MAC CHAMPS: Ohio wins first title in 56 years
Bobcats blow out rival Redhawks 38-3
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, December 7, 2024
DETROIT – What better way to end a 56-year league championship drought than with a rout of a rival.
Ohio blew out Miami 38-3 in the Mid-American Conference Championship Game on Saturday at Ford Field to win its first conference championship since 1968.
The sixth time was the charm. The Bobcats (10-3) had lost in all five of their previous MAC Championship Game appearances. They reached 10 wins in a season for a third straight season for the first time in school history and avenged a 30-20 loss to the RedHawks (8-5) during the regular season.
“Offensively, a masterful game plan by our offensive staff,” said coach Tim Albin, who earlier this week was named the MAC coach of the year. “We were on schedule all day. Time of possession; our... <Read More>
Ohio thumps Ball State to reach MAC Championship Game
Owen, Navarro help Bobcats start fast in 42-21 victory
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Friday, November 29, 2024
ATHENS – Ohio scored two quick touchdowns and took care of Ball State with a 42-21 victory Friday afternoon at Peden Stadium to clinch a spot in the Mid-American Conference Championship Game.
Parker Navarro accounted for five touchdowns, with three passing and two rushing, hitting Colman Owen for a pair of long scores early. The Bobcats (9-3, 7-1 MAC) finished undefeated at home for the second time in three years and will get a second shot at rival Miami.
“I could not be happier for our program and for our players to do it in front of our fans,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “To go undefeated again two out of the last three seasons, to finish the regular season with nine wins, and to my understanding, get a rematch in Detroit with... <Read More>
Ground game, defense put Bobcats win a way from title game
Ohio dominates 2nd half of 24-7 win over Toledo
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Wednesday, November 20, 2024
TOLEDO – Toledo is a win away from playing for the Mid-American Conference Championship Game after a great second half led to a 24-7 victory against Toledo on Wednesday night at the Glass Bowl.
Defense kept the Bobcats in the game before the offense came to life after halftime with a workhorse rushing performance from Anthony Tyus III, who carried 33 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Parker Navarro added 104 rushing yards on 18 carries and found the end zone twice.
Ohio managed just 101 yards of offense before halftime but wound up with 367, including 238 on the ground. Toledo was held in check all game long, with just 194 yards on the night.
After punting five times in the first half and trailing 7-0, the Bobcats (8-3, 6-1... <Read More>
Navarro, defense lead Bobcats past Eagles 35-10
QB rushes for 4 TDs, throws for career-high 277 yards
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ATHENS – Parker Navarro tied a school record with four rushing touchdowns, the defense forced four turnovers, and Ohio ran away with a 35-10 victory against Eastern Michigan on Wednesday night at Peden Stadium.
Navarro’s huge night included 106 yards rushing on 13 carries and 22-of-32 passing for a career-high 277 yards as the Bobcats (7-3, 5-1 Mid-American Conference) remained tied atop the league standings.
It was a shaky start for Ohio, which fell behind 7-0 on Cole Snyder’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Delbert Mimms III with 12:47 left in the second quarter.
After punting one more time following that score, the Bobcats finally got their offense going with a quick five-play drive that included a 21-yard completion to Chase Hendricks, a... <Read More>
Ohio dominates winless Kent State 41-0
Bobcats move into tie atop MAC standings
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Wednesday, November 6, 2024
KENT – Ohio took care of business in a big way with a 41-0 rout of winless Kent State on Wednesday night at Dix Stadium.
The Bobcats’ defense dominated throughout, and the offense looked pretty good too. Ohio (6-3, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) racked up 407 yards of offense, while Kent State (0-9, 0-5 MAC) finished with 114, including just 33 against backups in the fourth quarter.
Ohio’s first possession stalled and resulted in a Gianni Spetic 42-yard field goal. The Bobcats finished their second drive with an Anthony Tyus 19-yard touchdown run to make it 10-0.
