by First Quarter
The first quarter of this game started off slow as the first 3 possessions of the game resulted in a punt. The Bobcats were able to strike first as they were able to march down on a 5-play, 54-yard drive that resulted in a field goal as South Alabama got the ball back and punted again before the end of the quarter.
Second Quarter
This is the quarter of the game where it really took off. The Bobcats opened the quarter with a drive that resulted in a punt; However, on the next drive for the Bobcats, running back Anthony Tyus ran for a 7-yard touchdown. The next two drives of the game resulted in punts but South Alabama responded with a 6-play, 54-yard drive that resulted in a field goal making the score 10-3. South Alabama ties it up on the next drive with running back Fluff Bothwell running for an 8-yard touchdown, tying the ball game at 10-10. The Bobcats bounced back after that touchdown and went down the field in 7-plays and scored a 33-yard passing touchdown from Parker Navarro to Chase Hendricks making it 17-10 going into the half with the Bobcats holding the lead.
Third Quarter
The second half starts almost as electric as the start of the second quarter. South Alabama and the Bobcats trade off scoring drives making it a one-possession ball game with Ohio leading 24-17. On the very next possession for the Bobcats, Parker Navarro gets sacked and fumbles the ball, resulting in a recovery and a fresh set of downs for South Alabama’s offense.
Fourth Quarter
The Jaguars were able to open the fourth quarter with a 38-yard field goal that would help cut the deficit to 4 points and make the score 24-20. Both teams exchanged drives that resulted in negative yards and resulted in punts. The Bobcats got the ball back and were able to march down the field and bleed the clock on a 14-play, 78-yard drive that resulted in a 26-yard field goal from kicker Gianni Spetic. South Alabama had one last chance to try to tie it up but the Bobcat’s defense was able to hold the Jaguars from tying the game and forced a punt. The Bobcats were able to bleed the rest of the clock out and win the game with a final score of 27-20.
Analysis
The offense looked well-balanced, as the Bobcats had 200 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns combined, and Parker Navarro threw for 204 yards and a 33-yard touchdown that changed the game. Navarro looks like a true leader on the field and is feeling confident as well with the Bobcats bouncing back after last week’s loss to Syracuse. Running backs Anthony Tyus and Ricky Hunt Jr. both eclipsed 70 rushing yards in this performance, highlighting the great work by the offensive line that is led by a veteran in Parker Titsworth. Navarro was spreading the love as he had a completion to 7 different receivers.
The defense is holding stout and growing and coming together as the season goes on. The Bobcat’s defense was able to hold the Jaguars to less than 110 rushing yards, showing that they have the poise to hold firm when they need to. Safety Dustin Johnson and Safety Austin Brawley led the defense as they were able to both have 7 total tackles in the game, both having 4 solo tackles, along with Safety DJ Walker and defensive end Ben McNaboe tallying 4 solo tackles as well. Defensive tackle Cam Rice also stuck out as he was able to have a sack and also add 2 tackles for loss to his totals as well.
This was a historical win for Ohio University’s football program as it marks the 600th win in program history. According to Ohio University’s athletic page, Tim Albin stated “I think it’s pretty cool. There’s a lot of former Bobcats and administrators that have a lot to do with that,” said head coach Tim Albin. “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.”
ROLL BOBBIES!!!
