.
MTSU stats
Marshall stats
Q2 2:00
At the two-minute timeout, Middle Tennessee takes over 1st-and-10 on its own 45-yard line. The Blue Raiders have good field position to make something happen before the half.
Q2 2:16
Khalil Wilkins fired deep downfield on 4th-and-7, but MTSU cornerback KJ Minniefield came up with a huge pass breakup.
Q2 3:50 FIELD GOAL
MTSU’s Cam’ron Lacy comes up two yards short of the first down on 3rd-and-7, but Dominic Bourgeois converts from 35 yards out to shrink the Herd’s lead.
MTSU 13 Marshall 14
Q2 5:23
Roman Gagliano runs right and errantly pitches it to running back DJ Taylor. Joshua Mar Pieree Louis picked up the fumble, but officials determined it to be a forward pass after review.
The Blue Raiders narrowly avoid a massive mistake. MTSU keeps possession on the plus 25-yard line.
Q2 8:31 TOUCHDOWN
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson keeps it around left end on 1st-and-Goal and walks in for a four-yard score. The Thundering Herd regain the lead.
Del Rio-Wilson’s keeper capped an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took 6:22 off the clock.
MTSU 10 Marshall 14
Q2 11:10 Timeout
Marshall spends its first of the half ahead of a 3rd-and-3 from the MTSU 28-yard line.
Q2 14:54 FIELD GOAL
Running back Terrence Brown came up three yards short on 3rd-and-15, but the Blue Raiders still came away with points via a 52-yard field goal from Dominic Bourgeois. The make is tied for the fifth-longest field goal in team history, per MTSU Athletics.
MTSU 10 Marshall 7
Lots of action in this one so far, but the game remains tied. The Blue Raiders will attempt a 52-yard field goal to begin the second quarter.
Q1 6:42
MTSU cornerback Jackson Lowe tackles Marshall’s Adrian Norton six yards short of the line to gain. Middle Tennessee takes over on its own 14-yard line.
Q1 9:08 TOUCHDOWN
Marshall quarterback Carlos Del-Rio Wilson has trouble with the snap and chases the ball back to the end zone, where MTSU safety Kalen Woods recovers for an MTSU score. The touchdown marks Woods’ second touchdown in two games.
MTSU 7 Marshall 7
Q1 9:18
Marshall’s Glover Clark nearly picks off Roman Gagliano on a third-down pass intended for Cam’ron Lacy. The Blue Raiders punt it away to the Herd 10-yard line
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After taking down Murray State University in Floyd Stadium a week ago, MTSU football (1-0) is set for its first road game of the season on Saturday against Marshall University (0-1).
The Blue Raiders head to Joan C. Edwards Stadium looking to avenge a 42-28 loss to the Thundering Herd in Murfreesboro last year.
Middle Tennessee quarterback Roman Gagliano got off to a hot start in Week 1, completing 20-of-26 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. MTSU’s rushing attack had a strong showing as well with 196 yards on the evening – spearheaded by a 15-carry, 104-yard performance from running back Antonio Martin.
The Blue Raiders’ defense also held strong, holding Murray State’s offense to 14 points and 290 yards.
For a full MTSU preview click here.
While Middle Tennessee coasted to a comfortable win amidst several weather delays, Marshall wasn’t so lucky in its first game of the season. The Thundering Herd traveled to Beaver Stadium for a matchup with Penn State University and were understandably outmatched by the Nittany Lions in a 45-0 defeat.
For a full Marshall preview click here.
Kickoff between the Blue Raiders and Thundering Herd is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. CDT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with a radio play-by-play cast available at WGNS Radio.
For those hoping MTSU’s rainy days are exclusive to Murfreesboro, the Blue Raiders might not be so lucky. Light rain is expected throughout the game with strong storms and flash flooding possible later this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The gametime temperature is expected to be 79 degrees.
To contact the sports editor, email .
