Miami (Ohio) Defeats Ohio 34-17 Behind D'Shawntae Jones' Two Touchdowns
OXFORD, Ohio — Miami (Ohio) delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 college football season Tuesday night, November 10, erasing a 17-point deficit to defeat rival Ohio 34-17 at Yager Stadium in the 103rd edition of the Battle of the Bricks.
Running back D'Shawntae Jones rushed for a career-high 115 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman quarterback Drew Bellisari provided a crucial spark after replacing injured starter Caleb Heavner.
The RedHawks scored 34 unanswered points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, to hand Ohio its first Mid-American Conference loss of the season.
Miami improved to 6-4 overall and 4-2 in MAC play, securing bowl eligibility. Ohio fell to 7-3 overall and 5-1 in conference competition.
Ohio Builds 17-0 Lead Before Miami Begins Comeback
Ohio controlled the opening stages of the rivalry matchup, building a 17-0 advantage during the second quarter.
The Bobcats appeared positioned to maintain control, but Miami began generating momentum after Bellisari entered the game in relief of Heavner.
The freshman quarterback helped organize a six-play, 55-yard scoring drive late in the first half.
Bellisari connected with Braylon Isom for a crucial third-down conversion, keeping the possession alive before the two-minute timeout.
Miami then turned to an unexpected offensive weapon.
Wide receiver Scoop Smith delivered a 15-yard touchdown pass to Maleek Huggins, giving the RedHawks their first points with 1:02 remaining before halftime.
The unconventional scoring play reduced Ohio's advantage to 17-7.
Ohio threatened to extend its lead before the break, but Miami prevented additional scoring, leaving the RedHawks within 10 points at halftime.
Drew Bellisari Sparks Miami's Second-Half Rally
Bellisari played a defining role in Miami's comeback despite entering the contest with limited collegiate experience.
The true freshman finished with 99 passing yards and 64 rushing yards on three carries, completing 53.3% of his passes without committing a turnover.
His most important contribution came during the third quarter.
Trailing 17-7, Miami assembled another promising offensive possession.
Bellisari connected with Lynel Billups-Williams for a 21-yard gain, advancing the RedHawks into Ohio territory.
However, the drive eventually reached a critical fourth-and-nine situation at the Ohio 32-yard line.
With no receiver available, Bellisari escaped defensive pressure and scrambled through the Bobcats' defense.
The freshman advanced all the way to the one-yard line, converting the fourth down and positioning Miami for another touchdown.
Jones completed the drive with a one-yard rushing score, cutting Ohio's lead to 17-14 with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The play transformed the momentum of the contest and brought the Yager Stadium crowd back into the game.
Brady Stidham Gives Miami Its First Lead
Miami continued applying pressure as the fourth quarter began.
The RedHawks moved into scoring position following a 23-yard reception by Damarion Witten.
Kicker Brady Stidham converted a 36-yard field goal, tying the game at 17-17 during the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
The successful attempt marked a new career-long field goal for Stidham, surpassing his previous best of 33 yards.
Miami's defense continued preventing Ohio from generating sustained offensive possessions.
With less than four minutes remaining, Bellisari delivered another important rushing play.
The freshman quarterback gained 26 yards on a keeper, and an additional Ohio personal foul moved the RedHawks into scoring position.
Stidham subsequently converted a 25-yard field goal with 3:55 remaining, giving Miami its first lead at 20-17.
The RedHawks had completed their comeback from a 17-point deficit, but the game's most dramatic moments were still ahead.
Malcolm McCain Forces Crucial Fourth-Quarter Turnover
Ohio regained possession with an opportunity to respond, trailing by just three points.
However, Miami linebacker Malcolm McCain delivered one of the biggest defensive plays of the evening.
Facing a fourth-down situation with 1:55 remaining, McCain combined with CJ Young to deliver a powerful hit that forced an Ohio fumble.
McCain recovered the loose football, ending the Bobcats' scoring opportunity and giving Miami possession.
The linebacker finished with a game-high 12 tackles, adding the forced fumble and recovery.
His performance was especially significant because he had been unable to practice during the previous two weeks while recovering from an injury.
McCain's turnover immediately created another scoring opportunity for Miami.
On the next offensive play, Jones broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run, extending the RedHawks' advantage to 27-17.
The touchdown marked Jones' longest career rush and effectively placed the game beyond Ohio's reach.
Amariyun Knighten Completes Miami's Stunning Victory
Miami's defense delivered another extraordinary play moments after Jones' touchdown.
