2008 Ohio Bobcats Game Preview
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, jwinslow, and 3yardsandacloud
Preface
Doubtful. That word describes the probability that Beanie Wells will see live action on Saturday, as well as the chances that the Ohio Bobcats will upset tOSU, even if the Buckeyes are without their Heisman candidate.
Ohio State is looking for all-time victory number 800 on Saturday, which would make them the sixth team to do so:
869 - Michigan
848 - Yale (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
824 - Notre Dame
821 - Texas
818 - Nebraska
799 - Ohio State
Others that are closing in:
791 - Penn State
789 - Harvard (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
788 - Alabama
780 - Princeton (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
777 - Oklahoma
771 - Tennessee
754 - Southern Cal
The best years of Bobcat football came in the days of two long-time head coaches, Don Peden (one of the founders of the Mid-American Conference, whom their stadium is named after) and Bill Hess. Peden was at the helm from 1924 to '46, and had a career record of 122-46-11 (.721). During his tenure, there was a 9-0 mark in '29, when Ohio outscored their opponents by a combined 305-7 (only Ohio Wesleyan got on the board in a 21-7 contest). They also went 8-0-1 in '30, and 8-0 in '35.
Bill Hess was the head man from '58-77, with a 103-92-4 (.537) overall record. The highlight of those years was the 10-0 slate in 1960, when the Bobcats were named 'Small College National Champions', outscoring their opponents by a 27-3 average. The other notable year was 1968, when a 10-1 mark resulted in a final ranking of #18 in the Coaches Poll and #20 in the AP. That was the only year in which Ohio finished the season with a ranking, and the team happened to be outshone within the state by the National Champion Buckeye 'Super Sophs' of Kern, Tatum, etc.
Other notable head coaches at Ohio include Carroll Widdoes, who was 42-36-5 (.536) from '49-'57. Before that, Widdoes was 9-0 at Ohio State during the 'Civilian Championship' year of 1944 (Army won the MNC with Blanchard and Davis), and 7-2 in his final Buckeye year of '45. His career mark of 16-2 at tOSU gives Widdoes the highest winning percentage in Buckeye history (.889).
Jim Grobe led the Bobcats to an even record of 33-33-1 from '95 until 2000, before leaving for Wake Forest. Former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich took over Ohio in 2005, and has gone 19-19, including a 21-20 loss at Wyoming in this year's opener.
Against current members of the Big Ten conference, Ohio has an all-time mark of 6-35-1, which includes a combined 0-6 record against MSU and PSU in games before they joined the Big Ten. That also includes four losses to the pre-Big Ten Buckeyes between 1899-1902. The only recent contest between the two teams was a 40-16 tOSU victory in 1999.
Ohio has a 3-2 record against Illinois, including a 20-17 win in Champaign in 2006, their most recent win over a BCS Conference team, during the only championship year for the Bobcats since the 1968 squad.
They won the MAC Eastern Division in 2006, and appeared in the GMAC bowl, where they fell 28-7 to Southern Mississippi. The only other bowl appearances for Ohio were a '62 Sun Bowl loss to West Texas A&M and a '68 Tangerine Bowl defeat at the hands of Richmond, 49-42.
Date and TimeOhio State is looking for all-time victory number 800 on Saturday, which would make them the sixth team to do so:
869 - Michigan
848 - Yale (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
824 - Notre Dame
821 - Texas
818 - Nebraska
799 - Ohio State
Others that are closing in:
791 - Penn State
789 - Harvard (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
788 - Alabama
780 - Princeton (Div. 1-AA/FCS since 1982)
777 - Oklahoma
771 - Tennessee
754 - Southern Cal
The best years of Bobcat football came in the days of two long-time head coaches, Don Peden (one of the founders of the Mid-American Conference, whom their stadium is named after) and Bill Hess. Peden was at the helm from 1924 to '46, and had a career record of 122-46-11 (.721). During his tenure, there was a 9-0 mark in '29, when Ohio outscored their opponents by a combined 305-7 (only Ohio Wesleyan got on the board in a 21-7 contest). They also went 8-0-1 in '30, and 8-0 in '35.
Bill Hess was the head man from '58-77, with a 103-92-4 (.537) overall record. The highlight of those years was the 10-0 slate in 1960, when the Bobcats were named 'Small College National Champions', outscoring their opponents by a 27-3 average. The other notable year was 1968, when a 10-1 mark resulted in a final ranking of #18 in the Coaches Poll and #20 in the AP. That was the only year in which Ohio finished the season with a ranking, and the team happened to be outshone within the state by the National Champion Buckeye 'Super Sophs' of Kern, Tatum, etc.
Other notable head coaches at Ohio include Carroll Widdoes, who was 42-36-5 (.536) from '49-'57. Before that, Widdoes was 9-0 at Ohio State during the 'Civilian Championship' year of 1944 (Army won the MNC with Blanchard and Davis), and 7-2 in his final Buckeye year of '45. His career mark of 16-2 at tOSU gives Widdoes the highest winning percentage in Buckeye history (.889).
Jim Grobe led the Bobcats to an even record of 33-33-1 from '95 until 2000, before leaving for Wake Forest. Former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich took over Ohio in 2005, and has gone 19-19, including a 21-20 loss at Wyoming in this year's opener.
Against current members of the Big Ten conference, Ohio has an all-time mark of 6-35-1, which includes a combined 0-6 record against MSU and PSU in games before they joined the Big Ten. That also includes four losses to the pre-Big Ten Buckeyes between 1899-1902. The only recent contest between the two teams was a 40-16 tOSU victory in 1999.
Ohio has a 3-2 record against Illinois, including a 20-17 win in Champaign in 2006, their most recent win over a BCS Conference team, during the only championship year for the Bobcats since the 1968 squad.
They won the MAC Eastern Division in 2006, and appeared in the GMAC bowl, where they fell 28-7 to Southern Mississippi. The only other bowl appearances for Ohio were a '62 Sun Bowl loss to West Texas A&M and a '68 Tangerine Bowl defeat at the hands of Richmond, 49-42.
