Last week, Ohio was lethal against Akron because they capitalized on Akron’s errors.
But Saturday was the exact opposite for the Bobcats, as they fell to Central Michigan 26-23.
The Bobcats (4-2, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) failed to capitalize on several Central Michigan miscues, including missed field goals and a key interception by redshirt junior safety Thad Ingol in the second quarter.
Ohio’s offense was stagnant for the majority of the game, turning the ball over four times, while not scoring a touchdown until 2:37 remaining in the third quarter.
Coach Frank Solich said the Bobcats inability to protect the ball was uncharacteristic.
“Turnovers, (were) a huge issue," Solich said. "How many did we have? Five? Four? Well it seemed like five. It was a huge issue in the ballgame and it's something we usually do a pretty good job of in taking care of the ball."
The Bobcats had trouble the entire contest containing the Chippewas’ explosive sophomore running back Saylor Lavalli, who rushed for 131 yards in the first quarter, before finishing with 184 yards.
Ohio redshirt senior defensive end Ty Branz said the Bobcats weren’t prepared for Central Michigan’s rushing attack.
"I think we came in a little unprepared for that stuff," Branz said. "It was the first team that was going to pound the ball hard on us. We just didn't do things during the week to prepare for that."
Chippewa redshirt freshman quarterback Cooper Rush was equally impressive, finishing 20-28 with 224 yards.
Central Michigan jumped out to an early 10-3 lead in the first half, as Ohio struggled to move the ball into scoring position.
Ohio had a chance to even the score before halftime, but redshirt senior quarterback Tyler Tettleton threw his second interception of the half on a pass intended for redshirt senior wide receiver Matt Waters in the end zone.
Tettleton struggled during the first half, as completing 14 of 19 passes for 110 yards and two interceptions. He finished the game 24-for-33 for 219 yards and two touchdowns, as his play rebounded in the second half.
Central Michigan’s defense was strong, as three Chippewas finished with double-digit tackles, and did not allow Ohio’s run game to gain any traction, as the Bobcats finished with just 107 total rushing yards.
Ohio redshirt junior wide receiver Chase Cochran said the Bobcats failed to capitalize on opportunities when given time to perform.
"Obviously we didn't execute in the first half," Cochran said. "We had our opportunities in the first half and we missed them. ... They were giving us the same looks in the second half as they were the first."
Tettleton, who was not in sync for much of the contest, slowly found a rhythm after connecting with redshirt junior Chase Cochran for a 48-yard gain late in the third quarter.
Both teams traded scores in the fourth quarter, after Tettleton found redshirt senior tight end Troy Hill in the end zone before the conclusion of the third quarter. With 13:21 remaining in the contest, Cochran caught a 69-yard touchdown pass from Tettleton which allowed the Bobcats to take a 17-13 lead.
But Central Michigan regained the advantage again with a 75-yard touchdown drive ending with a Rush pass to Lavallii.
Ohio responded with a one-yard touchdown run from redshirt senior Ryan Boykin, but the team then failed to convert on a two-point conversion.
The fireworks began on the ensuing kickoff.
Redshirt senior quarterback Travis Carrie muffed the Ohio punt return, as it was recovered by Central Michigan on the Bobcats’ 39-yard line with 2:47 remaining in the contest.
Rush aired the ball out to wide receiver junior Courtney Williams from five yards out with 22 second remaining for the decisive score.
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