72 Hours

Ask any Ohio University student what’s the toughest part about going to school there, and you will get a variety of answers.

Some will tell you it is trying to stay focused on academics during spring quarter and the fabled “Fest Season”. Others will tell you finding a place to live as an upperclassman or getting a table at Shively Dining Hall.

Another big one is filling the six-week void that is Winter Intercession. Due to the quarters system, students are off from Thanksgiving to New Years. Luckily for me, I was able to get a job and of course, cover some fun events.

My first full week off featured me returning to the $7.65 per hour grind of working in a toy store. While it is fun at times, and the team I work with is great, it doesn’t take many spoiled, bratty houswives yelling in your face at 7 a.m. over not having Just Dance for Kids in stock to realize that it is far from a desirable place to make a career.

To avoid letting this get me down too much, I was able to get experience writing right off the bat over break, covering two big-time events: The annual “City Game” between Duquesne and Pitt, and the 2011 MAC Championship which was held in Detroit, all in a three-day window.

The craziness began on Wednesday, November 30 at CONSOL Energy Center.

This was the first “big-time” event I had covered. After checking in and heading to the media room to get settled, seeing every Pittsburgh sports media member you could think of was surreal. The facilities were top notch. I had never gone to a place that has an actual “media workroom” or a buffet for the press consisting of more than a sandwich ring. My spot on press row was surrounded by members of the Oakland Zoo that made the trek up Forbes Avenue.

The game was attended by 15,580 people, the largest ever for a meeting between the two teams, making it a very unique atmosphere. Though the Dukes fell for the 11th consecutive year, it was still an entertaining game and seeing people you’ve seen on T.V. such as Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon in the flesh following a game was still something that has yet to sink in.

On the way out, I got lost (big surprise, right?). But while I wondered the bowels of the NHL’s newest facility, I got a unique view of the coolest parts of the arena.

Here is a mural outside the Penguins’ dressing room.

The doors to their locker room.

Right across the hall from there is the prestigious “Suite 66″, a luxury box with seats right on the glass next to the bench.

The suite features a clear glass wall that allows the fans lucky enough to get inside a chance to see the players make the walk down this hallway to the ice.

When I finally found my way, I then noticed this unique glass mural at the administrative entrance. It features the names of all Penguins to win the various trophies of the NHL.

After spending Thursday morning and afternoon working, it was back to Downtown Pittsburgh to board a bus at 12:15 a.m. to Detroit for the MAC Championship.

After arriving in a wet snow at 5:30 a.m., I got some sleep in our hotel room before taking in the sights of Detroit.

I stopped by Comerica Park and the cavalcade of Tigers guarding the ballpark.

I ate lunch at the Hockeytown Cafe.

Here is the GM Headquarters, known as the Renaissance Center. Our hotel was located in the middle tower.

I know Detroit has gotten an incredibly bad reputation as a depressed area, but it really was better than I was expected. It was eerily deserted for a workday (a Friday), which probably answers questions about the economic situation there. I still never felt like I was in danger, and some parts really impressed me including Ford Field.

There is a reason why it has hosted such huge events as the Super Bowl and Final Four, as it was a really beautiful facility. Even though this was a much smaller-scaled event, having something like the MAC Championship there made it feel like a big-time game.

It also blew my mind how much cheaper everything was inside. Souvenir drinks ran you back $6.95 at a concession stand, but you get unlimited refills. The same goes for $6 popcorn. I can’t think of an NFL stadium having that kind of deal. Parking was also much, much cheaper than what I was used to seeing on the North Shore back home. If you’re short on dollars, you may want to become a Lions fan.

I was perched a whopping eight stories above the field, much higher than I was used to.

The nice part about a domed stadium would be the fact that the press box was in the open, as there isn’t a need for a pane of glass to keep the elements out. It really made it feel as if you were a part of the game more than your typical outdoor stadium.

The game went just about as horrible as you could expect, with the Ohio Bobcats blowing a 20-point second half lead to the Northern Illinois Huskies, leaving the ‘Cats still without a MAC Championship since 1968.

The post-game interviews with head coach Frank Solich and senior linebacker Noah Keller were painful. Adding insult to injury, you could hear the celebrations of the Huskies echoing down the hallway. Though they were still able to make a bowl game, you could just tell this game was going to stick in the heads of the players for a long time.

The loss stung for any member of the Ohio University family, including me. Covering the team all year and getting to know the players throughout the season made it extra hard to swallow such a tough defeat after seeing the student-athletes work so hard toward their goals.

I then returned to my normal life in Bethel Park Saturday, including work the following Monday. After the first bratty customer to give me a hard time, it really dawned on me: A bad day in sports writing, including witnessing one of the worst losses I had seen in my life, beats the absolute crap out of doing anything else for a living.

MAC Championship Live Blog

5:05- Greetings from…

No, not quite.

That’s right, I’ve taken a road trip with the Bobcats to the 2011 MAC Championship which will be coming to you from Ford Field in Detroit. The Bobcats will be taking on the defending West Champion Northern Illinois Huskies. Keep it here for updates throughout the game.

5:20- No matter who wins tonight, one team’s streak MAC Championship futility will come to an end. NIU hasn’t won the conference since 1983, Ohio since 1968.

5:26- First people to the seating bowl? The Marching 110 of course!

5:38- The main matchup tonight will be Huskie quarterback Chandler Harnish vs. the Bobcat defense. He has single-handedly taken over games for NIU, averaging over 100 yards rushing and 200 yards passing per game.

5:41- Going down to the field.

6:25- Well, that was surreal.

6:32- Both teams have been receiving late season love in the polls. NIU earned 19 points in last week’s USA Today Coaches’ Poll (ranked 30th) while Ohio received eight (ranked 32nd).

6:38- The Marching 110 takes the field to do a pre-game set. Ohio will serve as the away team.

6:42- It’s go time

6:45- With the way the NIU band entered, we may just have two of the most unique bands I’ve seen playing tonight.

6:48- Just how good is Chandler Harnish on the ground? He ranks 15th in the nation in rushing yards per game. Remember he’s a quarterback!!

6:54- An Ohio win tonight would give them 10 wins, something they have also not accomplished since 1968.

6:55- For those curious, the game is airing on ESPN2.

6:58- Ohio is going to try and emulate Eastern Michigan’s game plan which consists of run, run, and run some more on offense to keep the ball away from NIU.

7:01- Kickoff, Ohio receives as Donte Harden returns the kick to the Ohio 26.

7:03- So about those jitters? Tettleton’s first pass of the game finds LaVonn Brazill for a 44 yard gain. Ohio down to the NIU 30.

