The opening kickoff by Matt Weller that resulted in a touchback and a couple defensive stops on running plays were the only positives for Ohio on the game's first drive.
Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato picked apart the Ohio secondary, guiding his offense down the field with seven completions on nine attempts. The drive resulted in a three-yard touchdown to receiver Jazz King.
Nothing went right on Ohio's first possession which was a quick three-and-out, giving Cato another drive against a winded defense.
Cato's completed seven of eight passes for 81 yards that ended in another touchdown, as he connected with his favorite target Aaron Dobson.
Ohio struggled on it next possession with another three-and-out.
The Bobcat defense held up on the Herd's third possession, limiting the potent passing offense to only nine yards before punting.
Ohio's next drive ended the first quarter in Marshall territory. At the start of the second quarter, the Bobcats drive ended with a six-yard touchdown to Troy Hill.
Another Marshall drive stalled, returning possesion to Ohio.
The Bobcats drive started on the 25-yard line and 11 plays later, the Marshall lead was cut to just four at 14-10 on the Matt Weller field goal.
After an explosive start, Cato threw for only 26 yards in the second quarter. The most indicative moment of the momentum shift was when the Herd ran out the clock before halftime after Ohio scored its second touchdown of the quarter, a four-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Futrell.
Ohio leads 17-14 at halftime.
First half stats
Tyler Tettlton 15-for-22 for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns
Tyler Futrell 5 catches for 42 yards, 1TD
Beau Blankenship 15 rushes for 60 yards
Boykin 6 rushes for 41 yards
Rakeem Cato
19-24 187 yards, 2 TD