After Ohio punted on its third possession, Kent State finally picked up a first down on its fourth drive, but Raman Parodie picked off Ruel Tomlinson two plays later, eventually... <Read More>
Bobcats, Navarro respond with big win
Ohio blows out Buffalo 47-16
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 26, 2024
ATHENS – Parker Navarro and Ohio bounced back from a bad performance to destroy Buffalo 47-16 on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Coming off of a 30-20 loss to rival Miami, the Bobcats blew out a Bulls team that came in with wins against Toledo and Northern Illinois.
Coming off a shaky performance against the RedHawks, Navarro went 14-of-19 for 231 yards and two touchdowns and ran 13 times for 81 yards. It also was a big day for Coleman Owen, who caught six passes for 146 yards and two scores and also had a 22-yard rushing touchdown.
As well as it turned out, the Bobcats (5-3, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) and Navarro had some struggles early. Navarro was intercepted by Marquis Cooper on Ohio’s second possession, and a missed 47-yard field goal... <Read More>
Offense struggles in Battle of the Bricks loss
Miami runs out to big lead in 30-20 victory
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 19, 2024
OXFORD – Ohio’s offense struggled as Miami rolled to a 30-20 victory in the 100th edition of the Battle of the Bricks on Saturday at Yeager Stadium.
The RedHawks built a 16-0 halftime lead and took a 30-6 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Bobcats finished with just 291 yards of offense and nearly half of those came in the last period after the game was decided.
Ohio’s own defense kept it close for a while. It held Miami (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) to a Dom Dzioban 28-yard field goal in the first quarter, but the offense did not pick up a first down on its first four possessions.
Eventually that led to a relatively short field for the RedHawks, and they capitalized with the game’s first touchdown on a Brett Gabbert 14-yard... <Read More>
Ohio builds big halftime lead, holds off Central Michigan
Navarro has big game in Bobcats' first road win of year
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 12, 2024
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Ohio used a huge first half from quarterback Parker Navarro to build a lead and then held off Central Michigan late 27-25 for its first win at Kelly/Shorts Stadium since 2011.
Navarro and the Bobcats (4-2, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) held a 332-63 advantage in yards in the first half that resulted in a 24-0 lead. The Chippewas were nearly as dominant in the second half with a 25-3 scoring advantage, but the Bobcats were able to run out the clock late.
Most of Navarro’s 176 yards rushing came before halftime. He also finished the game 13-of-22 passing for 147 yards with one touchdown both passing and rushing.
Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1 MAC) chipped away in the second half and made it a 24-18 game with Marion Lukes’... <Read More>
Defense, Navarro lead Ohio to homecoming win
QB tops 300 yards of offense; Akron finishes with negative rushing yards
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 28, 2024
ATHENS – Quarterback Parker Navarro returned from an injury to spark the offense, and the defense was stout as Ohio celebrated homecoming with a 30-10 victory against Akron on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Navarro, who sat out a loss to Kentucky last week, went 12-of-18 passing for 204 yards and two touchdowns and ran 13 times for 113 yards and a score. Meanwhile, the defense held the Zips to jut 178 yards of total offense, including minus 18 on the ground, the first time since 2006, also against Akron, that Ohio has limited an opponent to less than 0 yards rushing.
"The guys are bought in,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “They want to be great. They take the coaching, and sometimes it's really hard coaching, especially after some of the penalty... <Read More>
Kentucky runs away from Ohio 41-6
Bobcats managed just 223 yards of offense
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 21, 2024
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ohio hung tough for a while before Kentucky eventually overwhelmed the Bobcats 41-6 to wrap up nonconference play Saturday at Kroger Stadium.
Kentucky led just 3-0 after one quarter, and Ohio was in position to cut its deficit again to three in the middle of the third quarter, but a fumble eventually turned into a 14-point swing, and the Wildcats rolled from there.
With backup quarterback Nick Paulos starting, the Bobcats (2-2) were able to put up just 223 yards of offense, while the Wildcats (2-2) rolled to 488 yards.
