BrFreshman running back A.J. Ouellette scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half, leading the Ohio football team to a 24-10 lead over Eastern in Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.

After Eastern failed to convert on a fourth-down attempt, Ohio’s offense took possession at the 35-yard line. Ouellette took the hand off from quarterback JD Sprague, bounced to his right and found open field. Ouellette sped past several Eastern defenders and eventually scored a 65-yard touchdown.

That was his second rushing touchdown of the half, giving the Bobcats a 21-3 lead with 14:37 left in the second quarter. Ouellette finished the first half with 85 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Eastern quarterback Jalen Whitlow drove the Panthers’ offense near the Bobcats’ goal line twice, but was only once able to finish with a touchdown. After settling for a Nick Bruno 18-yard field goal after Eastern was stopped on 3rd and goal from the one-yard line, Whitlow scored a one-yard touchdown with 8:05 left in the half to make it 21-10.

Ohio had a first and goal with half a minute to play in the first half, but the Bobcats could not score a touchdown and instead made a 20-yard field goal to give them a 24-10 lead.

The Bobcats blocked Eastern’s punt and took over at the Panthers’ 35-yard line with a little more than a minute to play in the second quarter before they kicked the field goal.

Sprague, who is making his first start for Ohio, ended the first half 13-of-19 for 125 yards. He alos has 54 rushing yards and a six-yard touchdown run.

Eastern defensive back Bradley Dewberry had an interception that helped set up the Panthers for their lone touchdown drive of the half.

Whitlow was 11-of-19 for 120 yards and led Eastern with 57 rushing yards.