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[Ethan Sargeant | WOUB]

Seniors lead Ohio in its 34-20 victory over Central Michigan

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio took the field at Peden Stadium for one final time this season and came out on top against Central Michigan 34-20.

“Emotional win,” head coach Tim Albin said. “The seniors went out on their last opportunity in front of our fans, Bobcat nation against a team that historically has kind of had our number.”

Linebacker Keye Thompson is apart of that group of seniors. He took a moment on Frank Solich Field after the game to reflect.

Shane Bonner runs to the endzone after his interception against Central Michigan
Shane Bonner runs to the endzone after his interception against Central Michigan [Conor Mallonn | WOUB]
“It was surreal,” Thompson said. “It was a good hard fought game, came out with the win, something we always want to do.”

Thompson and Bryce Houston combined for 18 tackles on the night. Both will go down as two of the best linebackers to come out of Ohio. 

Shane Bonner also got in on the action for the defense. Bonner deflected a pass attempt from Jase Bauer and returned it 21-yards for his first career pick-six.

On the offensive side of the ball, seniors made some noise too. Kurtis Rourke kept Ohio’s offense moving all night. Rourke finished with 15 completions on 23 attempts with 222 yards. He also had a 16-yard rushing touchdown. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of Kurtis (Rourke),” Albin said. “He’s a team player, selfless, loves the guys around him, (and) continues to come to work.”

O'Shaan Allison scores a touchdown against Central Michigan
O’Shaan Allison scores a touchdown against Central Michigan [Conor Mallonn | WOUB]
Running back O’Shaan Allison, who has spent six years with the program, found the endzone twice. Both scores capped off big drives for Ohio. 

“That’s something I’ve manifested the entire week like this is my last home game I gotta get in the endzone,” Allison said. “Then players was coming up to me like O’Shaan ‘What you gonna do today?’ I’m like ‘I’m scoring two touchdowns.’”

Allison did exactly that and helped lead the Bobcats to their first victory over Central Michigan since 2011. 

With the Miami win over Buffalo, Ohio has been eliminated from MAC East title contention. Ohio will conclude its regular season on the road against Akron on Nov. 24.