7:06- The feelings are short-lived as Tettleton forces a pass into double coverage in the end zone two plays later by Jhony Faustin.

7:06- Two plays later, Noah Keller takes the ball right back for the Bobcats on a tipped pass and returns it all the way to the NIU 19. Bobcats couldn’t have asked for a bigger break.

7:11- Ohio can’t muster anything on offense and must settle for a 30-yard Matt Weller field goal. OU has had a problem capitalizing on red zone opportunities as of late.

7:12- That Harnish pick on the Huskies first drive was his first since October 15. Just his 5th total of the year.

7:18- Harnish’s first big run of the night get’s negated by a clipping penalty. Huskies can’t convert a 3rd and 16 and gives the ball back to Ohio. Bobcats have a chance to inflict some real damage here.

7;25- That’s how you finish a drive. An 8-play 70-yard drive capped with the ol’ Phil Bates reverse pass to Donte Foster. Ohio pulling out every trick in the book. 10-0 Bobcats with 4:05 left in the first quarter.

7:31- Huskies finally get a first down, but Ohio puts the clamps down. Incredible that they have held NIU to -2 yards passing and just 33 total yards as the first quarter winds down.

7:35- LaVon Brazill with another crazy one-handed catch to extend the drive.

7:37- END OF THE FIRST QUARTER

Ohio 10
NIU 0

-Holy domination.

-NIU has -2 yards passing.

-I’ll repeat that again, after one quarter NIU has -2 yards passing. 33 total.

-Tettleton is 7-of-9 for 103 yards with that one interception the only chink in the armor.

-Ohio is throwing the ball laterally more than I’ve seen all year. They are getting opportunities deep on the secondary with ease.

-This is not a time for Ohio to take their foot off the gas. NIU can get back in this game just as easily.

7:46- Bobcats driving yet again. Haven’t seen them move the ball at will like this since the Marshall game.

7:49- This could be a huge stop for NIU as Ohio is able to get down to the 5-yard line before stalling. A Weller chip shot makes it 13-0 with 11:03 remaining in the first half. It may not be in the Bobcats’ best interest to leave this game in the defense’s hands.

7:53- Return specialist Tommylee Lewis fumbles on the ensuing kickoff after being hit by kicker Matt Weller. Ohio has a chance to make this a laugher before half time.

7:56- Tettleton makes another bad decision forcing a throw while getting hit that gets picked by Dechane Durante.

8:01- NIU gets the spark they need as Harnish finds Nathan Palmer on a bomb that puts the Huskies at the Ohio 18. Huskies now inside the Bobcat 5.

8:04-Ohio gets yet another huge play as Noah Keller forces a fumble that is snatched up by Hasting. Survives the dreaded “tuck rule” review. Nothing could be going more wrong for NIU who will have to dig deep on defense yet again.

8:13- Ohio has driven down to the NIU 34 but call a time out when faced with a big 3rd-and-3. This could be a huge momentum swing.

8:18- Mario Dovell gets divine intervention from the replay booth as a questionable call keeps Ohio’s drive alive. Tettleton gallops for an 18-yard touchdown the next play. 20-0 Ohio with 2:35 left in the first half.

8:21- This is just getting uglier and uglier for NIU. They nearly lose the ball again on a fumble in their own territory. Mental struggles starting to creep in.

8:26- HALFTIME

Ohio 20
NIU 0

-The Huskies have been shut out at half time for the first time in 25 games.

-The yardage numbers are gruesome. Ohio with 302, NIU with 92.

- Even with Ohio topping 200 passing yards in the first half, I think they turn to the rushing game more in the 2nd. Harden has had some nice holes and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

-Chandler Harnish is 3-0f-7 for 35 yards. If it were not for his 37-yard completion late in the half, he would still be in the red.

-The always important time of possession battle favoring Ohio 19:21 to 10:39.

-LaVon Brazill has 7 receptions for 118 yards. Hello MVP.

-NIU looks like a D-6 high school band compared to the Marching 110.

8:50- NIU blows their chance to get back into the game with yet another fumble that gets recovered by Josh Kristoff. A scrum in the pile results in Cory Hastings getting ejected for punching an NIU player. Huskies have now committed four turnovers so far tonight, a new season high.

8:56- Ohio goes three-and-out and Paul Hershey punts for the first time tonight.

8:59- Announced attendance is 13,052. That is much lower than the season average for both teams.

9:07- NIU finally puts together a scoring drive. 10 plays 78 yards in 3:52 makes it a 20-7 game. Ohio has to be careful as there is still 6:19 left in the third.

9:15- A sickly feeling coming over the green-and-white clad at Ford Field. A quick three-and-out gives NIU a chance to really make noise late in the 3rd.

9:21- Ohio defense steps up big time making tackles when needed. Offense trying to put something together before the end of the third quarter.

9:26- END OF THE THIRD QUARTER

Ohio 20
NIU 7

-NIU came out much more focused for the better part of the quarter and it showed.

-Ohio didn’t try anything fancy that quarter. Didn’t hurt them, but it didn’t help them slam the door either. Just 35 yards for the offense in the 3rd.

-NIU averaging just 3.6 yards per carry on the game. Mega props to the Ohio defense for containing Harnish and Co. on the ground.

-LaVon did not see the ball once in the third quarter. The Huskies have taken him out of the game which helps their cause greatly.

9:33- Ohio still can’t finish. A nice drive stalls only to see Ohio come up empty handed when Weller pushes a field goal wide right. It is his first miss from inside 40 yards all year.

9:42- Jelani Wosley doing it big on defense for Ohio, coming up with a huge sack on third down with the Huskies driving. Ohio can really put a dent in this game with another time consuming drive.

9:48- Tettleton makes a really, and I mean really dumb decision throwing a deep ball into double coverage on a first down. No need to try that when running the clock out. NIU gets life yet again. Can they finally convert?

9:54- Personal fouls. Blown coverages. Ohio is coming unglued. Missed PAT keeps it a 7-point game after the NIU touchdown.

10:03- Ohio takes some time off (thanks to another offsides on fourth down) but after a shanked punt, NIU has a short field with 4:36 to work with.

10:08- Tie game. Harnish to Palmer yet again. Tied at 20 with 2:52 to play.

10:13- 1:18 remains with Ohio punting the ball back to NIU. They have a really, and I mean really good chance to win this in regulation.

10:18- NIU gets it down to the OU 19 with 37 seconds to play. Would be a 36-yarder for the win.

Ohio vs Miami Liveblog

Greetings from rainy Athens for the last time in 2011.

