OVERVIEW:
After appearing in 10 bowl games over 11 straight seasons, Ohio has missed post-season play the last two years. Granted, the 'Cats played just three contests in Covid 2020, but they fell to a disappointing 3-9 last year. All three victories came in MAC play, with two of those in the final four games.
If last year was supposed to be a bounce-back year, it took a bad bounce when coaching icon Frank Solich -- the winningest coach in MAC history -- suddenly resigned (Aug. 2021) to focus on his health. Tim Albin, a long-time assistant took over, but the Bobcats suffered through an injury-plagued season and never reached .500.
This year's MAC media preseason poll picked Ohio to finish fourth in the MAC East. However, there are reasons to believe the Bobcats could move up.
Ohio averaged 22.6 ppg (10th MAC) and produced 371.4 yards of offense per game (9th MAC) last year. The Bobcats managed to average 5.2 ypc (4th MAC) while rushing the ball, but they were last in passing offense (181.1 ypg) and eighth in pass offense efficiency.
Ohio fans are hoping for more out of the passing game year and Kurtis Rourke returns to lead the way. He completed 65.5 percent of his passes in 2021. That was good for 1,817 yards and 11 touchdowns. The junior was intercepted seven times and sacked on 17 occasions. "For us as a program to take that next step," Albin said, Rourke will need to elevate his game, along with those around him. "He's on schedule to do that."
Three of the Ohio's top four receivers are gone this year, but Albin noted any concerns he had about the receiving group dissipated during spring drills. James Bostic (senior transfer from Vanderbilt) shined in spring practice and there's talent among former backups (e.g. sophomore Miles Cross) moving into starting roles for this season.
"We didn't return a lot of catches, but we returned some players (with talent)," Albin said. "Coming out of spring ball, I think (receiving ranked as) "one of our strengths. We're really excited about it."
As for the ground game, although Ohio lost leading rusher De'Montre Tuggle (138 carries, 804 yards, 7 TDs), It returns senior O'Shaan Allison and sophomore Sieh Bangura. Along with QB Rourke, that trio totaled 737 yards and five scores. Albin noted Bangura had a "fabulous" spring, and with Julian Ross also returning, the running back room is deep in talent.
The offensive line was hampered by injuries last year. Junior tackles Jay Amburgey and senior Kurt Danneker (returning from an ACL injury) should anchor the Green and White up front.
Ohio was eighth (MAC) in scoring defense, allowing 30.3 ppg. The 'Cats were ranked seventh against the run (193 ypg) but fifth in rushing yards per carry (4.8). It was a similar story with pass defense. Ohio was ninth in pass defense (239.3 ypg) and seventh in pass defense efficiency.
Among the changes for 2021 is the hiring of Spence Nowinsky. He had been serving at co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at rival Miami (OH), which topped the conference in scoring defense (22.0 ppg) and rushing defense (120.5 ypg) in MAC play. He will serve at the Bobcats defensive coordinator.
Senior DE Vonnie Watkins returns after missing much of 2021 due to injury. He will try to help Ohio increase its sack total from 14 (9th MAC) in 2021. Seniors Rodney Mathews and Kak Caesar return at the defensive tackle spots.
Bryce Houston (5-11, 237, Sr) was one of the MAC's top tacklers last year when he recorded 104 hits and two sacks). Cannon Blauser is back and Kyle Kelly or Keye Thompson could hold down another LB spot. There is also depth, making the second level a Bobcats strength.
"We're going to be strong in the middle, and I think this is going to be a great year to play on the back end, because the quarterback is going to be getting harrased. ... When you've got a good D-line, someone in the back has a great year."
Senior Tariq Drake led Ohio in 2021 with three interceptions and also recorded 48 tackles. He's one of three returning starters in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior Jonah Wieland averaged 42.04 yards per punt last year, with one of those boots covering 64 yards. Freshman Nathanial Vakos may take over kicking duties. He set a national record in high school, hitting 260 successive PATs. He was 18 or 25 on field goals and ganered Second Team All-State (Ohio) honors.
>> One of the last year's biggests wins was a wild 35-33 over rival Miami. The Bobcats were up 28-0 midway through three quarters and held on for a Battle of the Bricks victory in Athens.
>> Rourke completed 81 percent of his passes (31 of 38) for 308 yards in a 34-27 loss to eventual MAC East champ Kent State Oct. 23.
>> Ohio opens the campaign by hosting Florida Atlantic Sept. 3. Two tough road games follow -- Penn State and Iowa State -- before Fordham visits Athens.
>> The Bobcats meet Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Ball State in interdivisional matchups with Ohio visiting WMU and BSU.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Ohio was an annual MAC East title contender and bowl participant under former head coach Frank Solich. His summer of 2021 retirement seemed to catch the program off guard. Albin came from Solich's staff, but he's now had a full year to adjust. "We learned a few lessons (and) made the changes necessary to move forward and have an outstanding year this upcoming season," Albin observed during MAC Media Day interviews.
Rourke knows the offense, and there is no shortage of talent. With Spence Nowinsky (formerly at Miami (OH)) moving in at defensive coordinator, the Bobcats should get a boost on that side of the ball.
If the Bobcats stay relatively healthy and handle early interdivisional matchups, they could again be challengers in the East.