This season at LGHL, we’re rolling out something new the day before each Ohio State game: “3 & Out.” As the name suggests, everything will come in threes.

We’ll spotlight three key players from the Buckeyes’ opponent, break down three things Ohio State needs to watch out for, and wrap up with three fun facts or notable alumni from that school.

This Saturday, Ohio State hosts Ohio University under the lights at the Shoe. Unlike last week’s matchup with Grambling State—where the band was arguably the most exciting storyline—this one carries at least a little more intrigue.

Yes, Ohio State has never lost to Ohio, and the Buckeyes haven’t dropped a game to a MAC opponent in over a century. Still, the atmosphere in Columbus should be lively. And considering this could be the only home night game on the schedule, it’s worth savoring.

1st Down: Players to Watch from Ohio

1) Parker Navarro
Taking over as the Bobcats’ starter before the 2024 season, Navarro has been a steady hand at quarterback. Last year, he threw for over 2,400 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,054 yards and 18 scores—making him the driving force behind Ohio’s first-ever 11-win season.

In Week 1 against Rutgers, Navarro showed off his dual-threat ability again, tossing three touchdown passes and running in another. That earned him MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors—for the fourth straight game dating back to last year.

Still, Navarro has a weakness: decision-making. He threw 11 interceptions last season, and just last week against West Virginia, he was picked off three times. With Ohio State’s talented secondary waiting, turnovers could pile up fast.

2) Sieh Bangura
Bangura’s journey has been a bit of a homecoming story. After starting his career at Ohio, he transferred to Minnesota for 2023 but barely saw the field, logging only four carries. Now back in Athens for his senior season, Bangura is looking to reestablish himself as a reliable piece of the Bobcats’ offense.

2) Sieh Bangura
Back in 2022, Bangura broke out with nearly 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His 2023 season wasn’t quite as explosive, but he still managed over 800 yards and seven scores. This fall, he’s opened with 152 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries.

For Ohio to hang around, Bangura needs to be effective. If the Buckeyes jump out to an early lead, his impact could be muted as the Bobcats are forced to lean on the passing game. But if the contest stays close, Bangura has the ability to grind out yards and keep Ohio State’s offense standing on the sideline.

3) Michael Molnar
Ohio’s defense has found a rising star in Molnar. Through two games, the linebacker is the team’s second-leading tackler (14 stops) while also pacing the Bobcats with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

His performance against West Virginia earned him MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors, a huge step forward for a redshirt sophomore who had just 11 total tackles in his first two seasons.

Molnar will face his biggest test yet on Saturday, trying to read and react to Ohio State’s high-powered offense. If his hot start continues, he could put himself firmly on the national radar.

Perfect — now we’ve got all the material. Here’s a fully polished version of your “3 & Out” piece, with smooth flow, consistent tone, and just the right mix of analysis and humor for readers:

3 & Out: Ohio State vs. Ohio

This season at LGHL, we’re trying something new the day before every Buckeye game: “3 & Out.” As the name suggests, everything comes in threes.

We’ll spotlight three key players from the opponent, break down three things Ohio State needs to watch out for, and close with three fun alumni or facts about that school.

This week, Ohio State hosts Ohio University under the lights at the Shoe. While the Buckeyes have never lost to the Bobcats—and haven’t dropped a game to a MAC school in over 100 years—this one carries a little more juice than last week’s blowout against Grambling State. Add in the fact that this could be the only home night game of the season, and the atmosphere should be electric.

1st Down: Players to Watch from Ohio

1) Parker Navarro
Ohio’s dual-threat quarterback has been the engine behind the Bobcats’ recent success. In 2023, Navarro threw for over 2,400 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,054 yards and 18 more scores—helping Ohio secure its first-ever 11-win season.

He picked up right where he left off, earning MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after nearly toppling Rutgers in Week 1. Navarro’s playmaking is real, but so are his turnovers: 11 interceptions last year and three more last week against West Virginia. Against Ohio State’s secondary, mistakes could prove costly.

2) Sieh Bangura
Bangura broke out in 2022 with nearly 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and though his 2023 numbers dipped, he still logged 800 yards and seven scores. Back in Athens after a brief transfer to Minnesota, the senior has already chipped in 152 yards and a touchdown this fall.

If Ohio State builds a quick lead, Bangura could get phased out of the game plan. But if the Bobcats hang close, his ability to grind out tough yards could shorten the game and frustrate the Buckeyes.

3) Michael Molnar
The Bobcats’ emerging linebacker has become a difference-maker, recording 14 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in just two games. His disruptive outing against West Virginia earned him MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Saturday will be the biggest stage of his young career, and while deciphering Ohio State’s offense is no easy task, Molnar has a chance to prove he belongs on the national radar.

2nd Down: What Ohio State Needs to Watch

1) Don’t get caught looking ahead
With a bye week coming and the Big Ten opener right after, it would be easy for Ohio State to overlook the Bobcats. Last week’s 70–0 blowout only increases the risk of complacency.

But Ohio has already shown grit—nearly upsetting Rutgers and then knocking off West Virginia. If the Buckeyes come out flat or sloppy, the Bobcats are more than capable of making things uncomfortable.

2) Watch out for the giant killer
Ohio’s win over West Virginia wasn’t just a good day—it was one of the biggest victories in school history. That, combined with a narrow loss to Rutgers, means the Bobcats come into Columbus brimming with belief.

As long as Ohio State executes, there’s little doubt about the outcome. But early mistakes could fuel an upset-minded team, and the Bobcats are enjoying their best run of football in decades.

3) Brutus needs to keep his head on a swivel
Who could forget 2010, when Ohio mascot Rufus infamously tackled Brutus on the field? Fifteen years later, the scar still lingers.

Here’s hoping Brutus has sharpened his awareness. Maybe he even has a trick or two ready for revenge—but let’s just make sure there’s no “targeting” situation that sends him to the locker room early.

3rd Down: Famous Ohio Alumni

1) Ed O’Neill
Before transferring to Youngstown State, the future “Al Bundy” was on football scholarship at Ohio University. He later channeled his football roots on screen in Little Giants and, more famously, starred in Married… With Children and Modern Family.

2) Nancy Cartwright
The Dayton native and legendary voice actress behind Bart Simpson began her college career in Athens before transferring to UCLA. Imagine her in the radio booth alongside Paul Keels, switching between Simpsons voices—it might be the only thing entertaining if the score gets lopsided.

3) Mike Schmidt
The Hall of Fame third baseman and 12-time All-Star is arguably Ohio University’s most decorated athletic alum. Schmidt won three MVP awards, led the National League in home runs eight times, and powered the Phillies to the 1980 World Series title. His No. 20 is retired in Philadelphia, and his 548 career home runs remain one of baseball’s iconic totals.

That’s 3 & Out for this week. Saturday night should be another celebration in the Shoe—but the Bobcats are talented enough to keep things interesting if Ohio State slips.