2008 Ohio Bobcats Preview

Ohio moves into the post-Kalvin McRae era, searching for a new identity. The workhorse tailback was such a force over the past three years (4,398 rushing yards) that his departure leaves a cavernous void. The offense will be forced to evolve into something more diverse.

Two Minute Drill

A Quick Look at the Bobcats

The Bobcats are revamping the way they do business after three straight seasons of having workhorse tailback Kalvin McRae as options one, two and three. McRae ran the ball more than 900 times in his career, so new plans are a must. This change will force Ohio to seek more balance on offense, and minus McRae, the Bobcats won’t see eight men in the box so regularly. That gives Theo Scott and Boo Jackson, Ohio’s elusive, athletic quarterbacks, more option and bootleg chances with their intriguing skill sets. While the offense finds its new identity, Ohio’s defense is under the gun to keep the team in games. The concern here is up the middle — tackle, linebacker, safety. If those positions perform above scale, Ohio can remain competitive in 2007. Ohio will have to be a more disciplined team. The Bobcats were the MAC’s most penalized team in 2007. Blame it on injuries forcing inexperience onto the field, but those infractions accounted for more than 70 yards per game — a charitable gesture Ohio can’t afford to repeat. To win the close games that the MAC schedule will undoubtedly produce, the placekicking role has to be secure, and a new face will have to emerge. The steadiest position on the team last year is now the most uncertain.

To address immediate needs, Ohio plunged into the junior college ranks for players who will be expected to provide a quick impact. A break-even 2007 saw the Bobcats go 6–6 overall and 4–4 in the MAC, so the growing pains could be significant in Ohio’s fourth season under former Nebraska coach Frank Solich.

The schedule is demanding, with games at Wyoming, Ohio State and Northwestern wrapped around a home date with MAC champion Central Michigan.

Quarterbacks

The rotation of dramatically different styles seen at quarterback a year ago is likely a thing of the past. Theo Scott returns as the primary option threat, and should be pushed by highly touted junior college product Franshaw “Boo” Jackson. Either one should be able to open up the offense. Solich likes the competitive atmosphere that Jackson’s arrival spawned, but he wants an established leader in his huddle for the season-opener.

Running backs

McRae was so good that he had 21 games with 100 yards or more in his career, but he was also so durable that no one else got much experience. That leaves Ohio with a number of unproven options at what has traditionally been the most vital position in the offense. Chris Garrett has moved from wide receiver back to his more familiar position in the backfield and leads the throng of players looking to fill this slot. But Garrett had only 17 carries in 12 games last fall. Donte Harden is back after missing most of 2007 due to injury, and Wake Forest transfer L.J. Flintall is also pushing for playing time.

Receivers

The team’s strongest position is likely tight end, where a pair of former transfers reside. Andrew Mooney (New Mexico State) led the Bobcats with 34 catches a year ago. David Carter, a former defensive end at Vanderbilt, added 19 grabs. Taylor Price is the top wideout and the possession man, while LaVon Brazill adds speed on the outside. If the offense is to indeed become more multiple, these two have to force the opposition to respect them.

Offensive linemen

The injury bug hit here last year, and a succession of maladies forced the Bobcats to play 13 different players along the offensive front. They exited the spring healthy and should realize the benefits of getting so many players live reps last fall. David White emerged from the spring as the starting center, while  Josh Leuck is set at left tackle. Mike Eynon, Michael Philibin and Chris Rodgers have had plenty of reps; once they sort out their places on the line, Ohio should field a solid group.

Defensive linemen

All-MAC end Jameson Hartke should see fewer double-teams now that the athletic Ernie Hodge has resolved the off-the-field issues that forced him to miss all of 2007. Hodge moves inside to replace Landon Cohen, a two-time all-conference performer. After Hodge plays his way into shape, he and Hartke should he a handful for opposing lines to contain. Kris Luchsinger and Conor Reilly man the other end, while Jacob Williamson is the noseguard.

Linebackers

This bunch was green in 2007, and the Bobcats’ defense paid a stiff price. The secondary was forced to make far too many tackles to make up for the poor play in the middle. Now, it’s time for these guys to step up. Michael Brown and Jordan Meyers are expected to work outside, while Nebraska native Noah Keller has staked out the middle. If that trio jells in reasonable fashion, this position won’t be a liability again.

Defensive backs

This group has the talent, depth and the hitters needed for effective run support. The Bobcats ranked second in the MAC in pass efficiency defense and fifth in passing yards allowed, so there is an established standard of play. Strong safety Michael Mitchell leads the corps. Mark Parson and Julian Posey work the corners, with Steven Jackson and juco transfer Patrick Tafua bidding for the free safety role.

Specialists

The Bobcats will miss the automatic Michael Braunstein at kicker after he hit a school-record 20 field goals and all 38 extra points last year. Recruit Matthew Weller is expected to take the role. Matt Schulte is back at punter after averaging 37.6 yards per kick and going the entire season without a block. Garrett leads the return corps after taking a kick back for a score against Wyoming last year.

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