Date: Saturday, September 6th, 2008
Time: 12:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Field Turf
Events: Hall of Fame
Television: ESPN - Pam Ward (play-by-play) and Ray Bentley (anaylist)
Radio: WBNS (AM 1460 TheFan) - Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (anaylist), and Marty Bannister (sidelines)
Events: Hall of Fame Day
2008 Ohio Bobcats Offensive PreviewTime: 12:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Field Turf
Events: Hall of Fame
Television: ESPN - Pam Ward (play-by-play) and Ray Bentley (anaylist)
Radio: WBNS (AM 1460 TheFan) - Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (anaylist), and Marty Bannister (sidelines)
Events: Hall of Fame Day
Returning starters: 8
After another successful game against a (former) I-AA opponent (and quite a bit more successful than certain teams with Princeton helmets last weekend), the Buckeyes return to I-A with an in-state contest, this time against Coach Frank Solich and the Ohio Bobcats. The Bobcats are coming off of a tough loss at Wyoming, which is not always an easy place to get a W, so they acquitted themselves well, but couldn't put it away on the road. After a big season in 2007 offensively, the Bobcats got off to a slow start, particularly on the ground, in 2008, and will have to improve significantly to have any chance on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
QB #3 Theo Scott (6-1, 197, JR, LA Southwest College, Long Beach, CA)
Scott played in 10 games a year ago, backing up primary QB Brad Bower and completing 63/109 passes for 743 yards and 5 TDs, and 3 INTs. He had a reasonably good game against the Cowboys in week 1, completing almost 75% of his passes, going 26/35 for 224 yards with a TD and a pick. He carried the ball 6 times for -2 yards, after posting 120 yards on the ground a season ago, which was good for 2nd on the team in 2007. He's a mature QB, having transferred from junior college, and he forms a nice tandem with his favorite target, Taylor Price, with whom he connected several times in week 1. He's not particularly big or a major threat on the ground, but he runs a solid offense and is a good team leader, and he can also occasionally bust open a play on the ground.
Boo Jackson (#8) is the primary backup, and he saw action against Wyoming in week 1 as well, completing 3 of 4 passes for 24 yards. It is unclear how much, if any, time Jackson will see the field this weekend, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a series or two. He is built almost exactly (6-1, 197, JR) like a carbon copy of Scott.
QB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State QBs
Ohio's QBs threw for a nice percentage on the road against a defense that completely shut down their running game. Both QBs are capable, and can provide some leadership in the huddle. Boeckman looked very solid in his first start, and looks to have a great deal of promise for the 2008 Buckeyes. Pryor adds a dimension that almost no team in the country has, making the Buckeyes the much more explosive group.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #2 Chris Garrett (5-8, 174, JR, Fort Union Military Academy, Bristow, VA)
RB #26 Vince Davidson (5-11, 190, SO, South Brunswick HS, Dayton, NJ)
RB # 21 L.J. Flintall (5-10, 180, JR, Hutchinson CC, Burlington, NC)
RB #28 Donte Harden (5-11, 180, FR, Strong Vincent HS, Erie, PA)
FB #40 Jayson White (6-1, 231, SR, McDowell HS, Erie, PA)
The early OU depth chart lists the TB position as a 4-headed monster, though after week 1 it appears as neither a committee nor as a monster. Garrett got the bulk of the carries in week 1, albeit 12 of them for a total of only 30 yards. Davidson got 2 for 6, Harden 1 for 5. For a coach that prides himself on the running game (and had a back go for 1434 yards and 19 TDs last year), that had to hurt. Garrett had the most carries of the returning backs last year (17), so it's not surprising he got the lion's share of the work on the road in week 1, particularly in a close game. He also had 2 catches for 20 yards. This week, one might expect coach Solich to experiment more with the different players he has, especially considering the lack of production last week, so expect to see a number of different backs on the field this weekend. McRae was a bruiser who could carry a monster workload (294 carries in 2007), and there's no evidence that any player they have can step up to that level of production as yet. Keep an eye on Harden, who is a burner that had a 100 yard kickoff return on Saturday.
White is a bruiser who doesn't expect the ball much (4 carries and 2 catches in 2007), but is a capable blocker and opened some mice holes last year for a good running game. He'll have to step his game up as well, however, after the disappointment of week 1.
RB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State RBs
No comparison here at all, even if the Buckeyes don?t have Wells. No one on the Bobcats roster has made a significant impact in an Ohio uniform yet (other than the FB), and there's no evidence of a ground game explosion looming this weekend against the stout Silver Bullets.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #23 Taylor Price (6-1, 184, JR, Hilliard Darby HS, Hilliard, OH)
WR #7 LaVon Brazill (5-10, 172, SO, Lake Worth HS, Lantana, FL)
Price had 33 catches in 2007...and nearly got half of that against Wyoming, touching the Cowboys up for 14 catches (a school record) for 139 yards in week 1. Along with TE Andrew Mooney, he forms the heart of the passing attack, which is often limited under coach Solich. He caught 4 TDs a year ago, and will be looking to find the end zone again this weekend for the first time in 2008. He has sure hands, reasonable size, and has a knack for getting open. Brazill caught 16 balls a year ago, and started his 2008 campaign with 5 catches for 48 yards. He will need to be a factor this season if the Bobcats are to compensate for a lack of a big-time ground attack, and he is off to a good start.
