Ohio Dominican University’s Panthers opened the season with a jaw‑dropping victory, outlasting Morehead State Eagles 42‑40 in a triple‑overtime battle that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying finishes in recent college football history.
A Triple‑Overtime Thriller
The game began with a bang as Carson Parker connected on a 17‑yard touchdown pass, giving the Panthers an early lead. Parker, who finished with 361 total yards and four touchdowns, orchestrated the offense with a poise that belied the high stakes of a season‑opening contest.
Mekhi Jenkins added a crucial 12‑yard rushing touchdown on his first carry as a Panther, capping a drive that showcased the new back’s immediate impact. The defense, led by Taliq Black’s nine tackles and a forced fumble, kept the Eagles at bay for much of the first half, though Morehead State rallied to trim the lead to 14‑12 at the break.
The second half saw a flurry of big plays, including a 52‑yard scramble by Parker and a 66‑yard strike to Hess that shifted momentum. Despite a barrage of yards from the Eagles — 589 total — Ohio Dominican’s defense held firm, forcing three consecutive three‑and‑outs late in regulation to preserve the tie.
When the game entered overtime, the Panthers seized the moment. After a defensive stand that forced a punt, Parker engineered a game‑winning drive, culminating in a two‑point conversion pass that sealed a 42‑40 victory. The final score marked the Panthers’ first win of the season and a historic upset over an FCS opponent.
The win was not without its heroes on both sides of the ball. Carson Parker’s 277 passing yards and four touchdowns were complemented by Mekhi Jenkins’ 101 rushing yards, while the defense’s playmakers — Taliq Black and Sean Westmoreland, who intercepted two passes — provided the gritty performances that defined the night. Ohio Dominican will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against Edinboro on September 3 at 7:00 p.m.