Sports
Ohio University Football expects the largest crowd in school history for its week two matchup with WVU
By: Andrew Bowlby
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – On Sept. 8, 2012, a total of 25,893 people entered Peden Stadium to watch Ohio University Football take on New Mexico State. That group of fans not only watched the Bobcats defeat the Aggies 51-24, but they were also part of the largest crowd in stadium history.
Further back on Sept. 9, 2005, a then record crowd of 24,545 filed in to watch the first home game in the Frank Solich era.
Ohio (0-1) is now hoping that Sept. 6, 2025, will reset the record as the Bobcats welcome in West Virginia (1-0).
“It should be an electric experience,” Ohio head coach Brian Smith said. “We’re expecting it to be the largest capacity that we’ve had in the stadium.”
Saturday will be the first time since the 2001 season that the two teams have met. That meeting is part of a 16-game history between the two schools that dates all the way back to a Bobcats 12-0 win in 1897.
Ohio’s defense will be one of the most intriguing factors in the head-to-head. The Bobcats struggled in the first half last week against Rutgers but turned a corner in the second half. They conceded just three points and showed great evolution throughout.
Smith says that the defense will continue to grow and take a jump into this week, however, will be challenged with the tempo WVU plays with.
The Mountaineers, who led by just three at halftime of their week one win, turned up the offensive intensity in the second half. They ended up with over 620 yards of offense and 45 points ranking at the top of the nation in many offensive categories.
For the Ohio offense, it was equally impressive in week one. Parker Navarro led the Bobcats with his four-touchdown performance and will need to match that for Ohio to have a chance against West Virginia.
Navarro will also rely on the weapons around him. His receiving core showed out with Chase Hendricks having a career day, while both of his tight ends found the end zone.
The run game will also be critical as Ohio will look to have their best defense be their offense. Sieh Bangura will make his return to Peden Stadium after a 16 carry, 86 yard outing vs Rutgers.
The action kicks off at 4 p.m. on Frank Solich Field and the game will be aired to a national audience on ESPNU.