5:22- Last home game of the year for the Bobcats. Since they have the division locked up it is a meaningless senior night. Keep it here for updates, especially you who couldn’t stick around due to break. I’ll forgive you.

5:31- Judging from the traffic headaches, this was a really bad idea having a game mix with the deadline for upperclassmen to be out of the dorms. That’s what ESPN will do though. Money 1 Common Sense 0.

5:39- Even with the lack of people expected tonight there was still a line of fans waiting to get in at 5 p.m.

5:44- This senior class has accumulated 35 wins, the most of any class. It’s a shame they won’t have the students around to support them for their last home game.

5:47- A win tonight would give Ohio six straight victories over Miami. Put that on your iPhones Redhawk fans.

5:59- Heading down to the field to take pictures.

6:26- I’m back. Walked alongside the Miami sidelines where one cheerleader was wearing designer boots with her uniform. Miami stereotypes for the win.

6:34- Pics won’t upload so my apologies.

6:38- Ohio needs to score just 15 points to set an all-time record for points in a season.

6:40- More records to watch: Donte Harden is 270 all-purpose yards shy of becoming the school’s all-time single season leader. Kicker Matt Weller needs 15 points to gain that record.

6:49- Alma Matter, Ohio and the anthem have been played. It is now time to honor the senior class.

6:50- Baring something horrible, Tyler Tettleton will be the all-time leader for completions in a season. He needs six.

6:57- As for the Redhawks they have a nice quarterback in Zac Dysert who is coming off a 413-yard performance last week against Western Michigan.

7:02- Rain begins to fall as the teams enter. Miami will receive.

7:08- Miami marching down the field with a furious pace. Five wide receivers on the field every play. Already inside the Ohio 10.

7:13- Curtis Meyers delivers the first big play of the game, sacking Dysert on a 3rd and 2 from the Ohio 2 for a huge loss. Mason Krysinski pushes the 30-yard field goal attempt wide left and the ‘Cats come away unscathed. They are very lucky to do so.

7:16- The sophomore Krysinski has struggled this year making just two of six attempts.

7:19- Just like that, Ohio has to punt. Miami bringing blitzes every play and a sack derails the drive. Tettleton will have to stay composed and make quick throws if this becomes the norm tonight.

7:26- Miami inside the Ohio 10 again and Keller limps off the field with a hammy tweak. Not good.

7:31- Ohio almost gets another goal line stand but Dysert is able to scramble on a 3rd and goal from the 1 to make it 7-0. Defense has been on the field a ton in the first quarter.

7:37-Ohio goes three and out but gets life after a running into the kicker penalty. They have been out of sorts in the little time they have had the ball.

7:42- Weller’s 48-yard attempt misses as time expires in the first. Ohio needed points there.

7:44- End of the 1st Quarter

Miami 7
Ohio 0

-While Ohio got rolling after the penalty, still disappointing to see them come up short.

-Zac Dysert is 10-for-13 for 117 yards. Ohio needs to slow him down as Miami will keep airing it out.

-Still no signs of Noah Keller after he was shaken up. The longer he is out, the less chance Ohio will have of slowing down the Redhawks. He is the heart of the defense.

-In the quarter, Miami outgained Ohio 125 yards to 59.

-Dr. Pepper (10 variety tonight) count at 2 and just cracked open number 3.

7:52- Miami drives to midfield before punting for the first time tonight. Ohio has exploded in the second quarter after slow starts all year. Can they do it again?

7:57- Tettleton finally finds LaVon Brazill for the first time tonight. Miami has been smothering him all night.

8:03- You’d think the Redhawks were down with minutes left in the game with the pace they are playing at. Oregon would be jealous.

8:08- Ohio has 90-yards 4:36 on the clock to do something with this rather forgettable first half for the offense.

8:11- Another record goes down as Tettleton now holds the single-season school record for completions. Now sitting at 218. Ohio driving toward midfield with 3 minutes to go.

8:15- Tettleton can’t find anybody open and the drive gets ugly quick. ‘Cats end up punting on a 4th and 28.

8:17- A shanked punt by Hershey gives Miami a golden opportunity to take the reigns of this game as they start on their own 45 with 1:04 left in the half.

8:26- Halftime

Miami 7
Ohio 0

-Yuck

-Miami’s secondary is really the difference in the half. Tettleton can’t find receivers and then is forced to take a sack.

-Ohio is still right there. One play is all it takes.

-Miami leading the yardage battle 217-150.

-Redhawks still dominating possesion, as they hold the lead 18:10-11:50

-Ohio has stopped the run, holding the Redhawks to 32 yards on the ground (2.3 average per rush)

-Zac Dysert making the plays at quarterback, completing 19-of-25 for 185 yards. Nick Harwell has seven receptions for 59 yards. While they have been able to get a bunch of completions, Ohio has done a good job keeping the big plays from happening.

-Marching 110 breaks out “Party Rock Anthem” for their last home show. Hopefully that can rally the troops.

8:41- How good has Miami been covering the pass. LaVon Brazill has one catch for six yards. Wow.

8:49- Ohio takes a touchback to start the half. That was the first time they had done so all year.

8:50- Tettleton gets the party started with an 11-yard completion and then a 40-yard run. ‘Cats in the red zone 90 seconds into the half.

8:52- Oh my. Tettleton does all that work only to literally give the ball to the defense on a pick. Jaytee Swanson’s first career pick throws any momentum Ohio gained out the window.

8:56- Ohio gets a 3 and out but a wicked bounce on the punt has it go all the way to the Ohio 10. 59 yard net.

9:00-Tight End Jordan Thompson doing his best Heath Miller impression, taking over this drive. ‘Cats down to the Miami 33.

9:05- LaVon Brazill now leads in all-time receiving yards and single-season receptions. Ohio down to the Miami 5 after an option play to Beau Blankenship. If the ‘Cats don’t score here, they never will.

9:08- Finally six for the ‘Cats. Tettleton finds Thompson in the back of the end zone for the score. Nice comeback drive that makes it 7-7 with 5:49 left in the third.

9:15- Ohio’s defense getting soft again like at the beginning of the game. Miami taking advantage.

9:19- The ‘D’ bends but doesn’t break. Ohio looking to take the lead.

End of the 3rd Quarter

-Miami 7
-Ohio 7

-Much better quarter from the Ohio offense.

-Defense didn’t as much late, as Miami was only kept off the scoreboard by penalties.

-Bobcats took control of the ball that quarter and it showed. TOP difference down to two minutes.

-Time for TT to show some mental toughness as he needs to stay strong to finish the game and pick up the ‘W’

9:27- ‘Cats come up big on the very first play of the quarter. Tettleton finds Foster on a 3rd-and-11 and get all the way down to the Miami 10 but a block in the back brings it back to the 35. Ohio still has life however.

