Ohio (5-3, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) got a much-needed blowout win over Buffalo (4-4, 2-2 MAC) by a score of 47-16 Saturday afternoon.
The win was crucial for the Bobcats, who were coming off a terrible loss against rival Miami. Ohio’s played its best football of the year at just the right time.
This was an emotional game for Ohio and head coach Tim Albin, who celebrated the team’s senior day as well as Frank Solich Day.
“I just let the staff do their do their job,” Albin said. “I wanted (to win) so bad with the seniors and coaches, and so I am happy for all.”
Despite the lopsided final score, Ohio did not get off to a lightning-quick start. The defense held string on the first Buffalo possession of the game, with cornerbacks Tank Pearson and Roman Parodie coming up with some big pass breakups to force a punt.
The ensuing Ohio offensive possession was one of the few negative drives the team had all game. With star running back Anthony Tyus out due to an injury, it was Rickey Hunt Jr. who carried most of the load on the ground. His fast start on the first drive went to waste after Parker Navarro threw an interception.
That interception would go on to be the only Ohio turnover of the day, a key problem for an Ohio team that has had issues keeping possession of the ball.
The Navarro interception set up the Buffalo offense inside its own territory. Even with the tough field position, the Bulls capitalized on the turnover and marched down within scoring position.
Ohio linebacker Kadin Schmitz made a big stop on third down, holding Buffalo to a 47-yard field goal that would sail wide to the right for no points.
“It was just kinda that little under route, just playing top down on it, and then trying to be the hammer, not the nail, trying to bring it to him there,” Schmitz said.
On the Bobcats’ next drive, they would respond with a field goal of their own, taking the first lead of the game. That lead wouldn’t last for long as the Buffalo offense would go on its first scoring drive, ending with a Messiah Burch rushing touchdown.
The Ohio offense again responded this time in a big way with a 46-yard rushing touchdown from Rickey Hunt to put the team back on top.
“They were short in the box, and (Hunt) made a nice little step to the right and then cut back,” Albin said. “He had a great burst to finish that run.”
That impressive Hunt run was the highlight of many successful runs from Ohio, set up by some stellar play in the trenches.
“Today, the guys played physical,” Ohio center Parker Titsworth said. “They played with good pad level, and they played with good energy and effort. That's all you can ask for at the end of the day.”
Ohio’s offense was as explosive as it had been all season in the dominant win. Quarterback Parker Navarro played his best game alongside star wide receiver Coleman Owen.
Owen had three total touchdowns on the day including 146 yards receiving. After an early turnover, Navarro ended the day with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The defense made plays all day and pressured Buffalo quarterback CJ Ogbonna, getting home for three sacks on the day. The constant pressure caused an errant throw that led to a Shay Taylor pick-six, complete with a slight dig at the Bulls.
“The defensive line made it 10 times easier,” Taylor said. “It was easier for me to read them quicker because I knew that the ball was gonna come out quicker, and then I was able to use my speed to get in the (end zone) for a touchdown.”
Taylor’s touchdown was the nail in the coffin for Buffalo, who eventually fell to Ohio by over 30 points. It was a key win for an Ohio team that is now still in the thick of the race to the MAC title game.
“(It was a) program win, coming off a tough loss last week from the defending conference champion, going against the team that is probably evenly matched,” Albin said. “I cannot say enough about their efforts and how proud I am… our guys went out there and put up our best performance up to date.”