Defense kept Ohio in it early. Kentucky’s first two drives resulted in a three-and-out and a 30-yard Alex Raynor field goal. The Wildcats finally broke through with the game’s first touchdown on the second... <Read More>
Defense leads Bobcats to win over Bears
QB Navarro benched in 2nd half after throwing 3 INTs
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 14, 2024
ATHENS – With the offense struggling, defense carried Ohio to a 21-6 victory against FCS Morgan State on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Quarterback Parker Navarro was benched after throwing three first-half interceptions, but the Bobcats (2-1) were able to prevail by allowing only a pair of field goals and only 211 yards on the day to the Bears (1-2).
“We had some big stops,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “I just thought that going in the game we had an advantage with our with our defensive line versus their offensive line. I thought we had an advantage in the special teams, and that that's how it played out.”
Things started well enough for Ohio. Navarro led a touchdown drive on the Bobcats’ opening possession, throwing a 19-yard scoring pass to... <Read More>
Bobcats get 600th win in program history
Navarro leads Ohio past South Alabama 27-20
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 7, 2024
ATHENS – Ohio scored a go-ahead touchdown shortly before halftime and then held off South Alabama in the second half to get into the win column with a 27-20 victory – the 600th in program history – in its home opener Saturday evening at Peden Stadium.
"I think it's pretty cool,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “There's a lot of former Bobcats and administrators that have a lot to do with that. In all the pictures of coach [Bill] Hess, he's got the block "O" on, and I wear that in his honor. Don Peden, right. Frank Solich. There's a lot of history in those 600 wins, and Brooke [Albin] and I are humbled to serve this university and be a part of it."
Responding to a game-tying touchdown by the Jaguars with 1:25 left in the first half, the Bobcats... <Read More>
Ohio misses chances in 38-22 loss to Syracuse
Big games by Tyus, Owen not enough
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, August 31, 2024
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Anthony Tyus III and Coleman Owen had huge debuts, but Ohio could not finish enough drives or get enough stops on defense and dropped a 38-22 decision to Syracuse in its season opener Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.
A pair of long first-quarter drives resulted in only six total points, and Syracuse eventually proved too explosive, led by Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, who completed 27-of-39 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
Tyus, a transfer from Northwestern, posted 203 yards rushing on just 16 carries to lead the Bobcats, while Owen, who transferred from Northern Arizona, made 10 catches for 137 yards.
Tyus brought Ohio to within a point at 17-16 with a 13-yard touchdown run early in the... <Read More>
Freshman Hunt leads Bobcats to 5th straight bowl win
Ohio starts fast in 41-21 win against Georgia Southern
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, December 16, 2023
CONWAY, S.C. – A lot of talent departed, but Rickey Hunt Jr. and Ohio showed plenty of talent remained.
Hunt tied an NCAA bowl game record and broke the school record with five touchdowns as the Bobcats forced five turnovers and blew out Georgia Southern 41-21 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Saturday at Brooks Stadium.
Ohio (10-3) reached double-digit wins for the second season in a row for the first time in school history and set a Mid-American Conference record with its fifth straight bowl victory.
Five of the Bobcats’ top playmakers – quarterback Kurtis Rourke, running backs Sieh Bangura and O’Shaan Allison, and wide receivers Miles Cross and Tyler Walton – who accounted for nearly all of the team’s yards this season, entered the transfer... <Read More>
Bobcats dominate 2nd half to beat Zips 25-14
Rourke passes brother for 2nd place on Ohio passing yards list
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Friday, November 24, 2023
AKRON – Ohio dominated the second half to erase an 11-point halftime deficit and end the regular season with a 25-14 victory against Akron on Friday at InfoCision Stadium.
The Bobcats (9-3, 6-2 Mid-American Conference) trailed 14-3 at halftime but outscored the Zips 22-0 in the second half. Ohio had a 206-28 yards advantage after halftime and has a shot at double-digits wins for the second season in a row.
Sieh Bangura finished with 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Kurtis Rourke passed brother Nathan Rourke for second place on the school’s all-time passing yards list by going 19-of-30 for 208 yards and a touchdown. Miles Cross made seven catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
The game turned immediately in the second half... <Read More>
Ohio build lead, tops Central Michigan 34-20
Bangura rushes for 126 yards
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Wednesday, November 15, 2023
ATHENS – Ohio jumped out to an early lead and finished off its home schedule with a 34-20 victory against Central Michigan on Wednesday night at Peden Stadium.
