by Detroit, Michigan- Ohio took the long bus ride to Ford field to break an even longer MAC Championship drop of 56 years. For Miami they looked to defend their title they earned just a year ago when defeating Toledo. This year it was the Bobcats year as Tim Albin and his team raised the new and improved MAC title to a score of 38-3. Today’s contest was the largest margin of victory for a MAC champion and the only time a team was held without a touchdown. To start the game it seemed that the Miami RedHawks would hold control of the game thanks to a promising drive.
The first half started in favor of Miami with a 29 yard field goal from Dom Dzioban, despite the early score Ohio completely controlled both halves thanks to their strong defense and run heavy offense that was near perfect on the night.
An 11 play drive is what kicked it all off for the Bobcats, Parker Navarro commanded the run heavy offense. He hit a few passes early in the possession and continued to make all the right choices on option run plays that then saw Navarro walk in for a four yard touchdown to give Ohio an early lead. Ohio would not let up on the gas pedal.
Miami’s offense led by veteran leader Brett Gabbert failed to move the ball consistently due to the Ohio defense bringing pressure from all levels giving the veteran QB little to no time to find his targets. The usually strong run game led by Keyon Mozee was halted by the Ohio front four for the majority of the game.
The tide truly swung in favor of the Bobcats on a drive that started in the first quarter and took over 10 minutes as they drove down the field. This drive was capped off by a Navarro yard rush. The momentum only sung further away from Miami as their next offensive possession was less than a minute long giving Ohio over four minutes to score.
Navarro proved he could do it on his feet, this time he showed off his arm talent that makes him near impossible for MAC opponents to figure out. Navarro’s pass found Mason Williams for a 21 yard touchdown. The news only got worse for Miami, Ohio received to start the half.
The first possession of the second half ended the way most Ohio drives ended, in the endzone. Navarro did it again with his arm finding Coleman Owen who was wide open near the endzone to increase the lead to 28-3. Ohio scored 10 more to close it out as they ran the clock out and claimed their well deserted MAC Title.
