Sports

Ohio Football inches by Western Michigan 20-17 to become bowl eligible

By: Payton Brooker
Posted on: Saturday, October 21, 2023

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio returned to Peden Stadium on Saturday after suffering its first Mid-American Conference loss to Northen Illinois the week prior. It snuck by Western Michigan 20-17 to become bowl eligible for the second season in a row. 

The story of this game was about the two defenses. Both teams, for the majority of the first half, kept the scoring to a minimum. The Broncos were struggling on offense as penalties were turning into an issue. 

For the Bobcats, the running struggled which has been a problem for them for a majority of the season so far. In the first half alone, Ohio only rushed for 30 yards.  

Ohio though would be the first to get on the scoreboard as two field goals by Gianni Spetic would be the only scoring of the first half. Ohio took a 6-0 lead into the lockeroom.

Ohio’s offense found some life in the second half. Ohio was the first to strike in the endzone with Sieh Bangura rushing in for a six-yard score. 

With Western Michigan being quick to answer back, the Bobcats increased their pressure on offense.  

Wide receiver Sam Wiglusz had a day, going for 155 yards on 10 receptions. One of the catches was a wild grab in the endzone for a touchdown. 

“The look panned out like we want to,” Wiglusz said. “Kurtis (Rourke) putting into the back corner and the ball was floating. I was glad to get a foot down on it cause it was a big one.” 

On defense, Ohio held Western Michigan to 79 rushing yards, its lowest amount on the ground this season. This was in large part to linebackers Keye Thompson and Bryce Houston who had a combined 25 total tackles. Keye contributes this success towards the defense stay composed. 

“It’s just all about staying poised, handling the pressure, and the adversity,” Thompson said. “So, when you get down to the redzone, you know what your assignment is.” 

Western Michigan tried to make a comeback in the fourth with a touchdown by Kenneth Wommack, but it wasn’t enough to stop the run game on the last drive.  

This victory for the Bobcats is their 10th straight win at home. Head Coach Tim Albin discussed after the game that he was impressed by the team to quickly turn around a loss faced from Northern Illinois. 

“We played four quarters this week,” Albin said. “We knew it was going to be a tight game. I’m really happy about the adjustments made in the second half.” 

Ohio will next face off against its rival Miami in the Battle of the Bricks on Oct. 28 which determines who controls their own destiny in the MAC East.  

“It’s a rival game,” Albin said. “Our student section is going to be crazy but were going to prepare for this game. You win games Monday through Friday.” 

The game against the RedHawks is set for 3:30 p.m. at Peden Stadium.