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Ohio was driving with 75 seconds to go in the game and one timeout, but Western Michigan linebacker Robert Spillane followed Greg Windham’s eyes and snagged a game-sealing interception to secure the 29-23 victory at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
Western Michigan jumped to a quick 23-7 lead in the first half thanks to two second-quarter touchdown receptions by Corey Davis and Carrington Thompson. Butch Hampton scored two field goals in the first quarter, breaking the school’s single-season scoring mark in the process.
Ohio dealt with fumbling issues all game, as Quentin Maxwell lost the ball twice and was eventually replaced by Greg Windham Jr. in the second quarter. Maxwell connected with Papi White on a 75-yard reception to set up a Jordan Reid score to put the ‘Cats on the board.
Ohio would go on to score a touchdown to open up the second half to Reid, followed by a Hampton field goal for WMU after a nine-plus minute drive. The Bobcats opened a 10-point run with a 31-yard Papi White TD and a 37-yard field goal from Louie Zervos to get within one score, but it was not meant to be.
Hampton was 5/5 on field goal attempts, including what turned out to be the game-sealing field goal from 34 yards out with 1:24 left to go in the game.
The Broncos will now wait for the College Football Final Reveal Show on ESPN Dec. 5 at noon EST to see if they make the Goodyear Tires Cotton Bowl or are placed in a different bowl. Ohio will also wait for a bowl bid, contingent on WMU’s placement.