9:29- A botched reverse pass somehow ends up in an 8 yard gain for Riley Dunlop. Tettleton then scrambles inside the 10.

9:31- How about that? Tettleton throws to Foster in the corner for a 4-yard TD that caps a 12-play, 80-yard drive. 14-7 Ohio.

9:34- Though it isn’t as big as the crowds we’ve grown used to during the season, the few that have made it out are into this game an awful lot for not meaning anything.

9:36- With that the announced attendance is 14, 155. Of course that is the number sold.

9:38- Ohio forces a punt and Ryan Clark picks it off the bounce and takes it to midfield on a nice return. Bobcats can put it away here as 10:38 remains in the game.

9:42- TT with a Madden-esque 48-yard scramble to set up a 2-yard pass to Riley Dunlop. 21-7 with 8:43 remaining. This one is over.

9:47- There is only one way to describe the weather at Peden right now.

9:48- That touchdown makes it 383 points this season for Ohio, an all-time record.

9:51- A wise man once said “not so fast my friend”. Miami storms down the field (80 yards in 2:06) to cut it to 21-14. 6:37 still remain.

9:58- Watch out. Redhawks get a stop and will take over with 4:17 remaining. They will start from their own 17.

10:01- ‘Cats really stumbling. Zac Dysert getting out of tackles with ease. Down to the Ohio 37 with 2:27.

10:06- Keith Moore crushes Dysert for an eight yard loss. Redhawks up a creek now.

10:08- Dysert to Harwell for the 1,000th time tonight and a big gain. Redhawks back in the red zone.

10:11- Mose Denton, sack, goodnight.

10:13-Final 

Ohio 21
Miami 14

Six straight wins for the Cats. Recap will be on macreportonline.com

Ohio vs Temple: Blackout Live Blog

4:25- All black everything.

When the 2011 schedule was released, I along with many others saw this as just another weeknight game in November. Boy, was I wrong.

For the third consecutive year, this matchup will determine who controls their fate in the final three weeks of the season. Throw in the first time that ESPN is broadcasting from Peden, along with the school’s inaugural “blackout”, and you’ve got a recipe for the most hyped Ohio Bobcat football game in ages. I’ll be heading to the stadium around 6 p.m.. Keep it here for updates throughout the night.

6:29- Made it to Peden. Some things to start.

-Plenty of scouts are here tonight. The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, and New England Patriots all have representatives here. No idea who they are looking at in particular but scouts always come in droves to weeknight games.

-More importantly, a representative from the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl is expected as well.

-Senior linebacker Noah Keller is wearing number 62 tonight.

6:35- Going to try and get on the field for warmups to get some pictures.

7:37- I’m back. Lot’s of recruits here which is nice to see.

7:42- Student side has filled in nicely, rest of the stadium not so much. But that is to be expected on a Wednesday night.

7:44- Temple has allowed 5.8 points per game on the road this season. Wow.

7:50- It’s go time.

7:56- Your random nugget from the media notes: Temple is the only one of the 13 teams in the MAC to play their home games on grass.

7:59- You know what would be cool, if the scoreboard at Peden would be big enough to showcase these awesome intro videos by Evan Shaw and co..

8:02- The team enters with Johnny Cash blaring. Temple wins the toss and defers. Now the first of many times that we will wait for TV tonight.

8:11- That didn’t take long. Tyler Tettleton making it look easy as the ‘Cats march down the field in 2:05 to go up 7-0. Mind you Temple averages just 10 points allowed on defense per game. After the huge scoring drive it’s time to see the defense handle Temple’s running game.

8:29- ‘Cats take over on their own 10 when LaVon Brazill showed his incredible speed on a 56 yard end around. Ohio goes three and out immediately after and Weller’s 53-yard FG misses. First missed opportunity of the night for the Bobcats, something they can’t do much longer.

8:32- Safe to say the blackout looks good on TV.

8:35- Temple trying to get a spark by sending Chris Coyer in at QB. Expect plenty of runs with him in.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER

Ohio 7
Temple 0

-Ohio had three plays of 25 or more yards in the first quarter. Very uncharacteristic of the Temple defense.

-Coyer leads Temple with 23 rushing yards. He has played one drive. The Owls running nothing but zone reads with him trying to keep the Bobcats on their toes.

-Tyler Tettleton’s composure with the pressure Temple has been bringing is outrageously good. He has dodged numerous sacks.

-If the Owls want to have a chance, they need to get Pierce the ball.

8:52- Donte Foster coughs up the ball which is recovered by the Owls. A late hit allows Temple to set up shop at the Ohio 17. 5 plays later Coyer finds Evan Rodriguez on his first pass attempt of the year for a touchdown. All of a sudden it’s a completely different ballgame.

9:02- Bobcats strike back led by the arm of Tyler Tettleton. He throws, receives and then finally runs to get a touchdown for the Bobcats.

9:11- Ohio forces a thee and out. Temple winning the time of possession battle 12:01 to 11:25. They are used to a much bigger margin.

9:22- Another missed FG and Temple pounces on the opportunity. They go 69 yards in under two minutes. It’s a tie game that shouldn’t be. Coyer finally found Rod Streater who has been burning Omar Leftwich all night.

9:32- HALFTIME

Ohio 14
Temple 14

Some tidbits

-Ohio is dominating this game on paper. They are out-gaining the Owls 261 to 153 and are winning the time of possesion battle. Turnovers and missed (field goal) opportunities are the difference.

-Temple’s Bernard Pierce has just 28 yards on 12 carries. Backup QB Chris Coyer on the other hand is taking advantage of the fact Ohio is unprepared for him.

-It’s going to be an interesting second half. Hopefully the student body hangs around.

9:49- And with that, the exodus begins. I love this student body but hate them at the same time. So apathetic.

9:55- Ohio gets a lucky three-and-out to start the half. The receiver falls out of bounds just short of the first down mark. Ohio ball at their own 17.

10:03- Teams trade punts early in the 3rd.

10:06- Huge swing after a Streater catch at Ohio’s 2 gets called back due to pass interference. A net of -44.

10:08- Coyer fumbles at the Ohio 15. Harden makes them pay with an 81-yard run. Everyone thought it was coming back as a ref threw a flag as he dove unnecessarily into the end zone. Instead it was a sideline foul on Ohio. Run stands 21-21.

10:22- Things starting to open up. Bernard Pierce is free at last. 20-yard run ties the game up. 2:43 left in the third.

