No. 18 Marshall holds off UAB 23-18 to remain unbeaten

Marshall running back Devon Johnson (47) gains yardage with UAB linebacker Destin Challenger (25),and defensive tackle Jontavious Morris (55) in pursuit during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/John Amis) (The Associated Press)

Marshall wide receiver Angelo Jean-Louis (15) and tight end Joe Woodrum (89) celebrate a touchdown against UAB during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/John Amis) (The Associated Press)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Rakeem Cato threw for two touchdowns and Ra'shawde Myers recovered a fumble in the end zone for a late score as No. 18 Marshall defeated UAB 23-18.

Marshall (11-0, 7-0 Conference USA) had its closest game yet against the Blazers (5-6, 3-4) but took another step toward a possible New Year's Day bowl.

Marshall led 17-6 at halftime and seemed to have the game in hand after Cato's 28-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Shuler and a 43-yard scoring pass to Angelo Jean-Louis.

But UAB came back on TD runs of 1 and 10 yards by Jordan Howard to lead 18-17 in the fourth quarter.

With UAB's Cody Clements trying to pass in his own end zone, Marshall's Arnold Blackmon caused a fumble that Myers recovered for the final score.