It took just more than an hour for Ohio State to collect its third win of the season Saturday, as the Buckeyes blanked Miami (OH) at Yager Stadium, 24-0, before the RedHawks forfeited the second half, ending the game at halftime.
The win moves Ohio State to 3-2 on the season, and 3-0 in NCFA league play. The Buckeyes are just one of three NCFA teams (that has played more than one league game) that are undefeated in league play, joining Columbus State and Sacred Heart.
Despite playing just 30 minutes of football, the Buckeyes still accumulated 282 yards of offense, scoring points on every offensive possession while the defense posted its second shutout of the season.
Ohio State opened the game with a 55-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Jalen Haley. However, the extra point was missed. After the RedHawks chewed up some clock on the ground, their drive eventually stalled, leading to a punt.
Two plays into the ensuing drive, Haley broke a 57-yard touchdown run up the Ohio State sideline, his fourth score of the year, leading to a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Haley finished the shortened game with 7 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 417 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries this season.
Another stop defensively gave the Buckeyes back in RedHawk territory. Despite Ohio State driving inside the Miami 3-yard line, two separate touchdown runs by quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein were called back due to penalties. The Buckeyes were forced to settle for a 30-yard field goal, which was made by David Rive, extending the OSU lead to 16-0.
The following Miami drive saw a high snap on a punt go over the head of the RedHawk punter and out of the end zone, resulting in a safety and an 18-0 Ohio State lead.
After getting the ball back near midfield, Ohio State was able to put together what would be their final scoring drive. After a 13-yard completion to Spencer Moore, Gerenstein found Casey Scroggins for a 33-yard score before the extra point was missed. It marks the fourth straight game that Scroggins has tallied a touchdown reception.
Gerenstein finished 8-of-16 through the air for 147 yards and the touchdown to Scroggins while adding 49 yards on the ground on just four carries. Scroggins recorded his third 100-yard receiving game of the season, hauling in five passes for 115 yards in just the one half of football. On the season, Scroggins has collected 26 receptions for 580 yards and five scores. Moore, Cam Ryan and Anthony Novak each recorded one reception against Miami as well.
The win is the third straight over Miami dating back to 2018, and the third straight win for Ohio State overall. Miami moves to 1-3 on the season.
On The Mend
Ohio State’s win against Miami saw a trio of Buckeye starters return to the lineup after dealing with injuries suffered during Week 1.
Linebacker Avery Wilson, cornerback Isaac Wilson and running back/linebacker Johnathan Thiele all saw their first action since the Mount Union game against Miami. Both Wilson’s each recorded a tackle defensively, while Thiele carried once for seven yards while also starting at linebacker.
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