The primary reserves are Riley Dunlop (#15) and Terrance McCrae (#11). Dunlop caught a pair of passes in week 1. McCrae caught 29 passes and a TD last year, so he could be more of a factor as the year progresses.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State WRs
Price is a good player, and can get open and make a big catch. He leads a corps of receivers that has reasonable depth and experience. Though the passing game in a Coach Solich offense often isn't as glamorous as the run game, it may be a bigger factor in 2008 and thus the receivers might play a more significant role. All that said, there is no comparison here with the experienced Buckeye corps.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #81 Andrew Mooney (6-3, 233, SR, New Mexico State, Lubbock, TX)
TE #84 David Carter (6-5, 246, SR, Vanderbilt University, Waynesboro, PA)
A pair of D-1A transfers makes this one of the strongest and most experienced positions on the team. They can double up and add to the power running game, or Mooney can slip down-field as a potent weapon who led the team in 2007 with 34 catches for 498 yards and an impressive 9 TDs (a school record). Mooney was 2nd team All-MAC in 2007. He found the end zone again against Wyoming, catching 3 passes for 10 yards and the Bobcats' only offensive score of the afternoon. Carter, a captain, is also a factor in the passing game, catching 19 a year ago and 1 in week 1. Look for the TE position to try and create match-up problems over the middle Saturday, which isn't as easy to do against the Buckeyes, but should be effective in conference play.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State TEs
Both teams have 2 quality TEs, all of whom are capable blockers and who can catch a pass down-field. Mooney is probably the best receiver, while Nicol is probably the most capable blocker. Both units serve their teams nicely.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #74 Josh Leuck (6-3, 289, SR, Westside HS, Omaha, NE)
LG #76 Mike Eynon (6-3, 305, SR, St. Ignatius HS, Westlake, OH)
C #58 David White (6-1, 289, JR, Chardon HS, Chardon, OH)
RG #61 Michael Philbin (6-4, 302, JR, Cardinal Mooney HS, Poland, OH)
RT #57 Chris Rodgers (6-5, 289, JR, Central HS, Phoenix, AZ)
Ohio's line has a lot of smaller, more mobile players than the bigger, physical lines often seen in the Big Ten. The left side is experienced and capable. Leuck started as a defensive linemen, then switched to OL midway through 2006 and had a solid year as a starter last season. Eynon also started last season, and brings good size and a wealth of discipline to the line, going the entire 2007 season without a penalty. White also had a solid 2007 after playing in 11 games in 2006 and starting 7 at C in 2007. On the right side, there is less experience, as Philbin played sparingly in 2007 and is getting his shot in 2008 to start. He is the biggest of the group. Rodgers played sparingly in 2006 and 2007, but is also getting his shot at the starting role this year after starting one game at tackle in 2007.
Tommy Stuck (#66) is the backup in the middle, while Gary Schussler (#73) is the main interior backup and Shawn Fosnaugh (#68) and Cole Bunner (#60) are the backups at tackle.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State OL
The Bobcats have some depth and experience on the left side and in the middle, but are largely untested and short on depth on the right side. The Buckeyes have an experienced line and an offense that was very impressive in week one. Vast improvements will have to be made in the Bobcat ranks to get the ground game going.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
The Bobcats were in the game throughout but couldn't come up with the big play to get the win in Wyoming. The most obvious aspect to their first game was their lack of a ground attack, which will be devastating against the Buckeyes if it holds true again this week. Coach Solich is known for his ground and pound attack, though the passing game was a large contributor to a very good offensive season in 2007. This year, the passing game appears to be in capable hands, and there are multiple legitimate targets out there every time the QB drops back to pass. However, the Bobcats will have no chance to keep the game close with another one dimensional showing this Saturday.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
2008 Ohio Bobcats Defensive PreviewAfter another successful game against a (former) I-AA opponent (and quite a bit more successful than certain teams with Princeton helmets last weekend), the Buckeyes return to I-A with an in-state contest, this time against Coach Frank Solich and the Ohio Bobcats. The Bobcats are coming off of a tough loss at Wyoming, which is not always an easy place to get a W, so they acquitted themselves well, but couldn't put it away on the road. After a big season in 2007 offensively, the Bobcats got off to a slow start, particularly on the ground, in 2008, and will have to improve significantly to have any chance on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
QB #3 Theo Scott (6-1, 197, JR, LA Southwest College, Long Beach, CA)
Scott played in 10 games a year ago, backing up primary QB Brad Bower and completing 63/109 passes for 743 yards and 5 TDs, and 3 INTs. He had a reasonably good game against the Cowboys in week 1, completing almost 75% of his passes, going 26/35 for 224 yards with a TD and a pick. He carried the ball 6 times for -2 yards, after posting 120 yards on the ground a season ago, which was good for 2nd on the team in 2007. He's a mature QB, having transferred from junior college, and he forms a nice tandem with his favorite target, Taylor Price, with whom he connected several times in week 1. He's not particularly big or a major threat on the ground, but he runs a solid offense and is a good team leader, and he can also occasionally bust open a play on the ground.
Boo Jackson (#8) is the primary backup, and he saw action against Wyoming in week 1 as well, completing 3 of 4 passes for 24 yards. It is unclear how much, if any, time Jackson will see the field this weekend, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a series or two. He is built almost exactly (6-1, 197, JR) like a carbon copy of Scott.
QB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State QBs
Ohio's QBs threw for a nice percentage on the road against a defense that completely shut down their running game. Both QBs are capable, and can provide some leadership in the huddle. Boeckman looked very solid in his first start, and looks to have a great deal of promise for the 2008 Buckeyes. Pryor adds a dimension that almost no team in the country has, making the Buckeyes the much more explosive group.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #2 Chris Garrett (5-8, 174, JR, Fort Union Military Academy, Bristow, VA)
RB #26 Vince Davidson (5-11, 190, SO, South Brunswick HS, Dayton, NJ)
RB # 21 L.J. Flintall (5-10, 180, JR, Hutchinson CC, Burlington, NC)
RB #28 Donte Harden (5-11, 180, FR, Strong Vincent HS, Erie, PA)
FB #40 Jayson White (6-1, 231, SR, McDowell HS, Erie, PA)
The early OU depth chart lists the TB position as a 4-headed monster, though after week 1 it appears as neither a committee nor as a monster. Garrett got the bulk of the carries in week 1, albeit 12 of them for a total of only 30 yards. Davidson got 2 for 6, Harden 1 for 5. For a coach that prides himself on the running game (and had a back go for 1434 yards and 19 TDs last year), that had to hurt. Garrett had the most carries of the returning backs last year (17), so it's not surprising he got the lion's share of the work on the road in week 1, particularly in a close game. He also had 2 catches for 20 yards. This week, one might expect coach Solich to experiment more with the different players he has, especially considering the lack of production last week, so expect to see a number of different backs on the field this weekend. McRae was a bruiser who could carry a monster workload (294 carries in 2007), and there's no evidence that any player they have can step up to that level of production as yet. Keep an eye on Harden, who is a burner that had a 100 yard kickoff return on Saturday.
White is a bruiser who doesn't expect the ball much (4 carries and 2 catches in 2007), but is a capable blocker and opened some mice holes last year for a good running game. He'll have to step his game up as well, however, after the disappointment of week 1.
