ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio Bobcats football team (11-3, 7-1 MAC) wrapped up their 2024 season with a historic victory, defeating the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-5, 7-1 CUSA) 30-27 at the StaffDNA Cure Bowl held at Camping World Stadium on December 20. The win not only marked Ohio's first 11-win season but also extended the program's record to six consecutive bowl victories, making them the first team from the Mid-American Conference to achieve this feat.
Parker Navarro, the graduate student quarterback, was named the game's MVP, showcasing his remarkable talent by rushing for three touchdowns and passing for another, totaling 365 yards — 255 through the air and 110 on the ground. This performance cemented Navarro as one of the all-time greats for Ohio, setting the standard for future quarterbacks.
“You couldn’t be more excited about a kid's success,” Ohio head coach Brian Smith said, expressing pride in Navarro’s performance. Navarro's three rushing scores came early; he scored on runs of 24, 8, and 7 yards, followed by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III, who also played a pivotal role with 123 rushing yards and one touchdown reception.
Ohio's offense thrived from the beginning, with their first touchdown coming from a seven-play, 79-yard drive propelled by key plays from wide receiver Coleman Owen, who finished the game with 11 catches for 111 yards, setting the single-season record for most receiving yards at 1,216.
The opening quarter witnessed both teams settling in, with Jacksonville State responding to Ohio's strong start with a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Huff to Cam Vaughn, igniting the competitive atmosphere on the field. Ohio then executed another drive, culminating with Navarro's impressive rushing capacity, leading the team to establish dominance early on.
Ohio exhibited outstanding defensive efforts, limiting Jacksonville State's strong rushing attack, which averaged 267.3 yards per game throughout the season, to just 48 yards total. The Ohio defensive lineup was relentless, with linebacker Blake Leake making nine tackles and achieving one interception, significantly contributing to the Bobcats' defense against the Gamecocks.
The first half ended dramatically, with Ohio leading 27-7 after another offensive display concluding with Navarro's touchdown pass to Tyus. “This is a fun team to watch play,” Coach Smith said. “They play the right way, and you can see how much they enjoy playing with each other.”
The second half, tested with increased resilience from Jacksonville State, saw them rally for 20 points, yet their comeback efforts fell short. Ohio's defense, rooted by strategic plays and interception threats, successfully held off the Gamecocks, allowing the Bobcats to seal their victory with time-consuming drives and strategic plays.
Leading 30-14, the game took on elevated tension as Jacksonville State attempted to capitalize on turnovers and field position. Tre Stewart's impressive scoring plays brought the Gamecocks close to Ohio's lead, but defensive standouts from the Bobcats prevented them from catching up entirely. The pivotal moment came when Ohio successfully drained the final moments off the clock, securing the championship and capping off the remarkable 2024 season.
Reflecting on the achievement, Coach Smith stated, “This team is special. I think for the people of Athens and the Bobcat community, to do something has not been done here means a ton.”
Navarro's breakout season placed him among the elite, as he became only the second quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 2,000 yards within the same season, joining Wayne Drake's historical record set years prior. The combination of Navarro, Tyus, and Owen proved formidable and is expected to leave lasting marks on Ohio football's history.
This season's accolades are endless, with not only team achievements but also numerous individual records shattered. The triumph over Jacksonville State at the Cure Bowl will forever be remembered as a hallmark moment for Ohio Football, rounding out what could be considered one of the greatest seasons the program has ever had.
Ohio’s football program is now poised for future success, with the consistency and skill displayed throughout the season signaling promising years to come.
