Ohio Dominates Miami in MAC Championship, Wins 38-3
By: Jack Mueller
(All images courtesy of Micah Graham)
Miami’s run of seven straight victories came to an abrupt end on Saturday, as the Ohio Bobcats defeated the RedHawks 38-3 at Ford Field to capture their first MAC title since 1968.
“They whooped us today, out-coached us, out-played us, everything.” said Miami head coach Chuck Martin, “They made a very good team not look very good today.”
“20 years I’ve been here (at Ohio University), it’s my sixth trip here. That was the best four quarters of football I’ve seen in my 36 year career.” said Tim Albin, head coach of Ohio after the win.
Everything that could have gone wrong for Miami, did go wrong. The Bobcats won the yards battle 467 to 189, holding the RedHawks to just 62 yards on the ground, their fewest since their last loss in Toledo (54).
“They did a ton of new stuff, a ton of new fronts and a ton of new pressures,” said Miami quarterback Brett Gabbert. “It was difficult to manage on the field … they whooped our butt for four straight quarters.”
Saturday’s defeat marked the last conference game of Gabbert’s legendary career as a RedHawk. After battling back from a devastating injury last season, he finished with the third most passing yards and second most touchdowns in school history. While he stated how proud he was of his comeback, Gabbert acknowledged that he didn’t get the ending he wanted
“Certainly not the way you want to go out.” said Gabbert
(Miami Quarterback Brett Gabbert // photo: Micah Graham)
On the other sideline, Ohio’s quarterback, Parker Navarro, bounced back from an underwhelming first performance against Miami, leading his team to victory in dominant fashion. He finished with four total touchdowns and over 300 combined yards in the win, throwing for 235 and added 73 more on the ground. The Bobcats finished with over 230 rushing yards, with Anthony Tyus III registering 151 on the day.
“We had to stop the run and we didn’t do that.” said Miami linebacker Matt Salopek “They’re very explosive on the ground, especially with Navarro using his legs, and we didn’t have any answers.”
Salopek’s legendary collegiate career will also come to an end following Miami’s bowl game. The veteran has been a staple in the middle of Miami’s defense for six seasons, registering over 500 career tackles. Like Gabbert, he took a second after the game to reflect on the journey to Detroit after a start to the season that left Miami 1-4 after six weeks.
“I couldn’t be more proud of everybody in that building.” said Salopek.
The RedHawk’s first drive of the game would be their best, as Gabbert connected with Javon Tracy three times, picking up 33 yards. Dom Dzioban hit the mark from 29-yards out after seven minutes in the first quarter. The RedHawks would remain scoreless for the next 53 minutes of action.
From there, it was the Parker Navarro show. The QB who has been with the Bobcats since 2022 ran in touchdowns on consecutive drives to give his side a 14-3 lead in the second quarter. He finished off the half with a bang, connecting with tight end Mason Williams for a 21-yard strike to the end zone with 52 seconds left on the clock.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Miami struggled to build any sort of momentum on offense. Ohio’s first drive of the half ended in another touchdown, this time courtesy of Coleman Owen on a 25 yard pass from Navarro. Miami failed to respond, punting on consecutive drives before an interception in the end zone. The Bobcats responded with yet another touchdown through Anthony Tyus’ 21 yard run to give the game it’s final score.
With the win, Ohio registers it’s third straight season with ten or more wins. The Bobcats will play hoping for their third straight bowl win under Tim Albin, who reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of Charlotte mere hours after the win.
For Miami, they finish the season 8-5, marking their fifth winning season in six years. They will have to play the waiting game until their bowl matchup is announced. For seniors Gabbert and Salopek, it will be the last time they put on a Miami jersey.
“It’s going to be my last college football game ever…It’ll be fun whoever we play.” said Gabbert
“We want to send our seniors out the right way,” said Salopek.
This story will be updated when Miami’s opponent and bowl game are announced with the date, time and viewing information.