RB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State RBs
No comparison here at all, even if the Buckeyes don?t have Wells. No one on the Bobcats roster has made a significant impact in an Ohio uniform yet (other than the FB), and there's no evidence of a ground game explosion looming this weekend against the stout Silver Bullets.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #23 Taylor Price (6-1, 184, JR, Hilliard Darby HS, Hilliard, OH)
WR #7 LaVon Brazill (5-10, 172, SO, Lake Worth HS, Lantana, FL)
Price had 33 catches in 2007...and nearly got half of that against Wyoming, touching the Cowboys up for 14 catches (a school record) for 139 yards in week 1. Along with TE Andrew Mooney, he forms the heart of the passing attack, which is often limited under coach Solich. He caught 4 TDs a year ago, and will be looking to find the end zone again this weekend for the first time in 2008. He has sure hands, reasonable size, and has a knack for getting open. Brazill caught 16 balls a year ago, and started his 2008 campaign with 5 catches for 48 yards. He will need to be a factor this season if the Bobcats are to compensate for a lack of a big-time ground attack, and he is off to a good start.
The primary reserves are Riley Dunlop (#15) and Terrance McCrae (#11). Dunlop caught a pair of passes in week 1. McCrae caught 29 passes and a TD last year, so he could be more of a factor as the year progresses.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State WRs
Price is a good player, and can get open and make a big catch. He leads a corps of receivers that has reasonable depth and experience. Though the passing game in a Coach Solich offense often isn't as glamorous as the run game, it may be a bigger factor in 2008 and thus the receivers might play a more significant role. All that said, there is no comparison here with the experienced Buckeye corps.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #81 Andrew Mooney (6-3, 233, SR, New Mexico State, Lubbock, TX)
TE #84 David Carter (6-5, 246, SR, Vanderbilt University, Waynesboro, PA)
A pair of D-1A transfers makes this one of the strongest and most experienced positions on the team. They can double up and add to the power running game, or Mooney can slip down-field as a potent weapon who led the team in 2007 with 34 catches for 498 yards and an impressive 9 TDs (a school record). Mooney was 2nd team All-MAC in 2007. He found the end zone again against Wyoming, catching 3 passes for 10 yards and the Bobcats' only offensive score of the afternoon. Carter, a captain, is also a factor in the passing game, catching 19 a year ago and 1 in week 1. Look for the TE position to try and create match-up problems over the middle Saturday, which isn't as easy to do against the Buckeyes, but should be effective in conference play.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State TEs
Both teams have 2 quality TEs, all of whom are capable blockers and who can catch a pass down-field. Mooney is probably the best receiver, while Nicol is probably the most capable blocker. Both units serve their teams nicely.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #74 Josh Leuck (6-3, 289, SR, Westside HS, Omaha, NE)
LG #76 Mike Eynon (6-3, 305, SR, St. Ignatius HS, Westlake, OH)
C #58 David White (6-1, 289, JR, Chardon HS, Chardon, OH)
RG #61 Michael Philbin (6-4, 302, JR, Cardinal Mooney HS, Poland, OH)
RT #57 Chris Rodgers (6-5, 289, JR, Central HS, Phoenix, AZ)
Ohio's line has a lot of smaller, more mobile players than the bigger, physical lines often seen in the Big Ten. The left side is experienced and capable. Leuck started as a defensive linemen, then switched to OL midway through 2006 and had a solid year as a starter last season. Eynon also started last season, and brings good size and a wealth of discipline to the line, going the entire 2007 season without a penalty. White also had a solid 2007 after playing in 11 games in 2006 and starting 7 at C in 2007. On the right side, there is less experience, as Philbin played sparingly in 2007 and is getting his shot in 2008 to start. He is the biggest of the group. Rodgers played sparingly in 2006 and 2007, but is also getting his shot at the starting role this year after starting one game at tackle in 2007.
Tommy Stuck (#66) is the backup in the middle, while Gary Schussler (#73) is the main interior backup and Shawn Fosnaugh (#68) and Cole Bunner (#60) are the backups at tackle.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus Ohio State OL
The Bobcats have some depth and experience on the left side and in the middle, but are largely untested and short on depth on the right side. The Buckeyes have an experienced line and an offense that was very impressive in week one. Vast improvements will have to be made in the Bobcat ranks to get the ground game going.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
The Bobcats were in the game throughout but couldn't come up with the big play to get the win in Wyoming. The most obvious aspect to their first game was their lack of a ground attack, which will be devastating against the Buckeyes if it holds true again this week. Coach Solich is known for his ground and pound attack, though the passing game was a large contributor to a very good offensive season in 2007. This year, the passing game appears to be in capable hands, and there are multiple legitimate targets out there every time the QB drops back to pass. However, the Bobcats will have no chance to keep the game close with another one dimensional showing this Saturday.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
Returning Starters: 7
Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Burrow enters his 4th season at Ohio where he installed a 4-3 scheme to replace the 3-4. After some growing pains, the Ohio Defense became one of the better MAC defenses in several categories, including points against, pass defense and rush defense. 2007, however, was a disappointment as the Bobcats finished 74th nationally in total yards. While the D-line and defensive backs were good to very good at times, the key issue for the 2007 team was a underachieving linebacker unit. The DBs were forced to make far to many plays for the LBs and it is hoped that there will be marked improvement in 2008. Things didn't necessarily prove to be going that direction after the first game of the year with Wyoming rushing for 160 yards. While the secondary help the Cowboys to just 111 yards passing, they did give up 2 passing scores. One of those, however, was from just 3 yards out, and they also managed two interceptions. While it may take some time for the whole defense to really come together, there is little reason to think that this group will not improve as from the 07 effort as the year moves forward. If they play to their potential, the Bobcat D could again be among the better MAC units.
