On Jim Tressel bobblehead night, the Columbus Aviators played a very Tressel-like game in what was perhaps their most complete game of the season, defeating the Houston Gamblers by a final of 24-17.

The Lieutenant Governor was on hand for the night, watching his former standout receiver and current Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. pick up his second win of the season to boost Columbus’ record to 2-4.

Here are our three takeaways from Friday night’s action in front of 8,347 at Historic Crew Stadium:

1.   For the first time this season, the Aviators got on the board first — and they did it with how they got their first win of the season two weeks ago: the running game. The Planes rushed the ball nine times on the 15-play, 8:20 drive to take a 7-0 lead. In their last home game, Columbus ran the ball a UFL-record 47 times and for over 200 yards. After that game, Ginn declared “this is the Aviator way. This is the Ohio Way.” They got away from that last week, with 27 total carries (for 117 yards) in their 17-13 loss to the Gamblers. In this one: 40 carries and 179 yards that led to 39:00 minutes of possession, nearly doubling up Houston’s 21:00.

2.    It wasn’t just the running game this time, though. Quarterback Jalan McClendon connected with Tay Martin for a 52-yard play, the Aviators’ longest of the season, with 7:51 left in the second quarter on a drive that would end in a Zaquandre White touchdown that extended the Aviators lead to 21-10. McClendon has struggled at times this season but this was his best start, finishing 20-26 with 187 yards and a touchdown. “We trusted him, and he went out and made a lot of good plays,” said his head coach.

3.    For as efficient as the offense was, the Aviators defense also had its best game of the season. The Gamblers had just nine first downs for the game and were held to just 164 yards for the game — 82 passing, and 82 rushing. Both Houston quarterbacks Nolan Henderson and Taulia Tagovailoa went down with injuries in the game, which did allow Columbus to execute better on defense. “Everybody was able to fly around, and when we did have a quick mistake, we adjusted, and we made it right,” said linebacker Tony Fields II.