Sieh Bangura rushed for 126 yards, and O’Shaan Allison scored a pair of touchdowns as the Bobcats (8-3, 5-2 Mid-American Conference) controlled the game by scoring the first 17 points.
The victory snapped a long losing streak to the Chippewas (5-6, 3-4 MAC) and was the first for the Bobcats in the series since 2011 and their first at home since 2000.
"I've only beat them one time," Ohio coach Tim Albin said. "Coach (Frank) Solich and myself talked about it on the phone. I didn't mention it to anybody in this in this building, it's not about Tim, it's not about Dwayne (Dixon), but... <Read More>
Ohio offense sparks in 2nd half of 20-10 win at Buffalo
Bobcats win despite just 41 first-half yards
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Tuesday, November 7, 2023
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Ohio’s offense came to life in the second half, and the defense was stout as usual, allowing the Bobcats to pick up a qualify win against Buffalo on Tuesday night at UB Stadium.
The Bobcats (7-3, 4-2 Mid-American Conference) trailed 3-0 at halftime when they had just 41 yards. Ohio then put up 201 yards and 20 points after the break, scoring on all four of its possessions.
Sieh Bangura’s run for 25 yards on the second play of the second half got things rolling for Ohio. Afer an 11-yard completion to Miles Cross, Bangura ran for 14 yards. Tyler Walton kept the drive alive with 14 yards on third down, though the Bobcats ultimately settled for a 29-yard game-tying field goal from Gianni Spetic.
Buffalo’s Ron Cook fielded the... <Read More>
Miami hands Ohio first loss on Frank Solich Field, 30-16
RedHawks take control of MAC East
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 28, 2023
ATHENS – A promising start fizzled, and Ohio lost not only its first game at Frank Solich Field but also most likely the Mid American Conference East Division title with a 30-16 loss to rival Miami in the Battle of the Bricks on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
The Bobcats jumped out to a 9-0 lead before surrendering 30 in a row to the RedHawks. With the win, Miami handed Ohio its first home loss in the last two seasons and took control of the division with a one-game lead and the head-to-head tiebreaker with only three games to play.
A defense that has excelled all season against the run gave up 188 rushing yards to a Miami team that preferred to move in that manner with starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert injured for the rest of the season... <Read More>
Wiglusz has career game as Ohio tops Western Michigan 20-17
Bobcats remain unbeaten at Frank Solich Field
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 21, 2023
ATHENS – Slowed by injuries early in the year, Sam Wiglusz broke out with a career-high 155 receiving yards while making what ultimately was the game-winning touchdown in a 20-17 Ohio victory against Western Michigan on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Wiglusz made a running catch of a pass from Kurtis Rourke, taking one step along the left side of the end zone before his momentum carried him out of bounds. That 7-yard touchdown catch gave the Bobcats a 20-10 lead with 4:36 remaining.
“We caught Tampa 2, and it was a great throw by Kurtis,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said.
With the victory, the Bobcats (6-2, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) clinched bowl eligibility and kept pace with Miami in the East Division ahead of a huge showdown next... <Read More>
Ohio sputters in 2nd half of 23-13 loss at NIU
Bobcats' 5-game winning streak snapped
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 14, 2023
DeKALB, Ill. – Kurtis Rourke and the Ohio offense could not put it together, especially in the second half, and the Bobcats had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 23-13 loss to Northern Illinois on Saturday at Huskie Stadium.
The Bobcats (5-2, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) managed just 254 yards of offense, including just 63 after halftime when they were shutout as Rourke, who had been intercepted just two times before, was picked off three possessions in a row.
Ohio’s strong defense continued to play tough, but it gave up a pair of big plays to start each half, and that proved to be enough for Northern Illinois (3-4, 2-1 MAC). Gavin Williams scored on a 53-yard touchdown run to put the Huskies up 7-0, and after the Bobcats took... <Read More>
Offense breaks out in homecoming win
Bobcats blow out Golden Flashes 42-17
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 7, 2023
ATHENS – Slowed by injuries early in the year, the Ohio offense found a groove late in the first half Saturday as the Bobcats rolled to a 42-17 homecoming victory against Kent State at Peden Stadium.
