DETROIT — Parker Navarro showcased his skills by scoring two touchdowns on the ground and throwing for another pair, leading Ohio to a convincing 38-3 victory over Miami (Ohio) in the Mid-American Conference Championship game at Ford Field on Saturday.

Anthony Tyus contributed significantly to the Bobcats’ success, rushing for 151 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries. This win marked the Bobcats’ first MAC Championship triumph in six attempts since the game’s inception in 1997. They managed to redeem themselves from a 30-20 defeat in the regular season against the RedHawks (8-5), with whom they shared the regular-season MAC title with an impressive 7-1 record.

Before the establishment of the championship game, Ohio’s last conference title came in 1968. “We had a brilliant offensive game plan put together by our staff,” said Tim Albin, the Bobcats’ head coach who has been with the team since 2005. “The execution was remarkable throughout the game. Time of possession was in our favor, and our defense remained fresh. This is undoubtedly the best four quarters of football I’ve experienced in my 36-year career, especially during my two decades here at Ohio.”

Ohio managed to score touchdowns on all but two of their complete possessions, with one ending in a field goal and the other being the only punt made in the final minute of the third quarter. Navarro completed 20 of 27 passes for 235 yards, surpassing the 2,000-yard mark for the season, and added 67 yards rushing.

For the RedHawks, Brett Gabbert managed to throw for 127 yards but was intercepted once, and the team struggled on the ground, accumulating just 62 rushing yards. Ohio dominated the game, outgaining Miami 467 yards to 189.

Miami initially took the lead with a 25-yard field goal from Dom Dzioban on their opening drive. However, Ohio quickly responded by scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions, establishing a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime. Navarro began with a 4-yard rush completing an 11-play, 75-yard drive, followed by a 10-minute, 18-play drive capped off with a 1-yard run after getting a big break from a face-mask penalty.

After a quick three-and-out from the RedHawks, Ohio continued to dominate, marching down the field again for a 75-yard, 10-play touchdown drive, culminating in a Navarro pass to Mason Williams, who caught it at the 15-yard line and ran it in for the score.

The second half opened with Ohio extending their lead to 27-7, courtesy of another Navarro touchdown pass, this time to Coleman Owen for 25 yards. Gianni Spetic also contributed with a long 52-yard field goal, while Anthony Tyus III wrapped up the game with a 21-yard touchdown rush.