10:30-END OF THE THIRD QUARTER

Ohio 21
Temple 21

-Ohio cannot contain Chris Coyer. He has 131 yards on 11 carries. If they keep biting on his reads, Ohio will lose this game.

-Don’t know what else to say for Ohio offensively in the 4th. They get momentum but then have the drives stall abruptly. The Temple defense is playing much much better in the 2nd half.

-Updates will be a little more sparse here late. Tune it to the twitter (@suhlmann12) for more info on the game.

10:34- Temple’s gutsy move of a fake punt pays off for Temple. Huge gain into Bobcat territory could be the difference.

10:40- Bobcats get a stop but not quick enough. Brandon McManus sneaks a 27-yard field goal into the uprights to give Temple their first lead of the night. 24-21 with 10:57 left.

10:51- 8 plays, 80 yards, Ohio has the lead again. LaVon Brazill’s ridiculous catch inside the Temple 5 survives a review and sets up a Tettleton pass to Thompson. 28-24 with 7:51 remaining.

Ohio vs Akron: Bobcats back in MAC East race with win over Zips

The Akron/Kent State writer took care of the recap for MAC Report Online this Saturday, but since I’m a loser with nothing better to do on a Saturday night I wrote a recap anyway.

A game against the lowly Akron Zips was just what the doctor ordered for the Ohio Bobcats, as they snapped their two-game losing streak with a 37-20 victory at InfoCision Stadium Saturday.

The “big-play offense” of the Bobcats was clicking as Ohio outgained Akron 556 yards to 249.

While the offense was able to move the ball at will, three turnovers and 100 penalty yards dampened what was otherwise a good performance.

“I think we showed some signs of coming out of (our slump),” Head Coach Frank Solich said. “Three turnovers again today. That’s not what we’re after, but we were able to overcome that.”

The first turnover, a Tyler Tettleton interception on the team’s first drive, stalled the early momentum. Despite the mistake, Tettleton continued his efficient ways completing 21 of 29 passes for 328 yards.

Another long drive in the first quarter resulted in a Matt Weller field goal. The kick made him Ohio’s top scoring kicker.

Akron would counter with a 72-yard drive that was capped with an A.J. Fox field goal.

With both teams scuffling through most of the first half, a big blow came when Tettleton would find his favorite target, LaVon Brazill for a 78-yard touchdown with 6:17 remaining in the second quarter.

“I think it came at a good in the game,” Solich said. “Neither team had the game in control and both teams were fighting for a little bit of an advantage, but there was a lot of football to play.”

The Bobcats were able to do a much better job keeping drives alive compared to last week’s game against Ball State as they converted 11 of 14 third-down conversions.

Ohio then went on a run where they would score 27 of the next 34 points, featuring two Tettleton touchdowns (one rushing, one passing), A Beau Blankenship touchdown run and two more Matt Weller field goals.

Akron was hoping to take advantage of a banged-up Ohio defensive line by going to running back Jawon Chisolm early and often. Ohio contained him well as he only had 49 yards on 21 carries. The Zips as a team had just 81 total rushing yards.

For Ohio, Donte Harden had a good game statistically, picking up 123 yards on 22 carries, but another costly fumble saw him benched for a short while.

In addition to getting their season back on track, losses by Temple and Buffalo bring the Bobcats back into the running for the MAC East title. While the sudden change of fortunes will have the team looking to go for the kill, both the players and coaches are keeping it in perspective.

“We’ve got to play one game at a time,” cornerback Travis Carrie said. “We can’t focus on other teams.”

“I have no idea where that stands and how that all works, but obviously that helps us,” Solich said. “We’re going to have to win out in order to be in the game. We got four more to go in order to get that done and a huge one next week with Temple coming to our place.”

The Bobcats next game will be a pivotal matchup with the Temple Owls in Athens next Wednesday. Akron will play Central Michigan at home Saturday.

Ball State vs Ohio: Running Blog

Happy Homecoming, and what a day for it!

I have a hard time believing that there is a more beautiful setting in college football in fall than Peden Stadium.

Ohio is looking to rebound after a terrible loss to Buffalo last week against a less than stellar Ball State Cardinals squad that is coming off a 42-0 loss to Temple.

2:13- Some notes:

-Warrior Jeff King will be wearing the number 62 today in honor of Marcellus Williamson.

-Wicked winds here along the Hocking today. Gusts are expected in excess of 40 mph. It’s going to affect the kicking, punting and passing games.

-LaVon Brazill needs eight receptions to become Ohio’s all-time leader in receptions.

-Reps from the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants have spots in the box today. No idea who they are here to look at but it’s getting to that time where we see scouts around Peden.

-As it plays on the video board, I can’t stress enough how good The Bobcat Showcase on WOUB is. It covers all Ohio sports and does a great job of covering the teams from unique angles. You can check out full episodes HERE.

2:43- Ball State is 3-3 but like previous opponents they have been battle-tested. They have played Oklahoma, South Florida and Indiana.

2:50- Ball State quarterback Sean Baker has thrown the most interceptions in the nation. The Bobcat secondary has feasted on turnovers all season and could use some today.

3:00- Now that I’m done feeling bad for myself over another horrid effort from the Pitt Panthers, some more news. DL Neal Huynh is still a couple of weeks away from playing and won’t dress. CB Xavier Hughes is officially out for the year.

3:09- Tyler Tettleton has been incredibly efficient. He is one of 11 quarterbacks in D-I with at least 1o touchdowns and two or less interceptions. He is in the same company with players such as Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck.

3:30- Just about game time and the place has filled up. The crowd is louder than in past home games so it should be a very fun afternoon of football.

3:34- Teams are out. Rufus’s motorcycle has returned. Ball State will start with the ball. Let’s play.

3:42- Both teams can’t get much going on their first drives. With the wind, the run game will be very important. Donte Harden had 11 yards on his first carry but the drive stalled immediately after.

3:48- Ohio forces another three and out and has much better field position on the Ball State 38.

3:55- LaVon Brazill gives the crowd some life with an impressive 37 yard return on a 65 yard punt that featured a huge block by Mose Denton.

3:58- A bit puzzling how Ohio continues to pass when it clearly isn’t working so far.

4:02- 11 minutes in Ball State gets the first 3rd down conversion of the day. They are driving, now inside the Ohio 35.

4:06- END OF THE FIRST QUARTER: Ball State 0 Ohio 0.

Pretty mundane quarter of football there, but we have seen things get crazy i a relatively short amount of time.

-Ball State is in the middle of a 5:43 drive and are down to the Ohio 20. They have figured out a way to move the ball with the wind.Ohio should look to do the same.

