A familiar theme for the Ohio football team this season has been relying on a stout defense to keep a struggling offense in the game.
That theme held true for the first half at Toledo, although the defense broke down during the third quarter and gave up three touchdowns in a 31-13 defeat.
The Bobcats' (3-4 overall, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) offense has been struggling for most of the season. Saturday's game was no exception. Ohio was out-gained by Toledo, 400-230, including 189-21 in the decisive third quarter. Ohio didn't reach the red zone until the fourth quarter.
I didn't feel like we really played real well in any segment
whether offensive line wide receivers running backs
Ohio coach Brian Knorr said. At times we'd have breakdowns earlier in the season at different positions for a game
but today we really didn't play well
I don't think
in any phase.
For the second week in a row, the opposing defense scored a first-half touchdown against Ohio. After wide receiver Scott Mayle fumbled following a first-quarter short reception, Toledo defensive back Nigel Morris recovered and returned it 26 yards to put the Rockets (5-2, 4-0 MAC) up 7-2.
The Bobcats are also unsure who their quarterback is, as Ryan Hawk started the game but was replaced by Austen Everson after the first series. Everson played into the third quarter until he was replaced by Hawk. Neither quarterback was effective.
Knorr said he didn't think Hawk was making good decisions, but taking Everson out had to do with his getting hit.
A primary reason as to why quarterbacks for Ohio haven't been effective this year is the pressure applied by opposing teams. Toledo sacked Ohio quarterbacks four times Saturday, matching the number of sacks the Rockets recorded during their first six games combined. For the season, Ohio quarterbacks have been sacked 32 times.
I think they came out and played very aggressive and very hard and were able to put pressure on us
Hawk said.
While the Ohio offense didn't shine, the Ohio defense did for a half. On Toledo's first possession, defensive end Brett Sykes pressured Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski in the end zone, forcing the quarterback into an intentional grounding and a safety to put Ohio up 2-0.
After Toledo scored the defensive touchdown, both teams traded field goals for a 10-5 halftime Toledo lead.
It was pretty frustrating
but we felt going into halftime we were all right
strong safety Chip Cox said. It wasn't as frustrating going in as if we were down by 20
so we were fine.
However, the Toledo offense took control in the third quarter, scoring touchdowns on three of its first four possessions to take a 31-5 lead. Gradkowsi rushed for one touchdown and threw another to wide receiver Lance Moore. Running back Quinton Broussard ran for the final touchdown from eight yards out.
Gradkowsi completed 26-of-37 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown, while Moore finished the game with eight receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown. The Toledo offense turned the ball over just once.
The Bobcats will look to bounce back next week when they battle Bowling Green. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Peden Stadium.
