Peden Stadium - Athens, OH
Bobcat fans may also remember that Quinton Maxwell came in at quarterback to help spark the comeback.
Odds are senior standout Nathan Rourke will go all the way Saturday when Ohio opens its 2019 campaign, but the Bobcats will be facing an improving Rhode Island team that has challenged several FBS teams in recent seasons.
In 2018, the Rams fell at Connecticut 56-49. One year earlier, Rhode Island fell to Central Michigan 30-27 in three overtimes.
Last year’s 6-5 final record was the program’s first winning season in 17 years. Head coach Jim Fleming is attempting to lead the Rams to a second straight winning campaign, something the program has not accomplished since the Yankee Conference championship teams of 1984-85. RIU is now a member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
ABOUT RHODE ISLAND
➤➤ The Rams entered fall camp with redshirt junior Vito Priore and freshman Darius Perrantes competing for the starting quarterback position. Priore picked up experience last year, completing 59 of 108 passes (54.6%) for 781 yards with seven TDs and four interceptions. His top performance was in a 48-0 Rams win over Brown when he completed 19 of 25 tosses for 310 yards and four touchdowns with no picks.
➤➤ A key offensive weapon is Aaron Parker, who topped the CAA in receiving yards (972) and TDs (10) last year.
➤➤ Senior Zoe Bryant paced the Rams in carries (114) and yards rushing (456).
➤➤ Linebacker Branyan Javier-Castillo and defensive end L.B. Mack II key the first two defensive levels, while Jordan Jones is back at safety.
ABOUT OHIO
➤➤ Senior quarterback Nathan Rourke is one of the MAC’s top offensive players. He is a dual threat player who provided a combined 3,291 yards of passing and rushing. His also contributed a team-best 15 TDs.
➤➤ Ohio’s rushing leader, A.J. Ouellette (213 carries, 1,306 yards, 12 TDs) completed his career in 2018. So did Maleek Irons (126 carries, 831 yards, 8 TDs). Ohio’s DNA demands a strong ground game, and there is enough up front to pave the way for whoever moves into the running back roles.
➤➤ Ohio is also reloading at receiver, where Cameron Odomis the top returnee with 30 catches for 418 yards and a pair of TDs.
➤➤ Ohio significantly improved its defense down the stretch last year, finishing with a 27-0 victory over San Diego State in the Frisco Bowl. With the offense replacing some key contributors from recent years, the ‘Cats hope their defense can limit opponents much as it did late last season.
For the complete preseason Ohio preview, click HERE.