Tiffin University (1-2, 0-1 G-MAC) could not get the offense on track at Ohio Dominican, not scoring for the first 44 minutes of the game en route to a 20-14 loss in its conference opener.

The Dragons' frustration offensively was evidenced in the total first-half possession time, which saw the Panthers holding a 20:00 to 10:00 edge. The defense played well in holding ODU to two first-half field goals covering 36 and 22 yards, but four of Tiffin's five first-half possessions resulted in three-and-outs.Tiffin could get no further than the ODU 45-yard line in the opening half.

In the second half, Tiffin's first two possessions were also short, with the second one ending in an ODU interception that was returned to the Tiffin 30-yard line. The Panthers quickly capitalized with a touchdown to lead 13-0.

Tiffin's offense came alive on its next possession, as the Dragons drove 67 yards in 15 plays. They reached the ODU 9-yard line but could get no further as a fourth-down play came up short.

After Tiffin's defense held ODU to a three-and-out, TU took advantage of good field position at midfield and got on the board on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Alex Johnson to Ronald Blackman with 46 seconds left in the third quarter as Tiffin pulled to within 13-7.

ODU responded immediately, covering 55 yards on 3 plays to jump back ahead 20-7 at the 14:19 mark of the fourth quarter.

Tiffin responded with its best drive of the day, moving 76 yards on 13 plays and finishing the drive with a Joey Zalewski TD catch from 8 yards out to make it 20-14.

Tiffin had two more chances to take the lead. On its next possession the Dragons reached midfield before stalling. After punting and making a defensive stand, TU got the ball back with 1:48 left on the clock on its own 39-yard line. A Johnson interception on second down, however, ended Tiffin's last chance.

Overall ODU outgained Tiffin 322-296 while Tiffin had 19 first downs to ODU's 15. 

Blackman had 131 all-purpose yards with 85 rushing and 46 receiving while Zalewski led the receivers with 49 yards. Johnson was 22 for 38 with 2 interceptions for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Emari White also had 99 all-purpose yards (81 kick returns, 18 receiving).

Joseph Weiers had a strong day punting, averaging 50.2 yards per kick. 

Jacob Tueimeh led the team with 10 tackles and a forced fumble while Isaiah Funches-Foster had 9 stops. Aidan Fischer, Uzenna Nzekwe, and Khris Walton all had 5 tackles, with Walton also posting a sack.