-Just 24 total yards for the Bobcats- 21 rushing, 3 passing. It would be in their best interest to keep the ball on the ground.

-Time of possession: Ball State-11:05 Ohio: 3:55.

4:11- 14 play 59 yard drive is capped with a field goal. Ball State 3 Ohio 0.

4:16- Funny how Ohio gets a first down and the chain gang forgets to move the sticks as they were asleep from the lethargic first quarter.

4:18- Six for the ‘Cats on a reverse pass from Phil Bates to LaVon Brazill for the score. 7-3 Bobcats after tripling their 1st quarter output on their first drive of the 2nd. That is Brazill’s 6th TD of the season and he is now just three receptions away from the all-time mark.

4:36- We’ve hit another lull in the middle of the second. BSU trying to make the best of good field position starting their drive on the Ohio 46.

4:40- BSU gets down to the OU 24 before stalling. The Bobcats dodge a bullet when Steven Schott misses the 41-yard field goal attempt. Still 7-3 as the game inches toward half.

4:50- Horrible drive for the Bobcat D who allow the Cardinals to go 9 plays and 81 yards in less than four minutes. 10-7 Cardinals with less than a minute left in the half.

4:54- Wow. A deflected Tettleton pass with 38 seconds remaining in the half picked off by Travis Freeman and returned all the way down to the Ohio 8. The Cardinals settle for a FG and have a 13-7 lead at the half.

HALFTIME: Ball State 13 Ohio 7

-What a downer. Ohio had seemed to seize control of the game with their first touchdown but Ball State put together a nice drive and then a big play on defense to sneak away with the lead at half.

-This was without a doubt Ohio’s worst offensive half of the year. They cannot move the ball on a regular basis today.

-Phil Bates on his one touchdown pass has more yards than Tyler Tettleton. That’s all you need to know about how the passing game has been.

-The defense broke down on BSU’s first touchdown of the half after tackling and doing their jobs well all half.

-Donte Harden has just seven carries. The Cats absolutely need to get him involved if they want to get it going offensively.

-God bless the Alumni Marching 110. Well worth the price of admission for fans.

-Jahwan Edwards has 91 yards on 15 carries for BSU. Not the bounce back effort the front half of the Bobcat defense was looking for.

5:19- Donte Harden comes out like a man possessed to start the half. Runs over Joshua Howard on a carry up the middle and knocks him out of the game. Brutal.

5:27- Bobcats get a TD on a drive that relied on the vertical passing game. Tettleton completes two passes to Riley Dunlop before a play action pass to Harden in the end zone completes the score. A blocked PAT almost results in two points but holder Paul Hershey makes the stop. 13-13 with 11:28 remaining.

5:38- A short QB sneak completes the counterpunch by Ball State. 10 plays, 77 yards, in  5:11. Things are about to get real for the Cats if they don’t get it together.

5:45- All-American effort by LaVon Brazill on a 74-yard TD reception, the longest play of the year for Ohio. He is one away from tying the all-time reception mark. 20-20 with 5:02 in the 3rd.

5:54- END OF THE 3RD QUARTER: Ohio 20 Ball State 20

-Game is tied but Ball State is in the red zone. Defense needs to dig deep if Ohio wants to win.

-Remember in the first half when it was nothing but punts?

-Ball State has nearly doubled Ohio in time of possesion.

-Bobcats held Edwards to just 18 yards, but the pass defense has looked bad.

5:57-Ohio gets the stop in the red zone and Cardinals get another FG. 23-2o with 14:19.

6:02- To give an idea of how much BSU has controlled this game, the Cardinals have run 66 plays to Ohio’s 38.

6:05- Wrapping up the running blog. Keep it to my twitter (@suhlmann12) for the updates in this barn-burner.

Marshall vs Ohio: Liveblog

Hello all from Athens. A lot of stuff going on tonight so let’s dive right in.

5:44- Going back to their time in the MAC, Marshall and Ohio have been big rivals. Since the Thundering Herd left for Conference-USA the teams haven’t faced off as much. The last two meetings (2009 Little Caesars Bowl and 2010 at Marshall) have been heated affairs with both coming down to the wire. I’d expect the same tonight.

5:56- There was a rumored “surprise” for tonight’s big game. This afternoon it was revealed that Ohio would be wearing special jerseys. They’ve got a nice video package that will run on the video board before the team enters (you can check it out HERE).

5:58- Here’s a better picture of them.

They were designed by the equipment staff in the offseason. My favorite feature is the small Ohio logos on the sleeves. Reminds me a lot of Hawaii’s jerseys.

6:15- Just some housekeeping from the game notes.

-The teams are playing in what is called the “Battle for the Bell”. The winning team gets to claim a bell trophy.

-Ohio holds the all-time series lead at 29-19-6 however they have not beaten the Thundering Herd since 2000.

-The Bobcats will be honoring the late Marcellis Williamson with a pre-game ceremony. He died after just completing his senior season last year of a blood clot in his lung.

-If you are a student and plan on coming down, I’d suggest that you do so soon. The game is just about sold out of tickets for the paying public and there is already a huge student turnout.

6:21- Should also mention for those who wish to watch, the game will be on ESPN3.com.

6:27- Both teams out on the field for warm ups. Marshall gets a rousing ovation from their faithful as they took the field.

6:32- The Bobcats doing a breakdown with the Marching 110.

6:47- Early arriving students were invited down on the field to make a tunnel for the players.

6:48- Really lively crowd tonight. A bunch of recruits were on the field pre-game. Should leave a good impression.

6:54- Packed house, the most exciting band in the land, this is what college football is all about.

7:04- The teams have entered. Ohio wins the toss and has elected to defer. Will be interesting to see how they handle Marshall’s offense.

7:08- That didn’t take long. Omar Leftwich picks off a batted Rakeem Cato pass. Bobcats take over on the Herd 39.

7:12- Bobcats strike first. A Tyler Tettleton scamper set up a one yard TD pass from Tettleton to Lavon Brazill. Brazill made an amazing one-handed catch in the back corner for the score. The offense is clicking right off the bat which is needed.

7:20- Marshall wastes no time in offering a counter punch. Rakeem Cato finds Aaron Dobson and makes a perfect throw for a 45 yard touchdown. 7-7 with 10:28 left in the first. Game on.

7:22- Donte Harden says “GET OFF ME” and breaks numerous tackles while returning the kick all the way to the Herd 19. This game has the feel of an Arena Football matchup.

7:30- Donte Foster pulls in one of the best catches you will ever see (even received a collective “Woaahhhhh” from the media in the press box). Bobcats have to settle for a 20 yard field goal. They lead Marshall 10-7 with 6:43 left in the 1st.

