COLUMBUS, Ohio – Walsh's junior running back Clinton Blossomgame rushed for 226 yards and scored two touchdowns, as the Cavaliers (2-1) defeated NAIA No. 20 Ohio Dominican University (1-2) 23-16 at Fawcett Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers defense didn't have an answer for the ground attack of Walsh as they allowed 249 yards rushing on the day; the most ODU has surrendered since 2007.
Ohio Dominican scored on their first possession as Chris Vortkamp's (So., Cincinnati, OH) nailed a 31-yard field that capped off an eight play, 38-yard drive by the Panthers offense. Walsh answered as Blossomgame scored on a two-yard plunge to give the hosts a 7-3 lead early in the first quarter.
The Panther offense continued to look sharp early as they marched the ball down to the 21-yard line before Aaron Donze picked off a pass from Billy Griffin (Jr., Columbus, OH) setting up Walsh's next scoring strike. The Cavaliers turned the Panthers miscue into points as they went 88-yards chewing up seven minutes of clock to take a 14-3 lead.
Following the turnovers, the Panthers offense went cold as they went three and out on their next two possessions. Another punt followed by an interception led to Blossomgame's second first half touchdown, this time from one yard out, giving the Cavs a 20-3 lead. Eric Buchanan's point after attempted was blocked.
ODU continued to struggle in the opening minutes of the third quarter as another three and out forced a punt, but the Panthers got a boost from their defense as Brian Babcock (Sr., Napoleon, OH) picked off Walsh's Jim Shiplett at the Panthers 28-yard line. ODU turned defense into offense as Griffin orchestrated a 72-yard drive that was capped off on a seven yard strike to Heath Killilea (Sr., Gahanna, OH). Vortkamp's point after attempt failed cutting the lead to 20-9.
The Panthers defense held strong again as another failed field goal attempt by Walsh's Buchanan with 1:22 left in the third quarter. ODU was forced to punt as the former MSFA Mideast League rivals headed to the fourth quarter. Walsh would make it a two score game as Buchanan connected on a 32-yarder with 11:01 to play in the game.
Ohio Dominican wouldn't go away quietly as Griffin connected for his second touchdown pass of the game this time finding Justin Campbell (Sr., Laurel, MD; pictured) from 15 yards out and cutting the lead to seven points.
With less than seven minutes to play the ODU defense would step-up and force the Cavaliers to punt giving the Panthers a shot at a come from behind victory. The Ohio Dominican offense couldn't put anything together as Mitch Croy (Sr., Ottawa, OH) was sent out to punt for the fifth time on the afternoon. ODU would get the ball back one last time, but the Panthers third turnover of the day allowed the Cavaliers to hold on for the victory.
After showing signs of life two weeks ago, the high powered offense that Panther fans have become accustom too was once again plagued by turnovers. Griffin led the way as he went 16-for-34 for 188 yards and two TD's. The Panthers ground game was held in check as they managed to rush for just 65-yards on 17 carriers.
Defensively, ODU was led by Jeff White (Fr., Gahanna, OH) with 14 tackles. Babcock recorded eight stops on the day and had his first pick of the season.
The Panthers will return to action this Saturday, September 26th as they travel to Oshkosh, Wisconsin in a rematch of last year's devastating loss to the Titans. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. CST .
