2009 NCAA - Ohio
Frank Solich endured his roughest season yet in Athens last fall, as the Bobcats sunk to 4-8. In large part, the problems were due to the inability of OU to run the football, a staple of Solich's since he was in charge at Nebraska. The Bobcats averaged 39 carries per game in Solich's first three years at Ohio, and just 31 carries last fall. A big problem stemmed from Ohio falling behind and having to chuck it late to get back in games. Ohio also turned the ball over 31 times last fall en route to a -14 turnover margin against I-A foes, ranking in the bottom 10 in the nation. Expect things to turn back for the better this fall.
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Ohio
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Two senior QBs are fighting for the job, and both are capable and have had starting experience. Four of the top five receivers and all of the four top rushers return. Losing a pair of good tight ends hurt, as Solich relies heavily on the TE in his offense. On the other side, the linebackers and secondary could each be solid if not spectacular, but there is work to be done up front. There was little to no penetration or pass rush last season, and a lot of that had to do with the size inside as well as the depth of the front four. Eight veterans return to the defense in all. |
| ASK the bookie? - Ohio is marked for a bounceback this fall if Boo Jackson or Theo Scott can capably manage the offense without turning the ball over so frequently. The season opener is at home against a rebuilding UConn team implementing the spread offense without the benefit of their starting QB or their RB, who led the nation in rushing last fall. North Texas on the road is winnable, as is always-tough Cal Poly SLO (I-AA) at home. If OU can go into MAC play at 2-2 or 3-1, the first two road games in the division are also winnable. The Bookie calls for Ohio to surprise the rest of the East and win no less than seven games and be in the thick of a bowl discussion. |
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