7:43- Scrum. Bobcat interception. Marshall fumble recovery. Another Bobcat interception. All in the span of 3 minutes. Bobcats take over on the Herd 33.

7:46- Donte Harden is a man on a mission tonight. Another impressive run with numerous broken tackles puts the ‘Cats inside the Marshall 10.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER (deep breath)

Ohio 10 Marshall 7

7:49- Tettleton scrambles and dives his way into the end zone for a touchdown. Bobcats get some separation and now lead 17-7 with 14:17 remaining in the half.

7:55- After running 23 plays on offense, Ohio is on pace for nearly 100 on the game. The no-huddle is working big time.

7:56-Marshall’s turnover woes continue. Xavier Hughes this time strips the Herd receiver and Nathan Carpenter recovers.

7:59- Whether they run or pass, Marshall can’t stop the no-huddle, Bobcats unleash a 8 play 72 yard drive in 2:40. But once inside the Herd 5, the Bobcats can’t find the end zone. Another short Weller field goal will have to do. 20-7 Ohio with 7:59 remaining.

8:09- With 5:10 remaining in the second quarter, we have our first punt of the game. Incredible.

8:17- Phil Bates catches a swing pass and blows through the Marshall defense for a 50 yard TD. It was unknown what his role would be, but as a receiver he is most dangerous.

8:24- Turnover 5 for Marshall leads to another TD. Same swing pass but this time it’s to Brazill for his second TD of the game. 34-7 Bobcats heading into the locker room with a chance to eclipse 40 points with the first possession of the second.

8:28- Trying to create something late in the half, Ceto sends a bomb downfield that is intercepted by Travis Carrie, his second of the game. I don’t know if Marshall will return after a half like that.

HALFTIME

Ohio 34 Marshall 7

8:43- Tyler Tettleton is going off tonight. 17-22 for 259 yards and 4 TDs (3 passing 1 rushing). He also leads the team with 51 yards rushing. If the team gets a performance like this from him week in and week out, they will be very tough to beat.

8:47- For the second consecutive week, Ohio outscored their opponent 24-0. Good way to show how the team has been able to make early adjustments.

8:49- The Bobcats are on pace for over 700 yards of total offense.

8:53- Ryan Boykin getting carries to start the 2nd half. Has looked strong in his few opportunities to play so far in 2011.

8:59- Yet another well-played drive that stalls in the end. Matt Weller (AKA Mr. Automatic) hits yet another field goal. He is now tied for the all-time lead in Ohio history.

9:06- Marshall has nothing going on offense again and punts. Going to start writing as this one is all but over. Keep it to the twitter (@suhlmann12) for major updates.

Ohio vs Gardner-Webb Live Blog

5:42- Greetings all from “The Crowned-Jewel of the MAC.”

The Bobcats are opening their 2011 home schedule against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs. Keep it here as I’ll update the blog pre-game with notes and tidbits and then during the game for thoughts.

6:04- Props to the Ohio U marketing department making this game both “Band/Cheerleader Night” and “Youth Night”. It will really help out what would otherwise be a lackluster night for attendance.

6:09- Ohio allowed just 6 rushing yards in week 1 which was the third lowest in all of the nation.

6:28- Guess it would be a good time to do some shameless plugs. I will have the recap of this game for MAC Report Online. It’s a great place for recaps of all the action in the conference. The fearless staff of Speakeasy will have coverage of the team on lockdown this year. Be sure to check the site out frequently.

6:31- Don’t know how many teams have their band huddle up with the team at the end of warm ups. It’s quite a sight.

6:37- In honor of fallen defensive lineman Marcellus Williamson, members of the Bobcats defense will take turns wearing his number 62. Tremayne Scott wore it for the first game at New Mexico State. Tonight, it will be Carl Jones’ turn.

6:57- Linebacker Noah Keller is not in pads tonight after he aggravated his hamstring last week. No need to have him risk further injury in a game like this.

7:03- Awaiting the teams’ arrivals in the stadium. If you care to watch you can do so for free HERE.

7:08- GW gets the ball to start the game. Gain 11 yards rushing on their first two plays. Have doubled the defense’s total allowed on the season.

7:12- After gaining two first downs, the Runnin’ Bulldogs drive stalls. Time for the fans to see the new no-huddle offense for the first time.

7:26- Great crowd for the game tonight.

7:26- The Bobcats’ new no-huddle offense uses coaches in bright shirts holding up poster boards with symbols to call the plays. Very similar to Chip Kelly’s system at Oregon.

7:31- Two drives for each teams, and not much going on. A long run by Tyler Tettleton was brought back because of a block in the back penalty.

7:37- Finally a breakthrough. Donte Harden has a 27 yard gain that finally gets the Bobcats into GW territory with 2:30 left in the first.

7:41- Tettleton hits Donte Foster with a 33 yard pass to get the ball down to the five. On the ensuing play, Tettleton gets leveled and fumbles. GW recovers. It’s been that kind of night so far.

7:43- END OF THE 1ST QUARTER:

GARDNER-WEBB 0
OHIO 0

Pretty bad quarter there by the team as a whole. The defense has been getting stops when needed but they don’t have the tenacity they did last week. Offense is struggling mightily and mental mistakes are killing them.

7:51- The Cats needed a spark and they get one from Nathan Carpenter. He gets his first career interception and returns it 27 yards inside the GW 30. Ohio needs to capitalize on the short field.

7:56- Bobcats take advantage of the short field. Tettleton lays in a beautiful pass to LaVonn Brazil for a 15 yard TD. Bobcats lead 7-0 with 10:57 left in the second.

8:01- Defense responds with a stop. Bobcats could really break it open with another big play on offense.

8:04- Phil Bates makes his first appearance under center tonight. Is a very valuable weapon on the ground in the option attack.

8:09- The drive stalls just inside the GW 30. Matt Weller booms a 45 yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 4:53 remaining in the second quarter.

8:19- The defense gets things going again when Jelani Wosley intercepts a pass and takes it 26 yards to the end zone. Don’t know how many more times they will be able to bail the offense out.

8:23- The pass defense is coming back in a big way tonight. They have only allowed two completions for a total of 15 yards and have forced two picks.

8:25- Yet another interception. This time it’s Gerald Moore. he returns it 30 yards all the way to the GW 40 yard line.

8:31- Bobcats take advantage of the short field. Tettleton finds Dunlop in the very back of the end zone for a 14 yard touchdown. The play was reviewed but stood. Tettleton is getting beat a lot in the backfield but is still making good throws.