Led by Kurtis Rourke and Miles Cross, Ohio scored touchdowns on five straight possessions after managing just seven points the first four times it had the ball. Rourke threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, with Cross catching two of those while piling up 125 yards on seven catches.
With the score tied at 7, the Bobcats (5-1, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) took advantage of good field position to take the lead. Kent State’s punt netted just 30 yards, and two plays later, Rourke connected with Sam Wiglusz for a 30-yard touchdown catch to put... <Read More>
Bobcats score 2 defensive TDs in rout of Falcons
Rourke throws 3 TD passes, Ohio wins 38-7
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 23, 2023
BOWLING GREEN – Ohio’s defense scored a pair of touchdowns, and the Bobcats ran out to a big lead early while thumping Bowling Green 38-7 to begin Mid-American Conference play Saturday at Doyt Perry Stadium.
Keye Thompson and Roman Parodie both returned fumbles for touchdowns in the first half, and Kurtis Rourke was efficient with three touchdown passes and only two incompletions.
Once again, an opposing offense was overwhelmed by Ohio’s defense, which allowed just 206 yards and forced four touchdowns.
Thompson also had an interception on the game’s first possession to set up a quick score for the Bobcats. Rourke threw to Sieh Bangura for a 29-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.
Jacoby Jones made a 42-yard catch on the next possession, Sam... <Read More>
Interceptions key Ohio's first win against Iowa State
Bobcats knock off Cyclones 10-7 at Peden Stadium
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 16, 2023
ATHENS – Even a Big 12 offense was no match for Ohio’s defense.
Iowa State was shut out until less than five minutes remained as Ohio took a 10-7 victory Saturday at Peden Stadium.
The Bobcats (3-1) struggled offensively, but turned an interception into their only touchdown and then got another pick to seal the game late. Ohio has given up just 47 points this year and allowed just 38 net rushing yards to the Cyclones (1-2).
"We asked them to raise the bar, and in a tie game when it's on the line, who's going to be the smartest? Who's going to have the most discipline and do the things?" Ohio coach Tim Albin said. "We've got expectations and goals for the season and a plan on how to get those. Turnovers, field position and Ohio doesn't beat... <Read More>
Despite playmakers' return, Ohio relies on defense
Bobcats hold off Owls 17-10
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 9, 2023
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Ohio got its key offensive playmakers back but still relied on its defense to take a 17-10 victory against Florida Atlantic on Saturday evening at FAU Stadium.
The Bobcats (2-1) held the Owls (1-1) to just 185 yards of offense, including only 5 net rushing yards, and made a trio of stops in the final five and a half minutes to preserve the victory.
After missing the last game and three quarters, Kurtus Rourke started slow, with an interception on his first pass attempt, but he eventually made enough plays for the Bobcats. He was 18-of-29 passing for 203 yards and a touchdown and ran for another 26 yards. His top targets from a year ago, Sam Wiglusz (four catches for 22 yards) and Jacoby Jones (two catches for 20 yards)... <Read More>
Defense leads Ohio to 27-10 win over LIU
Rourke, Wiglusz, Jones all sit out
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 2, 2023
ATHENS – With Kurtis Rourke sitting out after a first-quarter injury last week, Ohio turned to its defense to lead the way in a 27-10 victory against FCS opponent Long Island in its home opener Saturday at Peden Stadium.
The Bobcats (1-1) allowed just 206 yards of offense and did not allow the Sharks (0-1) to reach the end zone until the final quarter.
CJ Harris started in place of Rourke, and Parker Navarro, who suffered an injury last season also played, even though Ohio coach Tim Albin said this week that he expected Rourke to play. The Bobcats did not need him in this one.