Defensive Line
LE #54 Kris Luchsinger (6-4 250 JR, Bishop Watterson, Dublin, OH)
NG #95 Ernie Hodge (6-2 287 rSO, Hargrave Military Academy, Dublin, VA)
DT #90 Jameson Hartke (6-4 265 SR, Centerville HS, Centerville, OH)
RE #99 Curtis Meyers (6-2 247 SO, Harrison HS, Harrison, OH)
Hartke is the best returning lineman, having earned All-MAC honors in 2007. While Hartke did not build on his 2006 sack numbers (7.5) last year he did establish himself as a bigger force against the run than before. While small for the interior, Hartke should expect a little more from his line mates in 08, which should see his sack numbers increase. He recorded 4 tackles in week 1. Hodge missed all of 2007 while being suspended for an off the field incident. He had a very good freshman campaign in 2006 recording 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He brings good speed up the middle, but needs to establish himself as a more consistent run stopper. He recorded two tackles against the Cowboys. Luchsinger beat out Conor Reilly in preaseason camp. The team's leading returning sack-master (5), Luchsinger is a high energy guy who could benefit from some more technique but has great potential. He failed to record a tackle against Wyoming. Meyers mans the other end after playing 8 games as a freshman recording 5 tackles, half for a loss. While young, he looks to make a name for himself in 2008. He had 2 tackles in the opener.
Reserves include; DE #92 Conor Reilly (6-3 232 JR),DT #96 Jacob Williamson (6-4 266 SR), DT #62 Marcellis Williamson (6-1 330 SO), and DE #97 Eric Kenkel (6-3 265 SR). Of this group, only Reilly recorded a tackle (one assist) and only he and Jacob Williamson saw action. Reilly was slated to be the starter at rush end coming in to 2008 and has shown the ability to get to quarterbacks. Small enough to play LB, Reilly is also athletic enough. Marcellis Williamson has obvious size and can give Ohio a true run stuffer up the gut. However, he has only made one tackle thus far in his career and will have to earn more field time. Kenkel provides some senior leadership and is fairly solid against the run. He must show more consistency in getting to the quarterback, however.
DL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU DL
There really is not much to compare, both because the season is just one game old and because these two units, Ohio and Ohio State's are not particularly close on the field. While Ohio's line will be solid enough for MAC play, there is not Ohio State lineman on the two deep who would not be starting for the Bobcats. Ohio gave up 160 yards to Wyoming, while the Buckeyes held YSU to negative 11. Sure, that's just one game, but the stats are also in line with last year's production. The Buckeyes are better at getting to the QB and are much better at stopping the run than the Bobcats, and the edge here clearly favors Ohio State. The Bobcats should be happy that Chris Wells will likely sit this one out to heal his ailing right foot. A healthy Wells might be record breaking.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #19 Chris Hall (6-1 229 SR, Ballard HS, Louisville, KY)
MLB #47 Noah Keller (6-1 232 SO, Kearney HS, Kearney, NE)
WLB #32 Lee Renfro (5-10 214 JR, Southwestern HS, Burnside, KY)
A liability in 2007, this group needs to improve for Ohio to reach their potential. The good news is that last year's youth is this year's experience. Keller mans the middle but can play any of the positions well. As a freshman, Keller showed good speed and athleticism in recording 37 tackles, 1.5 for loss. Against Wyoming, Keller lead all tacklers with 15, 7 solo. Hall enters his senior year starting on the strong side. A former Safety, Hall can move to the weak side if needed. He's quick, and while he won't necessarily do much extraordinary he also won't make many mistakes. He was the second leading tackler in week 1 with 9 (5 solo). Renfro came to Ohio as a running back, but converted to LB last season and became an immediate contributor with 56 tackles, a team leading 12.5 of which were for loss. He can get in to the backfield in a hurry and will be counted on as a blitz option in 2008. He had 5 tackles in week one.
Back ups include;# 35 Michael Brown (6-3 229 SR), #48 Jordan Meyers (6-0 220 SR), #27 Errik Ejike (6-1 204 SR), #33 Kyle Robbins (6-2 211 JR), and #44 Chad Clemens (5-11 202 SO). Ejike was the only of the reserve LBs to record a tackle in the opener (2 solo). A JUCO transfer, he was looking very solid to begin 07, before suffering a season ending foot injury. Robbins and Clemens each played against Wyoming, but did not record any tackles. Brown and Meyers provide senior leadership and depth. Meyers is the brother of RE Curtis Meyers and has had an injury plagued career, including a broken leg two seasons ago, and a knee this season which has him listed as out indefinitely.. Decent against the pass, he does not help shore up the running game as well as he should. Brown can play where ever needed and is the teams top returning tackler from 2007 with 85. Like Meyers, he too has battled through a broken leg suffered in 2006 and is listed as questionable for Saturday as he recovers from a tweaked hamstring which kept the team's leading returning tackler from seeing action in the opener. At 100% Brown should be among the top 3 LBs on this club.
LB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU LBs
Even with improvement, this LB corps is nowhere near the same level as Ohio State's. While Ohio has some depth, that depth does not compare to the Buckeyes. After a harsh 2007 this group hopes to show marked improvement, while the Buckeyes group contends for top unit in the nation. The experience and depth will help Ohio in 2008 hopefully affording the Bobcats less late game exhaustion. There are injury concerns for the Bobcats with two of the LBs having suffered broken legs. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, tout strength, speed and expirience with excellent depth. Ohio State has the luxury of red shirting guys who'd get plenty of playing time. There is some potential for this unit to become one of the MAC's better units, they need to jell quickly.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #24 Mark Parson (5-10 192 SR, Fork Union Military Academy, Richmond, VA)
FS #42 Steven Jackson (6-2 192 JR, Westlake, Austin, TX)
SS #34 Michael Mitchell (6-1 216 SR, Highlands, Fort Thomas, KY)
LCB #9 Julian Posey (5-11 188 SO, LaSalle, Cincinnati, OH)
Parson has enough ability that he should be getting looks by NFL GMs come 2009 draft time. Having broken up 23 passes the last two years, he can stay with nearly any WR and makes sure open field tackles. Parson had 4 tackles, 1 for loss, against the Cowboys. The other side is manned by Posey. The brother of Ohio State freshman Devier, Posey has outstanding speed and a nose for the football. A hard hitter, Posey had 54 tackles as a freshman. For reasons not known to us, Posey did not start against Wyoming, but he did play recording two tackles and a pass break-up. The preview team believes he will get the start against the Buckeyes. Jackson is the lone new face on the secondary. He needs to establish he can get it done when the ball is in the air, but there's little reason he wont. Being the "weak spot" in the secondary, he'll get tested, for sure. He has suffered a knee injury early in his career but that should be fully covered by now. He recorded 3 tackles and an 18 yard INT return against the Cowboys. Mitchell is a solid safety who makes few mistakes, and many tackles. A hard hitter, Mitchell was one of the men who was overworked by last year's LB corps' troubles and he proved to be up to the task for the most part. He was third on the team with 8 tackles and 1 for loss in the opener.
