Don’t look now, but the Mid-American Conference is 2-0 this bowl season.
It took a 17-point second half and one crazy ending, but Ohio earned its first ever bowl win and reached 10 victories for the first time since 1968.
The wild finish included Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton leading a great two-minute offense, which was capped by Tettleton scoring the game-winner from a yard out with 13 seconds left.
However, the Bobcats thought they had scored two plays earlier when Tettleton, under heavy pressure, connected with LaVon Brazill, who came down just shy of the goal line. However, he fumbled the ball into the end zone and recovered for what was called a touchdown.
The officials reviewed the call and said the call had been confirmed, which resulted in an OU celebration. Then it wasn’t clear what they had actually confirmed, only to be told it was a TD. Yep, another celebration.
Of course, ESPN’s Mike Bellotti was critical of the call (and rightfully so). So the officials actually reviewed the play again and ruled he was down about six inches from the goal line.
In the end, it was the right call and the Bobcats still pulled out the win for everyone in Athens, Ohio.
It was also a typical outcome for Utah State, which finished 7-6.
The Aggies nearly shocked the football world in the first week at Auburn, only to allow the Tigers to complete a miraculous comeback.
Utah State dominated the first half, but only led 9-7. Still, the Aggies built a 23-10 advantage behind Michael Smith’s touchdown. The back finished with 157 rushing yards and two scores.
But in the end, Utah State couldn’t hold on for the win.
Tettleton and Brazill teamed up for 44-yard score late in the third quarter as the comeback was underway.
As tough as the loss has to be for Utah State, it was an emotional moment for Ohio.
Since Frank Solich arrived in 2005, Ohio has become one of the MAC’s most consistent programs. However, the Bobcats have not been able to win a conference championship or a bowl game. Well, that is until tonight.
Solich has said getting a bowl win was an important milestone for a program that was once considered the nation’s worst.
So winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will be a cherish trophy and banner at Peden Stadium.