Offensively, though, it was Sieh Bangura who carried the load with 19 carries for 107 yards. O’Shaan Allison carried 13 times, though he managed only 27 yards, and... <Read More>
Ohio comes up short 20-13 in opener at San Diego State
Rourke leaves game after one quarter
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, August 26, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Ohio fell short, but if Kurtis Rourke is OK, it probably could be considered a win.
Rourke, who underwent ACL injury after an injury late last season, left a 20-13 loss to San Diego State in the first quarter Saturday evening at Snapdragon Stadium.
Ohio’s offense struggled without him, and the status of the reining Mid-American Conference player of the year was unclear. Rourke stayed down on the field following a sack on the final play of the first quarter, but eventually jumped up and ran off the field. However, he reportedly was not on the sideline later in the game.
Perhaps Rourke’s absence was precautionary, but the Bobcats sputtered on offense without him. CJ Harris completed just 18-of-42 passes for 203 yards with three... <Read More>
Arizona Bowl champs: Harris TD pass to Foster wins it in OT
Vakos also clutch with FG to tie game
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Friday, December 30, 2022
TUSCON, Ariz. – Nathanial Vakos kicked a 46-yard field goal to force overtime, and Tyler Foster pulled down the game-winning touchdown from CJ Harris as Ohio topped Wyoming 30-27 in the Arizona Bowl on Friday afternoon at Arizona Stadium.
Foster held onto a contested catch over the Cowboys’ Derron Harrell on a third-down play to give the Bobcats (10-4) their fourth 10-win season in school history while pushing their bowl game winning streak to four.
“Emotions were high, and I was feeling pretty confident,” said Harris, who threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns on 20-of-33 passing. “It was a one-on-one matchup and I thought I’ve got to get it to my guy, and Tyler came down with the ball and we celebrated in the end zone.”
With Harris... <Read More>
Toledo shuts down Ohio in MAC title game 17-7
Bobcats' 54-year championship drought continues
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, December 3, 2022
DETROIT – The Mid-American Conference football title drought continues.
Ohio could not catch a break and could not get its offense in gear, falling 17-7 to Toledo in the MAC Championship game Saturday afternoon at Ford Field.
The loss snapped the Bobcats’ seven-game winning streak and extends their consecutive seasons without a MAC championship to 54.
While third-string quarterback CJ Harris came up big in his first career start in a win against Bowling Green last week to get the Bobcats (9-4) to the title game, offense was hard to come by against the Rockets (8-5). Ohio was held to 262 yards.
Toledo quarter Dequan Finn, who has dealt with a couple different injuries that have slowed him late in the season, was named the game’s offensive... <Read More>
Bobcats dominate Falcons to clinch MAC East title
Harris steps up in Ohio's 38-14 victory
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Wednesday, November 23, 2022
ATHENS – Once CJ Harris and Ohio got going, they could not be stopped on their way to Detroit.
With starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke sidelined for the season by a knee injury, Harris did his part in leading the Bobcats to a 38-14 blowout of Bowling Green on Tuesday night at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium to clinch a spot in the Mid-American Conference championship game.
Bowling Green scored the only points of the first quarter, but it was all Ohio after that. Harris was 10-of-21 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown and added 12 rushes for 65 yards and three scores in his first career start, helping the Bobcats to their fifth MAC championship game since 2006 and their first since 2016.
Ohio’s defense also played a big part in the... <Read More>
Rourke injured in Ohio win against Ball State
Bobcats still need to beat BG to win MAC East
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Tuesday, November 15, 2022
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ohio won its sixth straight game, but it came at a potentially big cost.
Kurtis Rourke left the game with a knee injury and did not return as the Bobcats beat Ball State 32-18 on Tuesday night at Scheumann Stadium.
With Ohio leading 17-3, the Mid-American Conference’s leading passer went down on a pass attempt late in the first half and was on the sideline in the second half with a brace and ice on his knee.
Ohio (8-3, 6-1 MAC) turned to C.J. Harris at quarterback but ultimately relied on Sieh Bangura and its defense to hold its lead. Bangura finished with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.
