Sports
Ohio Football: Tuggle, Bobcats roll past Bowling Green
By: Bryan Kurp
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ATHENS, Ohio — Sometimes when teams don’t play for an extended period of time, there could be a slow start and players could show some “rust”. That was not the case with Ohio on Saturday as the Bobcats wasted no time getting back into the swing of things.
Playing for the first time in 18 days, Ohio (2-1) came out and dominated Bowling Green (0-3) en route to a 52-10 victory.
“I thought it was a complete ball game by the offense, defense, special teams units,” Ohio head coach Frank Solich said. “(There were) big plays by all three of those units and, obviously, that’s what it takes in order to have success in this conference.”
Ohio got off to a fast start. De’Montre Tuggle found the end zone just over three minutes into the game to put the Bobcats on the board. Ohio scored 45 points in the first half — tying the most the Bobcats have score in a half in the Frank Solich era.
“You look at the points that were put on the board, I was hoping we’d be able to show that earlier (in the season) in what we’re all about,” Solich said. “Those first two ball games it was not the case. We just weren’t hitting on all cylinders the way we’re capable of doing it in the running game, passing game. There were a few pieces of the puzzle that kind of came together for this game and I think it showed really well out there today.”
Tuggle had a career-high in rushing yards in OU’s game against Akron two weeks ago, and he set a new career-high against the Falcons with 186 yards. Tuggle also scored three touchdowns, the most notable was a 70-yard score in the second quarter.
“It was just great blocking by my (offensive) line, that’s all I can say,” Tuggle said.
The Bobcats outgained Bowling Green in yardage, 436 to 306, and dominated the rushing game, 355 to 188.
Kurtis Rourke suffered an upper body injury in the second quarter of the game.
“It’s an injury that’s probably going to take some time to recover,” Solich said. “We’ll get more information from the doctors. It’s something that will take a little bit of time.”
Armani Rogers relieved Rourke at the quarterback position. Rogers was 2-of-3 on pass attempts for 14 yards and a touchdown. Rogers, mostly known for his running ability, also ran for 65 yards and a touchdown.
“I felt like he handled the game situations well,” Solich said. “He was very composed out there. He ran the offense the way we want him to run it. The option and the other reads that he makes were really good reads. It gives a guy with his talents a chance, when he keeps the ball, to have big plays and explosive plays.”
The Bobcats’ defense had three interceptions in the game. Jett Elad, Alvin Floyd and Tariq Drake each picked up an interception.
The Bobcats will be back in action on Saturday as they welcome in Buffalo. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Follow Bobcat Showcase on social media for live updates and postgame content from Peden Stadium.