Ohio vs. Florida Atlantic Short Report | Sep 9, 2023
FAU Stadium
Boca Raton, FL
Sep 9, 2023
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Game Recap
The Ohio Bobcats won their first road game of the 2023 season, defeating the Florida Atlantic Owls 17-10 on a Saturday night showdown in Boca Raton. The game, delayed by 30 minutes due to weather, unfolded as a defensive battle, contrasting sharply with the high-scoring affair between these teams in 2022. Both teams struggled offensively, combining for only 20 total points, including a pick-six.
Graduate quarterback Kurtis Rourke led the Bobcats' air attack, completing 18 of 29 passes for 203 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back O'Shaan Allison found the end zone for the first time since 2019 with a crucial 5-yard touchdown run. Defensively, Ohio's graduate linebacker Keye Thompson excelled with seven tackles, while Dontay Hunter II's fourth-quarter sack helped solidify the Bobcats' win. FAU's last-minute drive fell short, cementing Ohio's gritty 17-10 victory.
Key Plays:
Logan Lupo (Florida Atlantic Owls)
Logan Lupo kicked a 37-yard field goal, giving Florida Atlantic the first points of the game. It capped a drive bolstered by a turnover and efficient movement down the field by the Owls.
Jarron Morris (Florida Atlantic Owls)
Jarron Morris intercepted Kurtis Rourke's pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. This crucial defensive play extended Florida Atlantic's lead to 10-0, displaying the Owls' defensive prowess.
Will Kacmarek (Ohio Bobcats)
Will Kacmarek caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Kurtis Rourke, reducing Florida Atlantic's lead to 10-7 just before halftime. This play concluded an 11-play, 75-yard drive that energized the Bobcats.
O'Shaan Allison (Ohio Bobcats)
O'Shaan Allison's 5-yard touchdown run gave Ohio their first lead of the game at 14-10. Allison's determined running and the Bobcats' offensive line pushed through a staunch FAU defense.
Alex Kasee (Ohio Bobcats)
Freshman kicker Alex Kasee extended Ohio's lead to 17-10 with a 39-yard field goal. This clutch kick provided the Bobcats some breathing room with only minutes remaining in the game.
Dontay Hunter II (Ohio Bobcats)
Dontay Hunter II delivered a critical sack on Casey Thompson for a 2-yard loss, halting a promising FAU drive. This defensive stand maintained Ohio's narrow lead late in the game.
Tank Pearson (Ohio Bobcats)
Tank Pearson's interception in the fourth quarter further stymied FAU's offense. Pearson intercepted a pass intended for BJ Alexander, his first interception as a Bobcat, swinging momentum firmly in Ohio's favor.
Standout Players:
Kurtis Rourke (Ohio Bobcats, QB)
Kurtis Rourke threw for 203 yards and a touchdown on 18-of-29 passing. Despite two interceptions, his leadership and poise under pressure were pivotal for Ohio's offense. Rourke also added 26 yards on the ground, showing his dual-threat capability.
O'Shaan Allison (Ohio Bobcats, RB)
O'Shaan Allison's grinding performance on the ground featured 80 rushing yards on 22 carries. His critical 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter swung the momentum in Ohio's favor, marking his first touchdown since 2019.
Keye Thompson (Ohio Bobcats, LB)
Graduate linebacker Keye Thompson led the Bobcats defensively with seven tackles, including three solo stops. His contributions were instrumental in stifling FAU's offensive progress and securing Ohio's victory.
Jarron Morris (Florida Atlantic Owls, DB)
FAU's defensive back Jarron Morris was a standout, returning an interception for a 72-yard touchdown, which temporarily expanded FAU's lead. His defensive presence was felt throughout the game.
Logan Lupo (Florida Atlantic Owls, P/K)
Logan Lupo showcased his special teams skills by nailing a 37-yard field goal and averaging 44.8 yards per punt. His effective punting kept Ohio pinned back, contributing significantly to FAU's defensive efforts.
LaJohntay Wester (Florida Atlantic Owls, WR)
Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester was a dynamic presence for the Owls, amassing 130 all-purpose yards, including 12 receptions for 101 yards. His 29-yard punt return late in the game gave FAU a chance to tie but fell short as time expired.
Team
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2
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4
T
Ohio Bobcats
0
7
7
3
17
Florida Atlantic Owls
0
10
0
0
10