Back ups include; #4 Idris Lawrence (5-8 175 JR), #29 Donovan Fletcher (6-0 187 SO), #12 Thad Turner (6-0 169 JR) and #13 Neil Jereb (5-10 187 SR). Lawrence started the Wyoming game in place of Posey. Small, at 5-8, 175, he's quick enough to stay with most WRs. He has yet to record a pick in his career, and managed one tackle in the opener. Fletcher did not see any action in 2007, but had a very good spring where he showed enough skill to be an every down player if/when called upon. He did not record a tackle against the Cowboys, but saw action. Turner is a converted wide receiver. Thin and still developing his skills as a DB, Turner is not going to make people wonder what number was that train who hit me after a tackle. But, that aside, he can run well and is familiar with the sort of routes a WR is expected to run in certain situations, having played the position. He had two tackles in week 1. Jereb had 5 tackles and a 22 yard INT return against Wyoming. He's played in each of Ohio's last 23 games as a key reserve and on special teams.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU DBs
Ohio's secondary is very solid and should be among the top units in the MAC. A good mix of seniors (Parson) and youth (Posey) has the secondary in good shape for the long haul. While this unit was asked to do more than it should have had to in 2007, the rewards of that problem in 2007 work to their advantage in 2008. Surprisingly, even as good as the unit is, opposing QBs have consistently managed upwards of 250 per game against them historically, but none had more than 300. Though just one game, they did hold Wyoming to just 111 yards and that was a welcome sight for the group. All that said, this group will lose the edge to Ohio State here. The Buckeyes gave up just 85 yards passing while playing without starting corner Donald Washington, starting Safety Kurt Coleman and without key reserve Jamario O'Neal. While this is the clear strength of the Bobcats' defense, the edge still favors Ohio State.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Ohio has the potential to be a very good unit, but must get better play out of the middle. The line has demonstrated ability to get to the quarterback, but needs to finish the deal more in 2008 to truly be considered one of the better lines in the MAC. The secondary is very good and should once again represent this unit's key advantage. There was emphasis on shoring up against the run this year, and the early indication is that there is still work to be done in this area. While it's hardly time to panic, Ohio State is not the team you want to play to get your number healthy. Look for the Buckeyes to have tougher sledding than they found in YSU, but the Bobcats should not be able to hang for very long. They did not play many players in the opener and this may be an indication that the depth is not as ready to go as they may have hoped. Ohio struggled with fatigue in 2007, and unless the participation report begins to grow, the downfall may be this unit completely running out of gas mid-season.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
2008 Ohio Bobcats Special Teams PreviewDefensive Coordinator Jimmy Burrow enters his 4th season at Ohio where he installed a 4-3 scheme to replace the 3-4. After some growing pains, the Ohio Defense became one of the better MAC defenses in several categories, including points against, pass defense and rush defense. 2007, however, was a disappointment as the Bobcats finished 74th nationally in total yards. While the D-line and defensive backs were good to very good at times, the key issue for the 2007 team was a underachieving linebacker unit. The DBs were forced to make far to many plays for the LBs and it is hoped that there will be marked improvement in 2008. Things didn't necessarily prove to be going that direction after the first game of the year with Wyoming rushing for 160 yards. While the secondary help the Cowboys to just 111 yards passing, they did give up 2 passing scores. One of those, however, was from just 3 yards out, and they also managed two interceptions. While it may take some time for the whole defense to really come together, there is little reason to think that this group will not improve as from the 07 effort as the year moves forward. If they play to their potential, the Bobcat D could again be among the better MAC units.
Defensive Line
LE #54 Kris Luchsinger (6-4 250 JR, Bishop Watterson, Dublin, OH)
NG #95 Ernie Hodge (6-2 287 rSO, Hargrave Military Academy, Dublin, VA)
DT #90 Jameson Hartke (6-4 265 SR, Centerville HS, Centerville, OH)
RE #99 Curtis Meyers (6-2 247 SO, Harrison HS, Harrison, OH)
Hartke is the best returning lineman, having earned All-MAC honors in 2007. While Hartke did not build on his 2006 sack numbers (7.5) last year he did establish himself as a bigger force against the run than before. While small for the interior, Hartke should expect a little more from his line mates in 08, which should see his sack numbers increase. He recorded 4 tackles in week 1. Hodge missed all of 2007 while being suspended for an off the field incident. He had a very good freshman campaign in 2006 recording 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He brings good speed up the middle, but needs to establish himself as a more consistent run stopper. He recorded two tackles against the Cowboys. Luchsinger beat out Conor Reilly in preaseason camp. The team's leading returning sack-master (5), Luchsinger is a high energy guy who could benefit from some more technique but has great potential. He failed to record a tackle against Wyoming. Meyers mans the other end after playing 8 games as a freshman recording 5 tackles, half for a loss. While young, he looks to make a name for himself in 2008. He had 2 tackles in the opener.
Reserves include; DE #92 Conor Reilly (6-3 232 JR),DT #96 Jacob Williamson (6-4 266 SR), DT #62 Marcellis Williamson (6-1 330 SO), and DE #97 Eric Kenkel (6-3 265 SR). Of this group, only Reilly recorded a tackle (one assist) and only he and Jacob Williamson saw action. Reilly was slated to be the starter at rush end coming in to 2008 and has shown the ability to get to quarterbacks. Small enough to play LB, Reilly is also athletic enough. Marcellis Williamson has obvious size and can give Ohio a true run stuffer up the gut. However, he has only made one tackle thus far in his career and will have to earn more field time. Kenkel provides some senior leadership and is fairly solid against the run. He must show more consistency in getting to the quarterback, however.
