Ohio (2-2) closed out its non-conference slate against FCS opponent Gardner-Webb (1-3) in a game closer than many expected, as the Runnin’ Bulldogs gave the Bobcats a serious fight in Peden Stadium.
“Something I think is really positive is when you can learn lessons while still winning the game,” Ohio head coach Brian Smith said. “I'm expecting a lot of growth from this team after this game.”
It started from the opening drive of the game, as Ohio forced Gardner-Webb into what seemed like an obvious punt after a three-and-out, but the punt was faked and taken deep into Ohio territory.
The Bobcats' defense responded with an interception from Mike Mack, his second of the year, to give Ohio the ball back for the first drive of the game for the offense.
That drive went nowhere, and Ohio punted after a quick three-and-out. Gardner-Webb got the ball back with some good field position after another big special teams play on a big punt return.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs capitalized, scoring a touchdown to strike first after converting the first of their five fourth-down attempts on the game, one area where the Ohio defense struggled.
The Bobcats were able to answer and get on the board with a 31-yard field goal from Brack Peacock. That field goal was set up with a great return from Eamonn Dennis on the kickoff, getting the starting field position past midfield.
Gardner-Webb kept its foot on the gas, striking right back with another touchdown, this time it being a 48-yard run from Columbus, Ohio native Carson Gresock. Ohio found themselves in an early 14-3 hole after the touchdown.
“I was not happy with how we started the game,” Smith said. “I didn't feel like we were probably as mentally prepared to play that style of game as we should have been.”
Ohio was able to respond, getting a spark from a crazy one-handed catch in traffic from Chase Hendricks, the second catch of his eight catches for 144 yards on the day, a career high for the junior receiver.
“I didn't know I had a career high,” Hendricks said. “I'm just going out there playing ball, just making plays when they come my way, and just trying to do what's best for the team.”
Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro had a huge game as well, throwing for a career-high 290 yards with 32 of them coming on a great throw to running back Duncan Brune, who got the offense down to the one-yard line before punching it in for six.
The Ohio defense got a stop, and the offense delivered again, this time with running back Sieh Bangura punching in an eight-yard touchdown to take the lead.
Even with the momentum going Ohio’s way, Gardner-Webb responded, answering quickly with a 68-yard catch and run from Quasean Holmes on third and four, letting them retake the lead.
The Ohio offense kept rolling, with Chase Hendricks going for three catches and 68 yards on one drive, capping it off with a 43-yard touchdown.
After another defensive stop, Ohio scored with Bangura again, but it was a big play from redshirt freshman receiver Dom Dorwart that sparked the drive before the end of the half. Dorwart’s first career catch went for 35 yards after he stepped in for an injured Max Rodarte.
“Very proud of Dom, he is a great kid, he works extremely hard (and) he cares a lot,” Smith said. “His first year here, where he was injured, probably the majority of that time, it was hard on him just mentally to be injured that much. So for him to have some success was great, and he's been developing really, really well as a receiver.”
The second half started much slower, with both offenses struggling a bit as both teams punted twice to open the half.
The third drive was another big one for Brune, who scored his second touchdown of the day to take a 17-point lead. Brune finished with three touchdowns and 88 rushing yards, both career highs.
“It's a great feeling, but it's not only my credit,” Brune said. “I mean, my (offensive line) blocked amazing for me. Shout out to them. They were really amazing.”
Gardner-Webb socred two more times, never quitting while giving a solid Ohio defense a real fit all afternoon.
Thankfully for defense, the running game was vicious for Ohio. Both Bangura and Brune had drives where they were the only ones to touch the ball, marching down the field and each earning their third touchdown of the game.
The two backs have proved to complement each other extremely well to start the year.
“Our relationship is really good,” Brune said. “We used to watch film all the time. I have more of the power run style, and he has more of the agility style. So I think we're adding up pretty well.”
The Bobcats finished off the game, getting a final stop against the Gardner-Webb offense and putting in the reserves to end the game on offense. It was a tightly contested game, and one that will definitely help shape up Ohio before conference play begins next week against Bowling Green.