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Isaiah Marshall’s first start of the 2026 season couldn’t have gone better.His first against an FBS opponent was far more mixed.Marshall completed just 13 of 30 passing attempts for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while rushing 20 times for 23 yards and a lost fumble.“Inconsistent,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold told the media after the game. “I think he took a hit early in the game on his arm. I think it affected him…I just felt he wasn’t himself on some of ...
Isaiah Marshall’s first start of the 2026 season couldn’t have gone better.
His first against an FBS opponent was far more mixed.
Marshall completed just 13 of 30 passing attempts for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while rushing 20 times for 23 yards and a lost fumble.
“Inconsistent,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold told the media after the game. “I think he took a hit early in the game on his arm. I think it affected him…I just felt he wasn’t himself on some of the throws.”
Marshall’s injury occurred on Kansas’ third play of the game.
“First drive, tried to throw the wheel, got hit… it got worse and worse, but I mean, that’s no excuse at all because I was still able to throw the ball,” Marshall said. “So I’m not going to use that as an excuse.”
The fumble and one of the interceptions came on Kansas’ first two offensive plays of the third quarter. Missouri scored quickly off both turnovers to turn a 14-14 halftime tie into a 28-14 advantage.
“Derailed us a lot, obviously,” Leipold said of the turnovers. “Disappointing, because I thought, especially in those first 30 minutes, we played extremely hard.”
Missouri linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. pried the ball out of Marshall’s arms as he ran through a thicket of defenders to force the fumble with 13:45 to go in the third quarter. The Tigers scored five plays later, then Woodyard again got into action, lurking deep and picking off Marshall’s attempted ball down the seam to Carson Bruhn.
“I should’ve thrown it higher,” Marshall said of the interception. “I tried to force it, but I should’ve thrown it higher. If not, check it down to my tailback, but I tried to force it in there and didn’t get as much height as I wanted to in it.”
Woodyard’s return brought the Tigers to the Kansas 10-yard line. Missouri scored two plays later.
Marshall’s night had bright spots, especially his connection with Nik McMillan. After connecting for 130 yards and a score in the opener, the pair linked up for 52 yards and a score that was Marshall’s best play of the night.
Facing a first-and-10 at the Missouri 20 with 1:56 to go in the half, Marshall climbed the pocket, rolled to the left, and threw an off-platform strike to the back of the end zone that McMillan hauled in for the score.
“That middle safety was reading my eyes. Came back, rolled out,” Marshall said of his process on the play. “I thought about throwing it, but I saw Nik had that tight space, so I put it in there. Great catch by Nik.”
Despite the early injury, Marshall remained fearless as a runner, taking numerous big hits as he fought for extra yards. Marshall also recorded a reception on a trick play that involved backup quarterback Cole Ballard throwing to him on a reverse.
Sitting somewhere in between the extremes of Marshall’s night was a chaotic highlight play midway through the third quarter. Missouri’s Santana Banner’s pressure forced Marshall to the near sideline, where rather than throwing the ball away or taking the sack, Marshall spun 360 degrees and lofted a high-arcing throw that Carson Bruhn pulled down for a 16-yard gain.
“Tried to throw it out, but I turned last second, and saw Bruhn coming down,” Marshall said. “I’ll be honest, it was a bad play by me. It was great that he caught it, great that he got the first down, but that’s something I can’t do no more.”
“I don’t know if that’s a great advised throw, even if it’s probably a SportsCenter highlight,” Leipold said.
Kansas and its young starter will look to put the up-and-down night behind them with a trip to London next on the schedule. The Jayhawks face Arizona State at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 19.
“I think that the biggest thing is to move on, keep our heads up, and now it’s time to watch film, see what we can do better, and just keep going,” Marshall said.
This article was edited by Sports Editor Jacob Webb. If the information in this article needs to be corrected, please contact [email protected].
