Sports
Ohio Football’s defensive struggles fuel loss at South Alabama
By: Evan Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Ohio (1-2) football traveled down to Alabama to take on South Alabama (2-1) in their third non-conference contest. The Jaguars’ offense exploded with 24 first-half points, and despite Ohio bringing it back within three, the Bobcats lost 41-36.
It was the second-ever meeting between the two schools, with the first coming in 2024 in Athens, where the Bobcats won 27-20.
Ohio was coming off of their longest game in program history as they went four overtimes in their win over Jacksonville State. The Jaguars were coming off of a four-point loss against a strong Tulane squad.
Before the game, QB Nick Poulos, RB Duncan Brune and LB Charlie Christopher were all ruled out because of injury. Matt Vezza was also injured in week two but would still be selected as the starter in Mobile.
South Alabama received the opening kick and made the most of it. The Jaguars made it clear from the jump that they wanted to establish the run with their first three plays all staying on the ground.
They moved the ball up field with ease and capped off the opening drive with a six-yard rushing touchdown from Kennan Phillips to go up 7-0.
The Bobcats responded with a longer drive, as Matt Vezza was able to convert two crucial third downs. Vezza was spreading the ball around, connecting with four different players on the drive, but it was Riley Neer who caught the touchdown pass from six yards out to tie the game at seven.
Ohio’s defense had struggled with giving up big chunk plays over the last two games. Mix that with South Alabama’s explosive offense and the Jaguars were due for a big play as Jared Hollins found Rod Gibbs on the sideline, and Gibbs took it the extra mile to the house to take back the lead 14-7 at the end of the first.
The Bobcats’ next drive started with three straight runs and ended with Vezza throwing an interception. South Alabama wasted no time capitalizing on the mistake, with Trae’von Dunbar taking the handoff 32 yards to the end zone on just the second play of the drive to go up 21-7.
After making their way into the red zone, Ohio looked to add another score to an already high-scoring game. That was until there was trouble with the snap, and Vezza fumbled into the end zone for the second straight turnover.
South Alabama embarked on an 18-play drive that ended in a field goal to put the Jaguars up 24-7 at the half. It was the largest deficit at halftime for Ohio since 2024, when they trailed Kentucky 17-0.
You can never count out the Bobcats. They received the kickoff and one of the most electric kick returners, Darren James Hamilton, took it 56 yards. That set up Victor Rosa to break free and run 33 yards for a touchdown on just the second play of the drive.
After a quick three-and-out, Ohio kept up the quick scoring as Vezza connected with Neer yet again in the endzone for two touchdowns in four offensive plays. Ohio still trailed 24-21.
The big plays just kept on happening; this time Jared Hollins launched it deep to Micah Woods, who made a beautiful catch with Kendall Bannister right on his hip. It was originally called a touchdown, and replay marked it down on the one-yard line; PJ Martin would punch it in just a couple of plays later to expand the lead to 31-21.
After trading possessions several times, the Jaguars found themselves in the red zone and proceeded to score yet again. Trae’von Dunbar found the end zone for the second time of the night to give his team some insurance.
Ohio made a change at quarterback, subbing out Matt Vezza for the true freshman, Levi Davis. He made his presence known immediately, slinging the ball downfield and eventually connecting with AJ Miller in the end zone and once more for the two-point conversion.
The Bobcats still trailed by two scores, 38-29, but forced a quick three-and-out and got the ball back with 4:17 left on the clock.
Ohio struggled to move the ball and was stuffed on fourth down, setting South Alabama up to drill a field goal just a few plays later.
The Bobcats were able to find the endzone once more with eight seconds left, but it was not enough as they lost 41-36.
Ohio will return to The Frank next Saturday at 3 p.m. against Stonehill. South Alabama will hit the road to take on Kentucky at 12:45, also on Saturday.