8:34- HALFTIME

GARDNER-WEBB 0
OHIO 24

Thoughts—-

Ohio was able to break the game open with big plays from the defense. Tettleton has looked really good at quarterback, taking a lot of hits but still making good throws. Stats to come.

Stats—-

-The quarterback play tonight have been polar opposites

Chandlar Browning (GW) 2-14, 15 yards, 3 interceptions
Tyler Tettleton (Ohio) 13-22, 137 yards, 2 TDs

-Kenny Little of GW is leading all rushers with 79 yards on 18 carries. It’s something the Bobcats will need to correct in the locker room.

-Neal Huynh is leading Bobcat defenders with 6 tackles. A couple were big play savers (if that is even a word).

9:00- Bobcats come out with guns blazing. Donte Harden returns the kickoff all the way to the GW 28. The Cats go three and out but Weller makes a 31 yard field goal. 27-0 now. Would have liked to see a touchdown.

9:08 A long kickoff return in rebuttal leads to a 41 yard field goal. An onside kick catches the Bobcats off guard and the Runnin’ Bulldogs take over again.

9:15- This will be about it for updates as I have a deadline to meet. Keep it to my twitter for major updates (@suhlmann12).

9:57- Ohio has this one all but locked up with less than two minutes to play. They will win 30-3. Congratulations to head coach Frank Solich on his 100th career win.

Year of the Bobcat?

With fall, and football, right around the corner, I think that it is best that this blog begins living up to the second half of its title.

Going into the final week of the 2010 season, everything was going for the Ohio Bobcats. Here they were, in control of their own destiny just one win away against lowly Kent State away from making their second consecutive appearance in the MAC Championship game. Then it all fell apart.

Left nursing the wounds from that final regular season game and an embarrassing showing against Troy in the New Orleans Bowl, the Bobcats must get off of the canvas and be ready for the 2011 campaign. Luckily for them, there are many things that point to the team seeing even better results this season.

First, the ‘Cats face one of the easiest schedules in the entire country. They begin the year playing on the road at New Mexico State, a team that finished 1-7 in the WAC last season. Their “payday” game will be played at Rutgers, a team picked last in the conference’s preseason media poll. Assuming the Bobcats play to their potential, they could very well be in that game. Their only true tests on paper will be against Temple and Miami, two games that could very well decide the MAC East division. Luckily for the Bobcats, both of those games come at home.

Another reason to be optimistic is the return of most of the offensive unit. Departed quarterback Boo Jackson will most likely be replaced by redshirt sophomore Tyler Tettleton. He is used to running the pistol formation since high school and looked very comfortable during spring practice. Wide Receivers Terrence McCrae and Steven Goulet will need to be replaced as well, however there are plenty of options at that position. The return of the entire offensive line will benefit the newcomers and should give Tettleton support. The return of All-American LaVon Brazil, known for his playmaking ability on special teams, after missing nearly all of 2010 will bolster this unit as well.

If there is one area that the Bobcats could struggle in, it will be on the defensive side of the ball, primarily in the trenches. The Bobcats need to find four new defensive linemen. The squad will rely on linebackers Noah Keller and Eric Benjamin to pick up the slack. The secondary will also be very young and inexperienced, although some returnees from medical redshirts such as junior Gerald Moore will help.

With all this in mind, the question becomes how many games will the team win? Given the fact they look just as good if not better than all of their opponents on paper 12-0 isn’t inconceivable, but running the table is hard to do no matter what the competition. A 10-2 mark looks much more realistic given the inexperience on defense and leaving room for inevitable injuries that may pop up during the season. Anything less than that could be viewed as a disappointment given the easy schedule. A return to Detroit for the MAC Championship game will hinge on their results against Temple and Miami and it will be very interesting to see how the team handles the pressure.

This is a very exciting time for Ohio football, and it looks like 2011 could very well be remembered as the year it all came together.

NOTE: I will be covering the team for MAC Report Online, so be on the lookout for my reports from Athens all season long!

As it happens: Ohio-Miami baseball liveblog

Posted up at Bob Wren Stadium for the Ohio-Miami baseball game. It’s senior day, and the ‘Cats need a win, and for Buffalo to sweep Bowling Green in a doubleheader to get the last spot in the MAC tourney. Keep it here for updates.

3:00- Scoreboard watching is going to be the theme today, as the Bobcats hopes at a MAC tourney appearance lies in the hands of the Buffalo Bulls. Game one is currently tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 8th.

3:07- As first pitch is thrown, the team is definitely pumped for this one. Whole team is on the edge of the dugout being very vocal.

3:12- About as bad of a start that you could ask for. A hit batter, error by third baseman Dan Ward, a wild pitch, and then a home run by Kyle Weldon has Miami up 3-0 after three batters.

3:19- Bobcats are going to have to break out the bats, problem is Miami has saved pitcher Brooks Fiala for today. He’s 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA.

3:26- Leadoff single by Ethan Newton, but the Bobcats can’t make a rally out of it. 3-0 after one inning.

3:36- I just found out that Ohio is one of three MAC teams that has lights at their field. That’s pretty bad that 75% of a Division I conference cannot play night games.

3:46- After retiring 8 straight Bobcats, Fiala gives up a double to Ethan Newton. Other than Newton, no one seems to be able to get good contact of of him.

3:48- Two out lightning has begun. After the Newton double, Gecewich singles him home. 3-1 Miami in the bottom of the third.

3:51- Barnes single and a bobble by the right fielder Ryan Curl allows Gecewich to move up to third.

3:55- Moulton has settled down since his shaky first. Getting a lot of outs on the ground.

3:59- Miami running at will on the Bobcats. A big strikeout of Edington keeps the score 3-1.

4:05- Doubles by Jensen Painter and Dan Ward cut it down to 3-2. Buffalo and Bowling Green going to the bottom of the 12th in the first game of their twinbill still tied at 2.

4:11- Quite the turn of events. Moments after a walk-off home run by Buffalo, a dropped fly ball in center by Miami allows the tying run to score. Fiala is done after 3.2 innings.

4:26- Halfway home at the Wren. Setting up for a good finish.

4:30- Bobcats able to manufacture a run to get the lead. Single by Bryan Barnes, a sac bunt by Kory Burkhart, then a clutch single by Taylor Emody puts Ohio up 4-3.

4:47- Not good news for the Bobcats as Bowling Green is up 2-0 on Buffalo early.

4:50- Huge play by the Bobcats defense stopping a squeeze play then getting the 5-4-3 DP to get out of the jam. Moulton continues to get the big outs.

5:01- Sorry folks but the laptop is dying. Look to my Twitter for updates the rest of the way. Recap will be on speakeasymag.com tonight.