"This evening was a hard fought game by both sides," Ohio coach Tim Albin. "Our football team continues to find ways to win... <Read More>
Bobcats win 5th straight game with Battle of Bricks win
Ohio takes down Miami 37-21 in Oxford
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Tuesday, November 8, 2022
OXFORD – Kurtis Rourke and Ohio continued to roll with a 37-21 victory against Miami on Tuesday night at Yager Stadium.
Rourke completed 25-of-35 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns, and Sieh Bangura returned to action with 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown as the Bobcats won their fifth straight game.
Miles Cross had a career game receiving with six receptions for 133 yards, and Jacoby Jones caught a pair of touchdown passes.
Ohio won the Battle of the Bricks for the second straight year and for the 13th time in the last 16 meetings.
"This was a great team win," Ohio coach Tim Albin. "This team has been really resilient all year. It's a challenge to go into the game and have great growth after spending the day in the hotel... <Read More>
Bobcats blow out Bulls, take MAC East lead
Rourke throws 5 more touchdown passes
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Tuesday, November 1, 2022
ATHENS – Ohio moved atop the Mid-American Conference East standings with its fourth straight victory, a thorough 45-24 pounding of former MAC unbeaten Buffalo on Tuesday night at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium.
The Bobcats (6-3, 4-1 MAC) scored the first 17 points of the game, and although the Bulls (5-4, 4-1 MAC) cut the deficit to seven on a couple of occasions, Ohio answered each time and pulled away.
Kurtis Rourke more than made up for a pick-six by throwing five touchdown passes. He was 20-of-29 passing for 317 yards and rushed for another 52 yards. Sam Wiglusz and Miles Cross each caught a pair of touchdowns, with Wiglusz finishing his night with 131 yards on six receptions.
Ohio set the tone in the first quarter, not allowing a... <Read More>
Defense stands tough in 24-17 win over NIU
Bobcats stay undefeated at Frank Solich Field
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 22, 2022
ATHENS – Ohio’s defense stood tough a second straight week, making a late stand in a 24-17 victory that kept the Bobcats undefeated at home on the day Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium was dedicated to the former coach.
Kurtis Rourke threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Sam Wiglusz with seven minutes remaining, and Northern Illinois was unable to answer. Rourke finished 14-of-26 passing for 200 yards with a pair of passing touchdowns and another on the ground.
“We have a scrappy bunch, and we find a way to win, every week, every 60 minutes,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “It's a different identity every 60 minutes and our guys find a way. We knew it is going to be a challenge today with what we are facing, but we got it done. We're going to... <Read More>
Ohio intercepts Salopek 5 times in 33-14 win over Western Michigan
Bobcats pick up first road victory of season
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 15, 2022
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Ohio’s struggling defense came up forcing six turnovers, including five interceptions, in a dominant 33-14 victory against Western Michigan on Saturday at Waldo Stadium.
The Bobcats (4-3, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) sacked Broncos quarterback Jack Salopek five times and picked him off five times while also recovering a fumble in their first road victory of the season.
Zack Sanders and Torrie Cox Jr. each had two interceptions, with Bryce Dugan picking up the other on a deflected pass.
“An unbelievable performance by our defense,” Ohio coach Tim Albin. “The turnovers were the difference in the game. We challenged the team all week, and they responded.”
Offensively, Sieh Bangura scored a couple of touchdowns with 77... <Read More>
Ohio strikes early, often in 55-34 homecoming win
Wiglusz scores on first play, Bobcats down Zips
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 8, 2022
ATHENS – Ohio scored on the first play from scrimmage and led the entire way in a 55-34 homecoming victory against Akron on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Kurtis Rourke connected on a 75-yard touchdown pass to Sam Wiglusz on the first play, and it was a sign of things to come as Rourke finished the day 24-of-27 passing for 427 yards and three touchdowns, with seven of those completions and 144 of those yards to Wiglusz, who later scored a second touchdown.
"The first play of the game was the best way to start the game," Wiglusz said. "We got a couple plays that we know we were going to get a chance to call out if we got the right look. It could not have played out much better and it really got us off to a hot start, so it felt great."