DRAFFENVILLE — Seven different players scored a touchdown for Murray High in a 49-8 football running-clock knockout of host Marshall County Friday night at Traylor Stadium.Murray High (4-0) also stayed undefeated, thanks to another stifling defensive performance that the Marshals (2-2) could not solve. Tiger quarterback Bruce Willis also had a solid game both passing and running the ball.“We scored on our first possession,” said Tiger Head Coach Melvin Cunningham. “They came back and ans...
DRAFFENVILLE — Seven different players scored a touchdown for Murray High in a 49-8 football running-clock knockout of host Marshall County Friday night at Traylor Stadium.
Murray High (4-0) also stayed undefeated, thanks to another stifling defensive performance that the Marshals (2-2) could not solve. Tiger quarterback Bruce Willis also had a solid game both passing and running the ball.
“We scored on our first possession,” said Tiger Head Coach Melvin Cunningham. “They came back and answered. After that, we were able to get information on how they were playing us defensively, we made correct adjustments and were able to score. On the other side, after a penalty-aided drive, we were able to smother them.”
Murray High scored first, marching down the field with running back Kolten Winsett scoring from 12 yards for a 7-0 lead with 7:37 left in the opening quarter. Marshall tried to keep the game interesting for a few minutes and answered with Jesse Kinsall’s eight-yard touchdown strike to Jett Jones, followed by a successful two-point conversion for an 8-7 lead less than three minutes later.
The Tigers quickly answered with a two-yard touchdown run for running back Gage Chapman two minutes later to regain a 14-8 lead with 2:52 to go in the quarter.
The Marshals would never recover.
Marshall ’s punter had the majority of the workload the rest of the night, totaling five punts Friday night, after the Tigers forced eight Graves County punts the prior week.
“We stuck to our plan of attack,” said Cunningham. “We settled in and attacked on both sides of the ball.”
And that attack was well balanced. Five more scores would follow.
In the second quarter, running back Zaye Richardson scored on a two-yard touchdown run and, after a Marshal punt, Willis hit receiver Kenyon Cunningham (110 yards) on a 60-yard post pattern for a score. This was Cunningham’s second 100-plus-yard receiving game on the season.
The Tigers weren’t quite finished before halftime, either, as Willis connected with receiver Trendon Curd on another long pass, this time for 42 yards over the middle for Curd’s first career touchdown catch and a 35-8 lead heading into halftime.
As the horn sounded on the final play of the 3rd quarter, Willis dropped back to pass but chose to tuck the ball and head upfield. He side-stepped a defender just past the line of scrimmage and headed to the right side for a 78-yard touchdown scramble and a 42-8 lead. Then, he would find tight end Owen Howell in the back right corner of the end zone with five minutes remaining to finish off the scoring.
This was Murray High’s 14th consecutive regular-season win, as the Tigers finished a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2025 and have won their first four games of 2026. Including their magical playoff run last season, they have now won 17 of their last 18 games, with their only loss to four-time defending state champion Christian Academy of Louisville in the Class 3A championship game in Lexington.
“Relationships are first on the list”, said Cunningham on the consistent success. “Having a coaching staff with the same mentality but different personalities. Player development. I feel our coaching staff does a good job of teaching the details of the game. Finally, we have players and coaches that attempt to bring our core values to life daily. I am not saying we do not have to stalk complacency and push one another to achieve daily.”
Willis finished with 189 yards passing with three touchdowns through the air, though he also had two interceptions. He also ran for 118 yards and a score.
Backup freshman quarterback Reid Grebner played well in limited minutes in the final quarter, going 4-for-5 through the air for 50 yards. Running back Colin Winters ran for 95 yards in the game and senior kicker Elias Houck was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra point attempts.
The Tigers return home to Ty Holland Stadium for the start of a four-game homestand beginning with winless Russellville (0-4) this Friday night, their first home game since Aug. 21 against Apollo.