DL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU DL
There really is not much to compare, both because the season is just one game old and because these two units, Ohio and Ohio State's are not particularly close on the field. While Ohio's line will be solid enough for MAC play, there is not Ohio State lineman on the two deep who would not be starting for the Bobcats. Ohio gave up 160 yards to Wyoming, while the Buckeyes held YSU to negative 11. Sure, that's just one game, but the stats are also in line with last year's production. The Buckeyes are better at getting to the QB and are much better at stopping the run than the Bobcats, and the edge here clearly favors Ohio State. The Bobcats should be happy that Chris Wells will likely sit this one out to heal his ailing right foot. A healthy Wells might be record breaking.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #19 Chris Hall (6-1 229 SR, Ballard HS, Louisville, KY)
MLB #47 Noah Keller (6-1 232 SO, Kearney HS, Kearney, NE)
WLB #32 Lee Renfro (5-10 214 JR, Southwestern HS, Burnside, KY)
A liability in 2007, this group needs to improve for Ohio to reach their potential. The good news is that last year's youth is this year's experience. Keller mans the middle but can play any of the positions well. As a freshman, Keller showed good speed and athleticism in recording 37 tackles, 1.5 for loss. Against Wyoming, Keller lead all tacklers with 15, 7 solo. Hall enters his senior year starting on the strong side. A former Safety, Hall can move to the weak side if needed. He's quick, and while he won't necessarily do much extraordinary he also won't make many mistakes. He was the second leading tackler in week 1 with 9 (5 solo). Renfro came to Ohio as a running back, but converted to LB last season and became an immediate contributor with 56 tackles, a team leading 12.5 of which were for loss. He can get in to the backfield in a hurry and will be counted on as a blitz option in 2008. He had 5 tackles in week one.
Back ups include;# 35 Michael Brown (6-3 229 SR), #48 Jordan Meyers (6-0 220 SR), #27 Errik Ejike (6-1 204 SR), #33 Kyle Robbins (6-2 211 JR), and #44 Chad Clemens (5-11 202 SO). Ejike was the only of the reserve LBs to record a tackle in the opener (2 solo). A JUCO transfer, he was looking very solid to begin 07, before suffering a season ending foot injury. Robbins and Clemens each played against Wyoming, but did not record any tackles. Brown and Meyers provide senior leadership and depth. Meyers is the brother of RE Curtis Meyers and has had an injury plagued career, including a broken leg two seasons ago, and a knee this season which has him listed as out indefinitely.. Decent against the pass, he does not help shore up the running game as well as he should. Brown can play where ever needed and is the teams top returning tackler from 2007 with 85. Like Meyers, he too has battled through a broken leg suffered in 2006 and is listed as questionable for Saturday as he recovers from a tweaked hamstring which kept the team's leading returning tackler from seeing action in the opener. At 100% Brown should be among the top 3 LBs on this club.
LB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU LBs
Even with improvement, this LB corps is nowhere near the same level as Ohio State's. While Ohio has some depth, that depth does not compare to the Buckeyes. After a harsh 2007 this group hopes to show marked improvement, while the Buckeyes group contends for top unit in the nation. The experience and depth will help Ohio in 2008 hopefully affording the Bobcats less late game exhaustion. There are injury concerns for the Bobcats with two of the LBs having suffered broken legs. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, tout strength, speed and expirience with excellent depth. Ohio State has the luxury of red shirting guys who'd get plenty of playing time. There is some potential for this unit to become one of the MAC's better units, they need to jell quickly.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #24 Mark Parson (5-10 192 SR, Fork Union Military Academy, Richmond, VA)
FS #42 Steven Jackson (6-2 192 JR, Westlake, Austin, TX)
SS #34 Michael Mitchell (6-1 216 SR, Highlands, Fort Thomas, KY)
LCB #9 Julian Posey (5-11 188 SO, LaSalle, Cincinnati, OH)
Parson has enough ability that he should be getting looks by NFL GMs come 2009 draft time. Having broken up 23 passes the last two years, he can stay with nearly any WR and makes sure open field tackles. Parson had 4 tackles, 1 for loss, against the Cowboys. The other side is manned by Posey. The brother of Ohio State freshman Devier, Posey has outstanding speed and a nose for the football. A hard hitter, Posey had 54 tackles as a freshman. For reasons not known to us, Posey did not start against Wyoming, but he did play recording two tackles and a pass break-up. The preview team believes he will get the start against the Buckeyes. Jackson is the lone new face on the secondary. He needs to establish he can get it done when the ball is in the air, but there's little reason he wont. Being the "weak spot" in the secondary, he'll get tested, for sure. He has suffered a knee injury early in his career but that should be fully covered by now. He recorded 3 tackles and an 18 yard INT return against the Cowboys. Mitchell is a solid safety who makes few mistakes, and many tackles. A hard hitter, Mitchell was one of the men who was overworked by last year's LB corps' troubles and he proved to be up to the task for the most part. He was third on the team with 8 tackles and 1 for loss in the opener.
Back ups include; #4 Idris Lawrence (5-8 175 JR), #29 Donovan Fletcher (6-0 187 SO), #12 Thad Turner (6-0 169 JR) and #13 Neil Jereb (5-10 187 SR). Lawrence started the Wyoming game in place of Posey. Small, at 5-8, 175, he's quick enough to stay with most WRs. He has yet to record a pick in his career, and managed one tackle in the opener. Fletcher did not see any action in 2007, but had a very good spring where he showed enough skill to be an every down player if/when called upon. He did not record a tackle against the Cowboys, but saw action. Turner is a converted wide receiver. Thin and still developing his skills as a DB, Turner is not going to make people wonder what number was that train who hit me after a tackle. But, that aside, he can run well and is familiar with the sort of routes a WR is expected to run in certain situations, having played the position. He had two tackles in week 1. Jereb had 5 tackles and a 22 yard INT return against Wyoming. He's played in each of Ohio's last 23 games as a key reserve and on special teams.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Ohio versus OSU DBs
Ohio's secondary is very solid and should be among the top units in the MAC. A good mix of seniors (Parson) and youth (Posey) has the secondary in good shape for the long haul. While this unit was asked to do more than it should have had to in 2007, the rewards of that problem in 2007 work to their advantage in 2008. Surprisingly, even as good as the unit is, opposing QBs have consistently managed upwards of 250 per game against them historically, but none had more than 300. Though just one game, they did hold Wyoming to just 111 yards and that was a welcome sight for the group. All that said, this group will lose the edge to Ohio State here. The Buckeyes gave up just 85 yards passing while playing without starting corner Donald Washington, starting Safety Kurt Coleman and without key reserve Jamario O'Neal. While this is the clear strength of the Bobcats' defense, the edge still favors Ohio State.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Ohio has the potential to be a very good unit, but must get better play out of the middle. The line has demonstrated ability to get to the quarterback, but needs to finish the deal more in 2008 to truly be considered one of the better lines in the MAC. The secondary is very good and should once again represent this unit's key advantage. There was emphasis on shoring up against the run this year, and the early indication is that there is still work to be done in this area. While it's hardly time to panic, Ohio State is not the team you want to play to get your number healthy. Look for the Buckeyes to have tougher sledding than they found in YSU, but the Bobcats should not be able to hang for very long. They did not play many players in the opener and this may be an indication that the depth is not as ready to go as they may have hoped. Ohio struggled with fatigue in 2007, and unless the participation report begins to grow, the downfall may be this unit completely running out of gas mid-season.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
Returning Starters: 2
Unlike last week's opponent Youngstown State, the Ohio Bobcats bring many different levels of experience in their Special Teams Play into the Horseshoe on Saturday. Both the placekicker and long-snapper will be starting only their second game, but their Kickoff Return, Punt Return Defense, and Kickoff Return Defense rank among the best in the nation.