Akron... <Read More>
Cooper, Cephas help fumble-plagued Flashes top Bobcats in OT
Ohio's defense torched again, giving up 736 yards
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, October 1, 2022
KENT – Marquez Cooper and Dante Cephas could not be stopped, and they willed mistake-filled Mid-American East Conference favorite Kent State over Ohio 31-24 in overtime on Saturday at Dix Stadium.
Cooper ran 40 times for 240 yards and two touchdowns, with Cephas making 13 catches for 246 yards and a score as the Golden Flashes racked up 736 yards of offense on 98 plays, eventually wearing out a Bobcats defense that stood tough until the fourth quarter.
Kurtis Rourke had another impressive game, completing 25 of 39 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns, but it was not enough for the Bobcats (2-3, 0-1 MAC). He was off the mark on his final three passes, including on a fourth-and-goal from the Kent State 5-yard line when Ohio needed a... <Read More>
Rourke's record-breaking day just enough in 59-52 win
QB throws for 537 yards, game-winning TD in final minute
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 24, 2022
ATHENS – Kurtis Rourke threw for a school-record 537 yards as Ohio racked up a program-best 692 yards of offense and needed every last one of them to rally past Fordham 59-52 on Saturday at Peden Stadium.
Unable to stop the Tim DeMorat-to-Fotis Kokosioulis connection of the Rams, the Bobcats fell behind 49-38 before the end of the third quarter. They scored the game-tying touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Rourke to Jacoby Jones with 52 seconds left, with a go-ahead Nathanial Vakos extra point following.
“I said last week, and I will say it again,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said. “One thing for certain is that this team has got fight. I challenged them at halftime. They took it well and our guys kept fighting. Unbelievable game at home with... <Read More>
Bobcats outmatched again in 43-10 loss to Cyclones
Ohio falls behind big early against Power Five foe
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 17, 2022
AMES, Iowa – For the second straight week, Ohio was outmatched by a Power Five school, falling 43-10 to Iowa State on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.
The Cyclones (3-0) were up by 24 points only a few minutes into the second quarter and slowed down little from there.
Ohio was unable to establish its line play, finishing with just 24 yards rushing, and had to take it to the air to try to get some offense going, but there were mixed results there at best, with Kurtis Rourke throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble for the Bobcats’ first three turnovers of the season. Backup Parker Navarro also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter.
On the other hand, Iowa State had little trouble offensively, finishing with 463 yards of offense while... <Read More>
Penn State overwhelms Ohio with 46-10 victory
Bobcats have no answer for Singleton's big plays, Nittany Lions' defense
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 10, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s big play ability overwhelmed Ohio as the Nittany Lions rolled to a 46-10 victory Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
True freshman running back Nicholas Singleton scored on a pair of long runs and racked up 179 yards on just 10 carries to lead the way. Penn State finished with 572 yards while holding Ohio to just 264.
"We came in to win the football game and it didn't go our way," Ohio coach Tim Albin said. "As a staff, we need to take 24 hours and get a few guys' bumps and bruises cleaned up. Next week on the next stage we're going to look better."
Every time the Bobcats (1-1) seemed made a play to seemingly stay in the game, the Nittany Lions (2-0) responded with an even bigger moment and eventually ran away... <Read More>
Ohio has big 2nd half, holds off FAU's late rally
Rourke has career day with 345 yards passing, 5 total TDs
By Lonnie McMillan / Contributor Saturday, September 3, 2022
ATHENS – Roman Parodie broke up a fourth-down pass with 32 seconds left as Ohio held on for a season-opening 41-38 victory against Florida Atlantic on Saturday evening at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium.
The Owls nearly rallied from a 17-point deficit in the final seven minutes, getting the ball back at its own 19-yard line down by three with one timeout and 1:36 remaining. FAU quarterback N’Kosi Perry completed first-down throws of 12 and 10 yards before firing incomplete on four straight passes to turn the ball over on downs.
Kurtis Rourke had a career day by completing 27 of 34 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns to outduel Perry, who was 24 of 42 for 364 yards and five touchdowns.
"Great start at Peden stadium, the... <Read More>
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