Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes used a dominating second-half performance to outdistance the Ohio Bobcats 40-16 in front of 93,222 at Ohio Stadium. The game marked the first meeting between the schools since 1902.

After a field goal by both teams, the Bobcats took their only lead of the game with 4:26 remaining in the first half on Chad Brinker’s three-yard touchdown run.

Down 10-3, starting quarterback Steve Bellisari led the offense on an eight-play, 55-yard drive that culminated with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Ken-Yon Rambo. The two teams went into the half tied at 10.

Ohio State took control after the intermission, erupting for 24 points in the third quarter. On their first possession, the Buckeyes marched 80 yards on seven plays to take the lead on Michael Wiley’s 2-yard touchdown rush.

On Ohio’s next possession, the Buckeye defense flexed its collective muscle. On first down, defensive end Rodney Bailey stopped Bobcats quarterback Dontrell Jackson for a 2-yard loss. On second down, defensive end James Cotton stuffed fullback Chad Brinker for another 2-yard loss. On third down, linebacker Na’il Diggs bulldozed running back Joe Fondale after he caught a swing pass out of the backfield. On fourth down, the Bobcats attempted a fake punt that was foiled by OSU’s Tony Locke for a 9-yard loss, putting the ball on the Bobcats 15-yard line.

On OSU’s first play from scrimmage, Wiley scampered for a 15-yard touchdown rush and increased the team’s lead, 24-10.

On the Buckeyes’ next possession, Bellisari and Rambo connected again for a 68-yard touchdown reception. OSU’s Dan Stultz added a 31-yard field goal to increase the lead to 34-10 after three.

The Bobcats reached the scoreboard again with 8:31 remaining in the game. Jamel Patterson scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to cut the OSU lead, 34-16. Ohio failed on its two-point conversion.

Ohio State added its final points on Derek Combs’ 15-yard touchdown rush.