Saturday, Sept. 2 -- 12 p.m. ET
Peden Stadium - Athens, OH
ESPN+
Losing to San Diego State last week may have been disappointing for Ohio Bobcat fans. Losing quarterback Kurtis Rourke would have been considerably more than that.
Fortunately, it appears last week's first half injury won't cost the senior any more game time. Team officials said last week's injury was not related to last year's ACL tear and Rourke was on schedule to return to action in this week's home opener against Long Island.
Unlike Ohio, this will be the Shark's first game of 2023. They went 4-7 last year, finishing the campaign with a four-game winning streak. Among the seven losses were two one-sided defeats to MAC opponents. Toledo shutout LIU 37-0 in last year's opener. Two weeks later, Kent State sank the Sharks 63-10.
Here's more on the two teams . . .
>> Stanzani, finished the year completing 58.8 percent of his passes for a total of 1,219 yards with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. Stanzi returns this year and there are some weapons around him. WR Michael Love and Owen Glascoe garnered All-Northeast Conference Football Preseason Team honors. Davon Wells ranked second on the team in receiving yards (636)
>> Junior Pat Bowen (5-9, 190) is back after leading LIU rushers in 2022 with 139 carries for a total of 597 yards and five scores.
>> Overall, Long Island tallied 17 receiving touchdowns and 13 running scores.
>> Among the defenders is DE Eric O'Neill. He recorded 10 sacks and 21 TFL while earning NEC Rookie of the Year honors. Linebacker Matt Nieves was second among Shark defenders with 65 tackles. and DB Larry Elder drew preseason recognition.
>> Rourke played one quarter, completing 8-of-10 passes totaling 75 yards.
>> C.J. Harris played the final three quarters, completing 18-of-41 attempts for 204 yards with one TD and three interceptions.
>> Ohio produced 309 yards of offense -- 279 through the air and 111 on the ground. Sieh Bangura led the 'Cats with 15 carries for 65 yards. Sam Wiglusz was the top receiver (10 catches, 103 yards).
>> Bryce Houston led all defenders with 13 tackles (7 solo), including 1.5 TFL.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 'Cats will be facing a much different defense this week. With Rourke back and a week to go over some of the opening game mistakes, Ohio's offense should run smoother this time around.
If Stanzani can continue his late season production from 2022, the Ohio secondary could get a workout.