DETROIT, Mich. — Sieh Bangura ran for a score and the Ohio defense turned in a staunch effort, but it wasn't enough as the Bobcats fell to the Toledo Rockets in the Mid-American Conference Championship game, 17-7.
This was Ohio's fifth appearance in the MAC championship game since 2006, but are still in search of their first title since 1968.
Toledo (8-5, 5-3) took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in just eight plays for the game's first score. a 29-yard touchdown run by Jacquez Stuart to give the Rockets a 7-0 lead.
Ohio (9-4, 7-1) would finally crack the Rocket defense, driving 84 yards and melting just over seven minutes off the clock for their first and only points of the game, when Bangura barreled in from two-yards out to tie the game at 7-7 with 6:47 remaining until halftime.
But the Rockets would take the ensuing possession and move into field goal range right before the half. Thomas Cluckey would convert a 44-yard field goal try to give the Toledo a 10-7 lead at the break.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Rockets put together a 16-play, 90-yard drive with a passing touchdown, to take a 10-point lead with 10:36 left in the game.
Unable to muster up any more points, the Bobcats would ultimately fall, 17-7.
The Bobcats struggled most of the day offensively, as quarterback CJ Harris finished the game 17-for-31 on 163 yards passing. Redshirt freshman running back Sieh Bangura led with four receptions and wide receiver Jacoby Jones accumulated 38 yards on three catches.
Bangura led the Bobcat rushing attack with 20 carries on 56 yards to go with his one rushing score.
Defensively, Zack Sanders led the team with 10 tackles and one tackle for loss while teammate Alvin Floyd had six solo tackles and linebacker Bryce Houston recorded two tackles for loss.
The Bobcats now await the destination of their bowl game which should be revealed on Sunday.
Toledo 7 3 0 7 = 17
Ohio 0 7 0 0 = 7
First Quarter UT—Jacquez Stuart 29 run (Thomas Cluckey kick), 11:38.
Second Quarter OU—Sieh Bangura 2 run (Nathanial Vakos kick), 6:47. 14 plays, 84 yards, 7:14 UT—Thomas Cluckey 44 field goal, 0:16. 13 plays, 55 yards, 4:38
Fourth Quarter
UT—DeMeer Blankumsee 16 pass from Dequan Finn (Thomas Cluckey kick), 10:36.
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