Ohio Bobcats bludgeon Stonehill Skyhawks in 35-7 win
Ohio was in control from the start in a blowout victory.
Like a heavyweight fighter known for body punching, Ohio's (2-2) repeated blows to the Skyhawks' midsection eventually slowed the visitors, while some haymakers throughout helped complete the 35-7 victory on Saturday afternoon.
With 301 yards rushing and a time of possession of almost two-to-one, Stonehill (1-4, 1-0 NEC) wore down by the third quarter and eventually succumbed, unable to keep pace with the Bobcats on either side of the ball in the second half.
Each team had four offensive possessions in the first half, with the 'Cats outgaining the Skyhawks 267-51. Ohio had a chance to score on each drive but the visitors rose up at the right moments to keep the game to a 14-7 Ohio margin at the halftime break. Highlights in the first half for the visitors boiled down to three key plays. First, the Skyhawks defense stymied the Bobcats on opening drive, bringing pressure on fourth down on their own 23-yard line to stop the threat on an incomplete pass. With shades of unfortunate events for the 'Cats defense last week, Stonehill's QB Jack O'Connell broke contain to the offense's right on fourth-and-eight with Ohio dropping everyone in coverage. O'Connell hit Cole Clark for a 32-yard score on a blown coverage to tie the game at seven.
Predictably, that was the last time O'Connell had time to throw with Bobcat pressure ensuing on the regular after that play.
Ohio quickly gained the lead back on a crisp 74-yard drive capped on a four-yard run by Victor Rosa to go up 14-7.
With time winding in the second and Ohio deep into Skyhawk territory, defensive lineman Christopher Gill made a whale of a play to snuff the drive, intercepting a screen pass, keeping the margin at one score at the half.
The third quarter started with three punts but, by that time, the body blows had taken its toll on the visitors with the home team pulling away. The key figures on the crucial 74-yard touchdown drive were backup QB Matt Vezza (in for an injured Nick Poulos) and receiver Dom Dorwart. First, Dorwart and the 'Cats offense scorched the visitors on a 21-yard run on a well-executed double reverse. The Skyhawks defense, discombobulated by the prior play, were helpless as Vezza laid out a beautiful long ball on the next play to Dorwart for a 42-yard touchdown.
After Dorwart's score, the wheels came off the wagon for the visitors, as Ohio's offensive line turned cracks into major holes where RBs Victor Rosa (87 yards, 2 TDs), Irving Brown (97 yards), and Mike Taylor Jr. (48 yards) took control for the win on the ground.
NOTES:
Ohio moves into conference play in pretty good shape. After facing adversity with injuries and otherwise throughout non-conference, the Bobcats really took advantage to develop their depth which should really pay off in conference. Underclass players like halfbacks Irving Brown and Michael Taylor Jr., receiver Zach Hackleman, and cornerbacks Tyler Long and Bobby Miller, for example, all got a chance to get the early reps out of the way and feel the comfort to show what they can do.
The 'Cats have to be pleased with the QB depth. With team captain Nick Poulos missing the last two games with injury, QBs Matt Vezza and true freshman Levi Davis have proven Ohio can win regardless of who is under center.
This is an important game for the maturation of the offensive line, who spearheaded a 300+ yard rushing day.
WR Riley Neer led the club with five catches for 113 yards.
The Bobcats defense responded today like you would hope they would in coming off a game last week where they allowed 466 yards, including 266 yards rushing against a very good rushing team in South Alabama. The competition is not as important as the response here, as Ohio allowed only 124 total yards on the day and stonewalled the rushing game for -1 yards on the day and 0-8 on third downs. Cornerback Kendall Bannister was notable with wins in one-on-one coverage.
Wish the Skyhawks well, they were well-coached and fought hard for as long as they could.
Up next, the Bobcats open conference play on the road at Kent State at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, while Stonehill heads to Sacred Heart for a noon kickoff.
