by In the 100th “Battle of the Bricks” matchup between Miami University and Ohio University, Miami’s defense set the tone early, forcing several OU punts in a defensive struggle through much of the first half. In the second half, it was all RedHawks as they won in dominant fashion 30-14.
First Quarter
The opening quarter saw both teams struggling to gain offensive momentum. After a Miami punt on their first possession, the defense responded by halting Ohio’s running back Anthony Tyus on third and short, forcing OU to punt. On Miami’s next possession, Brett Gabbert connected with Cade Macdonald on a 42-yard pass to get into field goal range. Although the drive stalled, Miami took an early 3-0 lead. The remainder of the quarter was a defensive standoff, with each team punting multiple times.
Second Quarter
Miami’s defense continued to apply pressure, with Matt Salopek delivering a key tackle on Ohio’s quarterback CJ Navarro to force yet another OU punt. On offense, a steady 4-yard run by Kevin Downing extended a drive, and Gabbert later found Jalen Perry to move Miami to the OU 28-yard line. After an out-of-bounds near touchdown to Reggie Virgil, Ohio was flagged for roughing the passer, giving Miami a crucial opportunity. Gabbert capitalized, going right back to Virgil for a 14-yard touchdown reception, increasing the lead to 10-0.
Looking to respond, Ohio’s offense finally showed signs of life, converting a third-and-4 as Navarro escaped pressure. However, just as they were gaining momentum, Raion Strader intercepted Navarro’s pass and returned it to the OU 45-yard line. Gabbert swiftly guided Miami’s offense, connecting with Javon Tracy twice—first to set up a first-and-goal, and then on a 10-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds left in the half—sending Miami into the locker room with a commanding 16-0 lead after missed extra point.
Third Quarter
Ohio opened the second half with a drive extended by a costly Miami offsides penalty on Matt Salopek, giving the Bobcats a new set of downs. Quarterback Parker Navarro scrambled for 11 yards, followed by a 10-yard completion after nearly throwing an interception. Ohio’s offense moved into the red zone, and Navarro scrambled again for another first down, setting up Anthony Tyus, who scored from 1 yard out. Ohio’s two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping the score at 16-6 in favor of Miami.
Miami’s next possession ended with a punt after coming up short on a third-and-8. However, the RedHawks’ defense responded by bringing heavy pressure on Navarro, forcing a check-down pass for minimal gain and an Ohio punt. Miami’s Keyon Mozee then electrified the crowd with a 58-yard touchdown run, extending the RedHawks’ lead to 23-6.
On Ohio’s next drive, Miami took advantage of a busted play, sacking Navarro and forcing a 2nd-and-16. Shortly after, Matt Salopek redeemed his earlier penalty with a key interception, setting up Miami’s offense at the Ohio 28-yard line. On the very next play, Brett Gabbert connected with Cade Macdonald for a 28-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 30-6.
Ohio benched Parker Navarro and put in Nick Poulos at quarterback as the quarter came to a close.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter of the 100th “Battle of the Bricks” saw Miami’s defense held strong as Ohio’s backup quarterback Nick Poulos and his offense were forced to punt to start the quarter. Miami tried to run down the clock but eventually had to punt the ball back to the Bobcats.
Ohio, still trailing by 24 points, converted a crucial third-and-7 with 8:30 left in the game to keep their drive alive. On the next play, OU running back Ricky Hunt Jr. fumbled, and the RedHawks initially recovered. However, after a booth review, the call was overturned, and Ohio kept the ball on the Miami 34-yard line. Poulos was taken down for a loss behind the line of scrimmage, forcing a third-and-long. Although his third-down pass was incomplete, Miami was called for pass interference, giving Ohio a new set of downs. Poulos then connected with Chase Hendricks at the goal line, setting up first-and-goal.
Ohio’s Nolan McCormick punched in a 1-yard touchdown, and the Bobcats successfully converted a two-point attempt, narrowing the score to 30-14 with Miami still ahead. Ohio’s onside kick attempt failed, giving Miami the ball with 6:00 left. However, after multiple offensive penalties, the RedHawks faced a third-and-15 and had to punt back to Ohio with just under four minutes remaining.
Miami’s defense came up big again, sacking Poulos for a loss of eight yards, pushing Ohio deep into their own territory, and forcing another punt. Miami took possession with 2:50 on the clock. Despite some last-minute efforts from Ohio, Poulos scrambled into the end zone for a late touchdown, but the two-point conversion attempt failed, making the score 30-20 with just five seconds remaining.
Miami University held on for a 30-20 victory, winning the 100th “Battle of the Bricks.”
