Ohio snapped its losing streak. After dropping its last three games, Ohio began its November schedule with a 35-33 win over Miami.
It wasn’t a pretty win. Miami dominated much of the second half while Ohio spent its time playing damage control. Ohio led by four touchdowns at one point only to allow that lead to dwindle to nine points by the end of the game.
The Bobcats won, but barely.
Here are a handful of fast reactions to Ohio’s 35-33 victory over Miami:
Defensive flip-flop
Ohio’s defense had its best outing perhaps all season before halftime. Miami punted four times and was held to 119 total yards in the first half. Ohio cornerback Roman Parodie even recorded his second interception of the season against quarterback Brett Gabbert.
But that was the first half. Ohio’s defense melted away after halftime. Miami scored 26 unanswered points in the second half alongside 216 total yards in the third quarter alone. Miami sprinted downfield, and Ohio hardly had time to keep up. It still recorded a handful of good plays, like a fourth-and-one stop in the fourth quarter that forced a turnover on downs, but Miami still exploited a pliable Ohio defense and almost took control of the game.
Passing takes the front seat
The Bobcats have only passed for more than 75 yards against two conference opponents before Tuesday. However, Miami had the best rushing defense in the MAC East Division and held conference opponents to 100 rushing yards or fewer per game. Instead of leaning on its running backs, Ohio all but ditched the run and let Rourke pass.
It paid off. Rourke passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns. In fact, Rourke’s first touchdown pass to Isiah Cox in the third quarter was Ohio’s first touchdown pass since its game against Akron a month prior.
Multiple receivers
Rourke exercised his receiving corps more than usual Tuesday. Eight receivers made receptions for the Bobcats, including Isiah Cox, who caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Cox hasn’t recorded more than 100 receiving yards since last season against Central Michigan.
Two other Bobcats — Cam Odom and De’Montre Tuggle — recorded 50 receiving yards or more. Tuggle, a running back, caught only two passes but made a 48-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
