Revisiting Rasheen Ali’s New Orleans Bowl Performance

Marshall University lost to Louisiana 36-21 in the 2021 New Orleans Bowl. The game was a mismatch as the 13-1 Cajuns rolled over the 7-6 Thundering Herd. Marshall was outgained 498 yards to 286 yards as the Ragin Cajuns blew open a close game with three touchdowns in the 4th quarter. A bright spot for Marshall was the performance of RB Rasheen Ali, who scored all of the Herd’s three touchdowns in the game. Ali rushed 20 times for 160 yards, averaging 8 ypc. Today we’re looking back at Rasheen Ali’s three scores in the game.

First Quarter

Trailing 10-0, Ali busts off a 63 yard TD run running right through the Cajuns defense on inside zone.

Marshall is in 11 personnel with two receivers to the field and a TE and receiver to the boundary. This is a nice play design. As the snap, the TE fakes a block on the SDE, then runs an arrow route. The arrow route brings the SLB forward in coverage, negating the need to block him in the play. The RG blocks the 1-tech as the center climbs to block the MLB. The zone-combo by the LG and LT, the fake by the TE, and the center’s secon-level block open the hole for Ali. Rasheen Ali is 12 yards past the line of scrimmage before someone touches him. A broken tackle by the safety and it is off to the races for the first score of the game.

Second Quarter

Down 10-7 in the second quarter, Ali scores again, this time on a 14 yard run off outside zone.

Marshall is again in 11 personnel, lone receiver to the boundary and TE with two receivers giving them trips to the field. Notice the Orbit motion by the field slot to set up the possibility of an Orbit sweep later. Nice play design.

As with all outside zone plays, everyone is reaching to seal inside here. Ali quickly sees the cutback lane isn’t possible and sweep to the field. The impressive part of this play is he literally outruns the secondary to the sideline and into the end zone.

Third Quarter

Down 16-14 at halftime, Ali scores his final TD, this time a 9 yard run off GH Counter.

Marshall is in 11 personnel with the TE aligned to the field. The boundary receiver goes in return motion, showing the possibility of a Jet Sweep after the snap.

TE and BSG both pull, BSG kicks out WDE. TE/H runs outside kickout block and blocks MLB inside, towards the play. Oops. A strongside slant by the 1-tech takes him away from the play and into the RG’s downblock.  RG tries to seal him inside as the RT goes second level to block the BSLB. Center downblocks the 3-tech and the LT seals the SDE outside. The blocking of the C/LT and the pulling H and LG create a tunnel in the middle of the formation. Ali sees the boundary is clogged, cuts back inside, runs into the tunnel, and weaves his way into the end zone.

The outcome of the game wasn’t what Thundering Herd fans wanted, but Rasheen Ali gave Marshall fans a performance to remember. Ali was named a Freshman All-American in 2021, and returns for his sophomore season with the Herd.