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Freshman Hunt leads Bobcats to 5th straight bowl win

Ohio starts fast in 41-21 win against Georgia Southern


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Lonnie McMillan Photo
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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Lonnie McMillan Photo
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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