Sports
Sieh Bangura scores two touchdowns to propel Ohio to 20-10 win over Buffalo
By: Maria Monesi
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Sieh Bangura scored two touchdowns to lift Ohio to a 20-10 victory on the road against Buffalo.
“Happy with a win here in Buffalo,” head coach Tim Albin said. “I think the last three or four times we have been here it’s been a one score game and that’s definitely what turned out tonight.”
The Bobcats offense struggled to get going to open the game. It was held to just 41 yards on 14 plays and Buffalo’s offense was on the field a majority of the first half.
“I just think we didn’t capitalize on some third downs,” quarterback Kurtis Rourke said. “That was a big emphasis in halftime, to be able to execute and finish those drives and finish those plays.”
As for Ohio’s defense, it held Buffalo to a field goal in the first half.
Ohio’s offense started clicking out of the locker room. Bangura had a 25-yard run that helped get Ohio rolling. After being forced to settle for three, Gianni Spetic later knotted things up with a 29-yard field goal, 3-3.
Following big defensive stops that kept the Bulls off the field, Kurtis Rourke connected with Tyler Walton for a 17-yard pass to put the Bobcats in scoring position. On fourth down, Bangura found the endzone with a two-yard run to give them their first lead of the game, 10-3.
Buffalo continued fighting. Quarterback Cole Snyder responded with a 52-yard pass to Darrell Harding Jr. which was later capitalized with a run from CJ Ogbonna to the endzone to knot the score 10-10.
It was then up to Ohio to respond. Later, Spetic put Ohio back in the lead with a 25-yard field goal as it took back the lead, 13-10. The defense continued to be dominant and was led by Keye Thompson, who forced and recovered a fumble. Thompson led the team with 13 tackles and Bryce Houston was just behind him with 12.
Following the takeaway, Ohio’s offense got to work. Bangura continued to be pivotal for Ohio as he scored his second touchdown of the night with five minutes remaining in the game to extend its lead, 20-10. Ohio finished with 115 yards on the ground.
“Sieh (Bangura) and O’Shaan (Allison), they continue to run hard,” Albin said. “I know their production as far as yards per carry and things like that have been inconsistent but you can’t tell by the way they’re running. I’m very, very happy with how they are running the football.”
Ohio will return to Peden Stadium for one final time this season as it hosts Central Michigan on Nov. 15.