You wouldn’t have known Penn State has had a problem at receiver by looking at Week 1 box scores from the recent past.As encouraging as sophomore Koby Howard’s monster performance in the Sept. 5 opener against Marshall was, he will need to demonstrate consistency in the coming weeks to prove that he can be the reliable and dynamic outside target this offense has sorely lacked as it’s failed to perform in big games against peer programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Oregon.Howard hauled in six recep...
You wouldn’t have known Penn State has had a problem at receiver by looking at Week 1 box scores from the recent past.
As encouraging as sophomore Koby Howard’s monster performance in the Sept. 5 opener against Marshall was, he will need to demonstrate consistency in the coming weeks to prove that he can be the reliable and dynamic outside target this offense has sorely lacked as it’s failed to perform in big games against peer programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Oregon.
Howard hauled in six receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown against the Thundering Herd, leading the Nittany Lions to a 45-0 win at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State's Matt Campbell embracing Joe Paterno's legacy in shift from predecessorsFirst-year coach Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator have drawn wide praise for their willingness to look downfield in the days since, with many fans seeing Howard’s breakthrough effort as a stark departure from the conservatism that they feel characterized the final weeks for former coach James Franklin and OC Andy Kotelnicki. That assessment is largely ahistorical, though, and suffers from the same problem as recent years: A small sample size.
Receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith had a huge night in the 2023 opener against West Virginia. He caught four passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in what was quarterback Drew Allar’s first career start.
One year later, Harrison “Tre” Wallace III diced up the Mountaineers defense for five catches, 117 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
And last year, transfer receivers Trebor Pena (seven catches, 74 yards) and Kyron Hudson (six catches, 89 yards, one touchdown) had encouraging outings in their Penn State debuts against Nevada.
None of the four were able to sustain that success, especially once the Big Ten schedules began in earnest.
Lambert-Smith did not crack the 100-yard mark again for the rest of the season. He was held to six catches for 52 yards in a 20-12 loss at Ohio State. Then managed just one catch for six yards in a 24-15 home loss to Michigan that effectively eliminated Penn State from College Football Playoff consideration. He finished the season with 673 yards, so nearly 20% of his season production came in that first game.
Wallace similarly became ordinary through the Big Ten portion of Penn State’s schedule. He surpassed the 60-yard threshold just twice over the rest of the season. He had just two catches in a 20-13 home loss to Ohio State; four catches for 59 yards in a Big Ten championship loss to Oregon; and no catches in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl that ended Penn State’s bid to play for a title.
Hudson went on to become nearly a non-factor in 2025. He totaled 23 catches for 288 yards for the season. Pena was better, but no-showed in the back-to-back-to-back losses that got Franklin fired at midseason. He had two catches for 16 yards against Oregon, three catches for 15 yards against UCLA and two catches for five yards against Northwestern.
Howard has a different coach and different coordinator to help him avoid a similar fate, but that’s the history he’ll need to overcome.
“I think the sky is the limit for Koby Howard, and I’m really proud of him because, you were ready for this moment,” Campbell said of the performance after the game. “You were ready when the opportunity came away, and I do think that is college football right here. Your shots come, the moment’s going to come when you take advantage of it, and Koby’s a guy that’s worked so hard behind the scenes to take advantage of this moment, so I’m really happy for him.”
The Pensacola, Fla., native’s playing time was the subject of intense scrutiny after Franklin’s firing in 2025.
A former three-star rated recruit by 247 Sports, many fans began to see him as a key piece of the program’s future who should get opportunities over older transfer players like Hudson, Pena and Devonte Ross.
Instead, he played sparingly under interim coach Terry Smith. He finished the season with seven catches for 133 yards, all of them coming after Franklin’s firing.
To his credit, Campbell, Mouser and quarterback Rocco Becht have shown early faith in him anyway. The question now is how far he can carry that forward. And Howard knows one game is far from an adequate answer.
“I feel like today was just a test, but you know it really doesn’t stop here,” he said after the game. “I’ve just got to keep proving myself and keep showing the coaches that they can trust me so that when those big moments come, they’re ready to call my number.”
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