On Ohio's next offensive snap, defensive back Amariyun Knighten intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown.
The interception return extended Miami's advantage to 34-17, completing an astonishing late-game scoring sequence.
Within the final two minutes, the RedHawks had produced two defensive takeaways and scored 14 points.
Knighten's touchdown marked the first interception return for a score of his collegiate career and Miami's second pick-six of the season.
The dramatic finish sent the crowd of 17,156 at Yager Stadium into celebration.
Miami completed its comeback with 34 consecutive points, transforming a 17-0 deficit into a convincing 34-17 victory.
Miami Defense Holds Ohio Scoreless for Final 37 Minutes
Although Miami's offensive comeback attracted attention, its defense played an equally important role.
The RedHawks held Ohio scoreless for the final 37-plus minutes of the contest.
Miami also limited the Bobcats to just three successful third-down conversions on 18 attempts.
Defensive lineman Grant Lyons recorded two sacks, marking his third multi-sack performance of the season.
Lyons became one of only five players nationally to record at least two sacks in three different games during the 2026 campaign.
McCain's 12 tackles and forced fumble provided another major defensive contribution, while Knighten's interception return completed the scoring.
The RedHawks' ability to consistently disrupt Ohio's offense prevented the Bobcats from responding as Miami gradually erased the deficit.
D'Shawntae Jones Records Career-High 115 Rushing Yards
Jones delivered the most productive rushing performance of his collegiate career.
The Miami running back finished with 115 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt.
His one-yard touchdown during the third quarter brought Miami within three points, while his 48-yard scoring run late in the fourth quarter established a two-possession advantage.
The performance marked Jones' second consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
His explosive fourth-quarter touchdown also represented the longest run of his career.
Jones' production complemented Bellisari's mobility, giving Miami multiple rushing threats during its second-half comeback.
The RedHawks also received an important contribution from Smith, whose touchdown pass added another dimension to Miami's offense.
Smith has now contributed to touchdowns in six different ways this season, including passing, rushing, receiving and special teams plays.
Miami Penalized for Controversial Video-Board Display
The rivalry matchup also featured an unusual officiating decision involving Miami's stadium video board.
Near the end of the first half, Ohio kicker Brack Peacock attempted a 34-yard field goal that would have extended the Bobcats' advantage.
The kick was unsuccessful, but officials subsequently penalized Miami for displaying additional images of field-goal uprights on the stadium video board.
The display created a visual distraction behind the actual goalposts.
Officials assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Miami, awarding Ohio an automatic first down and moving the football closer to the goal line.
However, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize on the additional opportunity.
With six seconds remaining, a pass from Magnus Haines intended for Evan Herrmann fell incomplete, ending the first half.
The unusual penalty attracted attention because NCAA rules prohibit stadium personnel and video-board operators from creating distractions that interfere with play.
Despite the incident, Miami entered halftime trailing 17-7 before dominating the second half.
Chuck Martin Reaches Coaching Milestone as Miami Secures Bowl Eligibility
The victory represented another significant achievement for Miami head coach Chuck Martin.
Martin earned his 78th victory with the RedHawks, moving into sole possession of sixth place on the Mid-American Conference's all-time coaching wins list.
He surpassed former Bowling Green coach Doyt Perry, who recorded 77 victories.
Miami also secured bowl eligibility for the 10th time in the past 11 seasons.
The RedHawks will now pursue their sixth consecutive postseason bowl appearance.
The comeback was Miami's largest since October 4, 2014, when the RedHawks defeated Massachusetts 42-41 after trailing 41-14.
Tuesday's victory also strengthened Miami's historical advantage in the Battle of the Bricks rivalry.
The RedHawks improved to 57-44-2 all-time against Ohio, including a 34-16-2 record at home.
For Ohio, the defeat ended its unbeaten start to MAC competition and complicated its position in the conference championship race.
What's Next for Miami (Ohio) and Ohio?
Miami returns to action on Tuesday, November 17, traveling to face Kent State.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The RedHawks will look to build on their dramatic rivalry victory and continue strengthening their postseason position.
Ohio will attempt to recover from its first conference defeat and maintain its standing among the MAC's leading teams.
For Miami, Jones' two touchdowns, Bellisari's fourth-down heroics and a dominant defensive performance combined to produce an unforgettable comeback.
The 34-17 victory over Ohio secured bowl eligibility, delivered a major rivalry win and demonstrated the RedHawks' resilience after falling behind by 17 points.









