It was fourth-and-2.

The University of Akron was leading Ohio University by a field goal late in the game and had the ball at the Bobcats' 32.

Instead of playing it safe and attempting a field goal, the Zips went for the first down.

Somewhat of a gamble, but it was the right call.

Zips running back Bryan Williams picked up nine yards for the first down. Then, a few plays later, UA quarterback Chris Jacquemain hit tight end Kris Kasparek on a 22-yard touchdown with 3:35 remaining to give the Zips a 10-point lead and seal a 48-37 victory at the Rubber Bowl.

''I'm happy for the kids because a lot of people thought we didn't have anything to play for,'' UA coach J.D. Brookhart said. ''But our kids are about the right thing and they showed that today. Today was not different than a lot of other games. We converted and didn't make the momentum-swinging mistakes.''

The Zips added another touchdown after a turnover and OU scored on the game's final play for the final margin.

Maybe it took playing on national television (ESPN2 with Rece Davis, Lou Holtz and Mark May calling the game) to rev up the Zips (4-6 overall, 3-3 Mid-American Conference).

Maybe it was the fact that they have decided to finish the season as strong as they can, then see where it leads them.

Whatever the motivation, the Zips finally looked like the team Brookhart felt they could be at the start of the season.

Williams and Alex Allen sliced and diced their way through the Ohio defense. Allen finished with 96 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns and Williams had 80 yards on 16 carries.

''I knew those two were good and they just continued to get better,'' Brookhart said. ''And we have a young line

that's getting better and they showed it against a good defensive front.''

Meanwhile, UA's defense didn't allow Bobcats running back Kelvin McRae to have one of his patented games. As a result, the Zips snapped a three-game losing streak.

UA also snapped a two-game winning streak for OU (5-6, 3-4).

The 48 points are the most for the Zips this season and it was the most points OU has given up since a 49-31 loss Nov. 22, 2003, against the University of Miami Hurricanes, who were ranked No. 23 at the time.

McRae entered the game ranked third in the MAC in rushing, averaging 121.3 yards a game. He had 92 yards and a touchdown in the first half but the Zips held him to 17 yards in the second half.

OU scored first on its opening possession of the game on a 34-yard field goal by Michael Braunstein for a 3-0 Bobcats lead, which was brief.

How brief?

Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown and a 7-3 Zips lead.

Following Williams' score, the Zips built a 20-13 halftime lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by Allen sandwiched between two field goals by Igor Iveljic (48 and 39 yards, respectively).

The Zips' often-interesting quarterback situation stayed true to form. Sophomore Carlton Jackson got the start for the second consecutive week. Last week, starter Chris Jacquemain was suspended for the Bowling Green game. He was in uniform but didn't play that game for violating team rules.

Last night, Jackson started and was 3-of-5 for 45 yards. Jacquemain took over for Jackson on UA's first series of the second quarter and led the offense to two consecutive scoring drives.

Jacquemain was 14-of-23 for 197 yards, a touchdown and one interception.

Senior wide receiver Jabari Arthur finished with eight catches for 129 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown reception from Jacquemain with 2:05 left in the third quarter for a 34-16 lead.