COACH: Tim Albin
2020 RESULTS: 2-1
2021 MAC MEDIA POLL PREDICTION: Second in MAC East.
ABOUT THE BOBCATS:
Ohio was one of two MAC East teams to play just three games in 2020 due to Covid issues. It's not much to show for the work that goes into preparing for each season. Getting back on the field -- and getting games in -- will be something of its own highlight for 2021. However, even as OU prepared for fall camp, news came down that iconic head coach Frank Solich was stepping down immediately due to a health issue.
With Ohio going in-house on a replacement, the Bobcats should be able to steer a very similar course with offensive and defensive schemes. There's talent on both sides of the ball, and if the defense continues its 2020 progress, Ohio figures to be contending for another MAC East title.
Here's more on the Bobcats . . .
>> Kurtis Rourke and Armani Rogers saw action in all three contests last year. Rourke, a sophomore, started and figures as the passing threat. He completed 68.2 percent of his aerials, good for 386 yards and three scores. Rogers, a senior, registered very limited passing stats but rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Seeing both in games this year is something opposing defenses are probably expecting and planning against.
>> Facing the Bobcats offense is a tough day at the office. Ohio is physical and determined to move the chains via the run. At times, the 'Cats can simply impose their will on opponents. Three starters return up front, while Virginia Tech grad transfer T.J. Jackson (6-7, 345) figures as a huge presence at tackle.
>> Senior running back De'Montre Truggle came out of the gate fast last year, rushing for 403 yards and scoring seven touchdowns (one kick return) while averaging 7.6 ypc.
>> The receiving corps should be strong again. Shane Hooks is gone, but senior Isiah Cox averaged just over 20 yards per catch, with a long of 58, while registering seven catches over three games. Camron Odom and Tyler Walton can round out that group, while senior brothers Ryan Luehrman and Adam Luehrman have tight end covered.
>> Just as golfers know the first three holes might not reflect an entire round, football fans are aware that three games tell a limited story. Ohio topped the MAC in scoring defense, allowing just 16.7 ppg in 2020. However, two of its games were against Akron and Bowling Green. Those two teams were 11th and 12th, respectively, in scoring offense. Ohio’s other game was at Central Michigan, where the Chippewas posted a 30-27 victory.
>> Five interceptions (two by Jett Elad) certainly speaks well of the secondary, which returns three starters. Safety Jamison Collier led Ohio in tackles and Jarren Hampton has a bundle of experience.
>> The secondary might do even better if Ohio can improve its pass rush. The ‘Cats registered just four sacks, and DE Austin Conrad is gone. Senior Kai Caesar and junior Kylen McCracken return for a line that would like to improve on the 4.8 yards per rush it allowed last year.
>> Jeremiah Wood and Keye Thompson return as outside linebackers.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Tuggle is a very dangerous kick returner, with a 93-yard TD return to his credit. However, Ohio needs to step it up in other kicking-related areas. Special teams can decide games. Punter Jack Wilson averaged a mere 36.9 yards per boot. Kicker Tristian Vandenburg connected on just two-of-six field goal tries.
SCHEDULE:
>> The ‘Cats host Syracuse to open the season and finish non-conference play at Northwestern. Duquesne (H) and Louisiana (A) are also part of the September slate. The toughest part of Ohio’s MAC play is a three-week stretch that includes Buffalo (A), Kent State (H) and rival Miami (H). Getting the latter two at home will be helpful, but all three should be a battle if the teams are healthy.