With quarterback Parker Navarro in victory formation, a raucous Ohio crowd cheered in victory as the clock read double zeroes, signifying a 27-20 Ohio victory. The Bobcats not only got their first win of the season in their first game at home but also picked up win No. 600 in the program's storied history.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said about reaching 600 wins. “There’s a lot of former Bobcats and administrators that have a lot to do with that.”
Albin, who has been with the program for 20 years, has played a large role in the program's 600 wins, a good portion of which came at Peden Stadium – now Peden Stadium at Frank Solich Field.
Ever since Albin took over as head coach, a primary goal for the team has been to “defend The Frank.” Named after Hall-of-Fame coach Frank Solich, a role model for Albin, the team doesn’t accept any losses on The Frank.
“We’ve talked about it ever since I got here in January, we don’t lose on The Frank,” Ohio linebacker Blake Leake said. “That’s been carried out for the past couple years … My first game here tonight, I was going to make sure we didn’t lose on The Frank. That full stadium really helped us.”
Named after two of the greatest coaches of all time, Don Peden and Frank Solich, winning at home means something to the entire program and the university. Since the stadium added Solich’s name, the Bobcats have played to a home record of 12-1.
Something about the history and reputation of the stadium helps Ohio win week in and week out. Of course, that is in no small part due to the fans that fill it.
“I can’t express how excited we are to be at home,” Albin said ahead of the game. “Bobcat Nation has the best (fans) in our league.”
Late in the fourth quarter of Ohio’s win against South Alabama, the defense needed a stop. The Jaguars had a chance to run down the field and tie the game with a chance to win it in overtime. However, on a third down play, one of the biggest of the game, the Ohio crowd came to their feet and made noise, forcing a penalty that would later lead to a punt. From that point, Ohio rode the crowd to victory in the final minutes.
“It’s loud down there, (the fans) are pumping energy into our guys,” Albin said. “... It’s energy, and our guys feed off of that.”
Albin and the whole team were thrilled to return to their home turf. Any time the team takes the field in Athens, there is an expectation for success, an expectation that Albin usually meets.
“I saw a lot of shirts with painted chests and painted faces; they were pretty rowdy,” Albin said. “It was loud there in the second half.”
Ohio will play five more games on The Frank this season, five games in which the team will see the advantage that the field and the community bring.