Special Teams
PK #37 Barrett Way (5-9, 179 Sr., Richmond, VA)
P #43 Matt Schulte (6-0, 226, So., Cincinnati, OH)
KR/PR #2 Chris Garrett (5-8, 178, Jr., Bristow, VA)
LS #33 Kyle Robbins (6-2, 211, Jr., North Canton, OH)
Chris Garrett was among the best in the nation at both Kickoff returns. Last year he had a 27.7 yds/avg, good for 24th in the Country. He also is the Bobcats' Punt Returner. Garrett has a career total of 33 Kickoff Returns and 44 Punt Returns. #28 Donte Harden (5-11, 181, FR., Erie, PA) will be back on kicks with Garrett. He took a kickoff 100 yards for a TD last week vs Wyoming.
Ohio was 3rd in the Nation in Punt Return Defense giving up a miniscule 4.2 yds/return. That ranked 3rd in the Nation. Last week against Wyoming, they allowed 1 return for 13 yds. Their own Punt Returning was a weak spot, with only 4.28 yds/return which put them 116th out of 119 teams. They had no returns last week. The Bobcats Kickoff Return team was one of the best, ranking 8th in the Nation at 25.14 yds/return.
Ohio's Kickoff Return Defense was solid, giving up an average of only 20.81 yds/return, 49th in the Country.
Head-to-Head: Chris Garrett vs OSU STs
Chris Garrett brings explosive speed and experience to the Bobcat return team. He and backup Donte Harden are more than able to take a kick to the house if not taken seriously. The Buckeyes were not challenged last week against a good YSU return team, but must be on their game against Ohio.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The kickoff and punt return teams for Ohio U are good. Their Special Teams' defense is outstanding. It may keep the Bobcats in the game early on.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B+
PredictionsUnlike last week's opponent Youngstown State, the Ohio Bobcats bring many different levels of experience in their Special Teams Play into the Horseshoe on Saturday. Both the placekicker and long-snapper will be starting only their second game, but their Kickoff Return, Punt Return Defense, and Kickoff Return Defense rank among the best in the nation.
Special Teams
PK #37 Barrett Way (5-9, 179 Sr., Richmond, VA)
P #43 Matt Schulte (6-0, 226, So., Cincinnati, OH)
KR/PR #2 Chris Garrett (5-8, 178, Jr., Bristow, VA)
LS #33 Kyle Robbins (6-2, 211, Jr., North Canton, OH)
Chris Garrett was among the best in the nation at both Kickoff returns. Last year he had a 27.7 yds/avg, good for 24th in the Country. He also is the Bobcats' Punt Returner. Garrett has a career total of 33 Kickoff Returns and 44 Punt Returns. #28 Donte Harden (5-11, 181, FR., Erie, PA) will be back on kicks with Garrett. He took a kickoff 100 yards for a TD last week vs Wyoming.
Ohio was 3rd in the Nation in Punt Return Defense giving up a miniscule 4.2 yds/return. That ranked 3rd in the Nation. Last week against Wyoming, they allowed 1 return for 13 yds. Their own Punt Returning was a weak spot, with only 4.28 yds/return which put them 116th out of 119 teams. They had no returns last week. The Bobcats Kickoff Return team was one of the best, ranking 8th in the Nation at 25.14 yds/return.
Ohio's Kickoff Return Defense was solid, giving up an average of only 20.81 yds/return, 49th in the Country.
Head-to-Head: Chris Garrett vs OSU STs
Chris Garrett brings explosive speed and experience to the Bobcat return team. He and backup Donte Harden are more than able to take a kick to the house if not taken seriously. The Buckeyes were not challenged last week against a good YSU return team, but must be on their game against Ohio.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The kickoff and punt return teams for Ohio U are good. Their Special Teams' defense is outstanding. It may keep the Bobcats in the game early on.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B+
BB73's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-0, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 43 - YSU 0)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(5) jwinslow's prediction: 41-3, Ohio State (2 + 3 = 5)
(7) BB73's prediction: 44-6, Ohio State (1 + 6 = 7)
(9) Bucklion's prediction: 49-3, Ohio State (6 + 3 = 9)
(12) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State (5 +7 = 12)
(13) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 56-0, Ohio State (13 + 0 = 13)
(13) JCOSU86's prediction: 40-10, Ohio State (3 + 10 = 13)
(16) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 49-10, Ohio State (6 + 10 = 16)
(16) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: DNP (DNP)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-0, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 43 - YSU 0)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(5) jwinslow's prediction: 41-3, Ohio State (2 + 3 = 5)
(7) BB73's prediction: 44-6, Ohio State (1 + 6 = 7)
(9) Bucklion's prediction: 49-3, Ohio State (6 + 3 = 9)
(12) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State (5 +7 = 12)
(13) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 56-0, Ohio State (13 + 0 = 13)
(13) JCOSU86's prediction: 40-10, Ohio State (3 + 10 = 13)
(16) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 49-10, Ohio State (6 + 10 = 16)
(16) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: DNP (DNP)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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