HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Nazeeh Johnson returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown and Marshall held on for a 30-23 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday night.

Johnson jumped a route in the left flat and coasted untouched for a 27-10 lead late in the third quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Jaquan Yulee forced a fumble that Chase Hancock recovered at the Hilltoppers' 24 that led to Kaare Vedvik's third field goal and a 30-10 advantage heading into the final quarter.

WKU cut the deficit to 30-23 on Mike White's 27-yard pass to Quin Jernighan with three minutes left but Marshall kept possession thereafter. White threw for three scores and went over 10,000 career yards passing.

Two Vedvik field goals and a 3-yard run by Keion Davis gave the Thundering Herd (7-3, 4-2 Conference USA) a 13-7 halftime lead before Tyler King extended it by fighting his way into the end zone for a 10-yard score. King rushed for 102 yards.

Marshall ended a two-game skid while the Hilltoppers (5-5, 3-3) lost three straight for the first time since 2012.

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Nazeeh Johnson

Johnson’s pick-6 helps secure Marshall’s 30-23 win