Ohio (2-2) defeated Gardner-Webb (1-3) 37-21 on Saturday, picking up a confidence-boosting win before it begins Mid-American Conference play next week.
Ohio’s offense needed to bounce back after only scoring one touchdown against Tennessee last Saturday.
The Bobcats’ offense showed much improvement, going 4-5 in the red zone in the first half. The Bobcats only attempted one field goal in the first half, with kicker Louie Zervos missing a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter.
The Bobcats started the game off well with quarterback Greg Windham throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to Sebastian Smith. Smith caught two touchdowns and picked up 108 receiving yards. It was the first game Smith had two touchdowns in one game.
Though the Bobcats’ offense started off well, their defense was picked apart on the first drive against the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ offense.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs scored a touchdown on a quarterback keeper to tie the game at seven. Gardner-Webb’s rushing attack was solid throughout the game, running for 196 yards.
From there, however, Ohio was in control of the game. Quarterback Quinton Maxwell came in during the second quarter for his first career game. He threw two touchdowns, throwing a 17-yard pass to Smith and a 13-yard pass to Kyle Belack. The Bobcats totaled 341 yards in the first half to the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ 118.
Ohio’s offense continued to dominate, as Bo Hardy, who started at free safety, ran for a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Bobcats’ running back depth continued to thin in the game, as freshman walk-on Vinny Emanuele was taken off the field after a hit in the third quarter.
Though Ohio dominated the first half, Gardner-Webb’s offense responded. Running back Khalil Lewis ran for a 31-yard touchdown on the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ first drive of the second half.
Ohio didn’t let Gardner-Webb’s offense continue to roll, however, keeping its rushing attack contained. Gardner-Webb rushed for 118 yards in the first half. In the second half, it rushed for 78 yards.
With Ohio’s offense picking up a win against Gardner-Webb, it should be confident as it prepares for MAC play.
Ohio will play at Miami next Saturday at 2 p.m.
