Kyle Grantham / Staff Photographer / kg116806@ohiou.edu

Ohio kicker Barrett Way converts a 23-yard field goal attempt, his third of four made field goals in the game, during the fourth quarter of Ohio’s 26-19 win over Kent State on Saturday. The Bobcats improved their record to 2-5 on the season with the win over the Golden Flashes.

KENT — After struggling to find consistency throughout the season, Barrett Way delivered in a big way for Ohio.

Any hopes the Bobcats had of winning the Mid-American Conference East Division hinged on Saturday’s game against Kent State, and the senior kicker hit four field goals in the team’s 26-19 victory.

“It felt good just because I have been struggling the past few games,” Way said.

Coach Frank Solich said the kicker, who was just 5-of-11 on the season before Saturday, stepped up for an offense that was unable to score touchdowns on long drives.

“His kicks were strong and solid,” Solich said. “He made some tough ones — they weren’t all easy kicks.”

While Way was perfect, the combination of Kent State kickers Nate Reed and Will Kandray missed a field goal and two extra points.

Solich, who had reopened the kicking competition during the past few weeks, said he was happy to see Way succeed.

“We told him to get back to what you were all about as a kicker, because there was a point in time when you were really hitting the ball well,” he said. “We were able to kick well, and that was probably the difference in the game.”

The Ohio defense allowed only one touchdown in the second half. Linebacker Lee Renfro led the team with 11 tackles, a half sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

In the game, the Bobcats limited Golden Flash running back Eugene Jarvis to just 50 yards. The junior ran for 230 yards against Ohio last season.

“I think it was a good job by the defense,” Renfro said. “We executed, something we are really big on this year.”

Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman ran for 136 yards in the game and had two rushing touchdowns.

Solich said he was happy that the defense did not allow many big plays.

“I was a little concerned that we were going to wear down in the second half,” he said. “But instead guys came back and played harder in the second half.”

Running back Donte Harden totaled more than 100 yards for the second time this season, rushing for 115 yards against Kent State.

“Donte is an explosive back and a very tough back,” Solich said. “He’ll go into contact very well. He’s come out of this game a little banged up, so hopefully we will be OK.”

Quarterback Boo Jackson was 16-of-26 for 203 yards. The junior found seven different receivers for catches.

The first road win of the season for the Bobcats (2-5, 1-2 MAC) puts them right into the heat of the MAC East race. They are tied for second place in the division — a game behind 1-1 Bowling Green.