2022 Record: 10-4, 7-1 MAC
2023 MAC Head Coaches Poll: First in MAC East
Ohio nearly ran the table in MAC competition last year, with an overtime loss at Kent State being the only regular season blemish. However, a late-season injury to quarterback Kurtis Rourke ended his 2022 campaign. He missed the final regular season contest and the MAC champioship game, as well. Toledo prevailed 17-7 in that defensive-dominated matchup. Bobcats fans, no doubt, feel that a healthy Rourke might well have led Ohio to its first MAC championship since 1968.
There could, of course, be a rematch, and MAC head coaches have predicted a UT-OU title game. Both schools are brimming with experience and talent. However, teams seldom cruise to even a divisional title in the MAC, so Ohio will try to stay relatively healthy while navigating its way through the schedule.
It's Ohio's third year under Tim Albin, who stepped up after veteran Frank Solich's resignation in the summer of 2021. Solich, who led the 'Cats for 16 seasons and finished as the winningest (115 MAC victories) coach in MAC football history, will forever be revered among Ohio U. fans. However, Albin would certainly earn at least a historical niche if the Bobcats can win that elusive conference title this season.
>> Ohio paced the MAC in scoring (31.8 ppg) and total offense (421.4 ypg) last year. The Bobcats were sixth in rushing (143.4 ypg) and second in passing offense (278.1 ypg). They were first in pass offense efficiency.
>> Among eight returning starters on the offensive side is senior Kurtis Rourke. He has steadily improved through a Bobcats career, capping off 2022 with both MAC Offensive Player of the Year and Vern Smith Leadership Award honors. Rourke completed 69.1 percent of his passes last year, producing 3,256 passing yards with 25 TDs and just four interceptions. He also ran 74 times for a total of 249 yards (3.4 ypc) with four scores before tearing his ACL against Ball State in Week 11.
"He's able to (take care of) the football," Head Coach Tim Albin said of Rourke at MAC Media Day. "We've got a great group of receivers, and their production was off the charts (last year). Hopefully, he's going to be fine with that (injury). He's ahead of schedule."
>> C.J. Harris stepped in for Rourke, managing Ohio as it finished the regular season on a seven-game win streak. Harris (6-4, 220, Sr) is back after appearing in six games last year. In addition to starting against Toledo in the MAC Championship game, he guided Ohio to a 30-27 overtime victory at the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. While Rourke is the go-to guy, Harris' skills and experience in the system make him an important option.
>> Ohio returns three of its top four receivers, led by former Ohio State wideout Sam Wiglusz. The 6-3 (183) senior caught 73 balls totaling 877 yards with 11 touchdowns. Jacoby Jones (6-3, 228, Sr) registered 45 receptions, good for 776 yards and six scores. Junior Miles Cross (6-1, 213) grabbed 47 balls for a total of 560 yards and three touchdowns. "We return all but one, and we've got additions in there," Albin said. "It will be as deep a receiving corps as we've had in my time."
Tight end Tyler Foster (6-7, 249) started nine games last year and caught the game-winning score in overtime at the Arizona Bowl.
>> Ohio likes a balanced attack, and Sieh Bangura (6-0, 209) returns to key the run game. The Third Team All-MAC selection was a workhorse, carrying 222 times for a total of 1,078 yards with 13 touchdowns. If Ohio owns a late lead, feeding Bangura for a clock-eating drive or two is a nice option. "If we can find a way to run the ball, that's going to help," Albin said.
>>MAC First Teamer Hagan Meservy is gone, but three starters, including two seniors, return along the offensive line. If this unit can elevate its game a notch or two, the Ohio offense could be hard to stop on many game days.
>> Ohio ranked seventh among MAC teams in scoring defense (28.3 ppg). It was 11th in total defense (426.9 ypg).
>> Senior Vonnie Watkins returns along the defensive line. Sophomore Bradley Weaver brings versatility to the group.
>> Keye Thompson (Third Team All-MAC) and Bryce Houston anchor the linebacking line of defense. The former led Ohio with 96 tackles (51 solo). Houston was next with 76 hits (40 solos) and shined with 5.5 sacks.
>> There is plenty of experience in the secondary (e.g. senior cornerback Justin Birchette), but that unit will be looking to improve on last year No. 12 rank in pass defense (286.0 ypg). The 'Cats were ninth in pass defense efficiency. On the plus side, Ohio's secondary picked off 12 passes. That put Ohio among MAC leaders and helped the Bobcats finish eighth in the nation in turnover margin.
>> "Last year, the offense started out hot early (and) the defense came on late," Albin noted. "We're going to start (2023) with all three phases going."
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Freshman Nathanial Vakos converted 49-of-50 PATs and 22-of-27 field goals on the way to Second Team All-MAC honors last year. However, he has transferred to Wisconsin, leaving the 'Cats with a significant question mark heading into fall camp. Junior punter Jack Wilson will look to improve on an average of 37.4 yards last year.
Ohio's selection by MAC head coaches as a preseason favorite to win the East was no surprise. Assuming Rourke is -- and remains -- healthy, the Bobcats are loaded with potential. If the offensive line comes through and the defense improves its numbers, Ohio will be tough to beat.
Some preseason polls also like Miami, which is getting its own injured QB back for 2023. Brett Gabbert missed most of 2022, althnough he did play against the 'Cats. Ohio rolled up 556 yards of offense in a 37-21 victory last November. This year's Battle of the Bricks is in Athens, so Ohio will enjoy a certain home field advantage when the two teams meet Oct. 28.
The year's schedule as a whole is favorable, with the Bobcats facing San Diego State, Long Island U., Florida Atlantic and Iowa State in non-conference play. The ISU matchup is in Athens (Sept. 16). Ohio draws Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Central Michigan from the West Division, thus missing some of the preseason favorites on that side.
"It should be an exciting year for Bobcat nation," Albin said.