Ohio’s Blankenship is becoming special

Ohio University coaches knew Beau Blankenship, a 5-foot-9, 202-pound redshirt junior transfer from Iowa State, was valuable in spelling featured running back Donte Harden in 2011.

After two games this season, the staff believes it has a go-to player. Blankenship ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries in a 45-24 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday. He ran for 109 yards on 31 carries the week before in a 24-14 victory at Penn State.

“Beau is the style of back that gets the tough yardage,” coach Frank Solich said. “He’s the kind of workhorse back who can get things done. He can turn a 2- or 3-yard gain into a 5- or 6-yard gain. He’s tough and quick. He is a smart player. I like what he is all about.”

Blankenship broke three tackles while running for a 5-yard touchdown in the third quarter against New Mexico State.