Ohio started the 2004 season on the right foot with a 42-14 win over VMI before 17,527 fans at Peden Stadium Saturday night. The storyline going into the game was focused on Ohio's switch from  the option offense to a more-balanced spread attack. Balance was the result as the Bobcats ran for 230 yards  and  threw for 229. Two Bobcat rushers topped the 100-yard mark  and  quarterback Ryan Hawk completed 13 of 24 passes for 223 yards  and  three touchdowns. While the offensive output may have provided the storyline, the Ohio defense made headlines of its own scoring two touchdowns.

In fact, the defense started the scoring early in the first quarter when cornerback T.J. Wright stepped in front of a VMI pass  and  returned it 41 yards to give the Cats a 7-0 lead. Ohio made it 14-0 on the first play of the second quarter when Hawk connected with tight end Ryan Antle on a 4-yard pass play. On its next possession, Hawk hooked up this time with tight end Rudy Sylvan on a 25-yard strike to put the Bobcats up 21-0. VMI would dent the scoreboard when quarterback Jonathan Wilson completed a 30-yard TD pass to Zohn Burden.

OU started the second half scoring on its first possession when Kalvin McRae ran nine yards around right end for a touchdown. The defense would then get in the act again. Matt Muncy jarred the ball loose from  Wilson, Tyler Russ scooped it up  and  took it 26 yards to paydirt as Ohio stretched the lead to 35-7. The Bobcats completed their scoring when Hawk hit McRae on a screen pass that he took 18 yards for score. VMI added a TD pass late to make the final 42-14.

Justin Roush led all rushers with 130 yards on 16 carries. Kalvin McRae ran for 100 yards on 18 carries  and  one TD. The Ohio defense was able to limit the Keydets to 289 yards of total offense, including just 200 in the first three quarters. For VMI, Wilson was 22-for-38 for 216 yards with a touchdown  and  interception. Burden caught 10 balls for 100 yards  and  two scores.

The Bobcats now prepare for a Saturday night tilt against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. The Panthers had their scheduled season opener vs. South Florida Monday postponed due to Hurricane Frances.