Previewing Wyoming’s Opponents: Ohio Bobcats

Last year's matchup was a very sloppy 34-33 loss by Ohio that featured 11 total turnovers, with seven by Wyoming and four by the Bobcats.

Ohio had a disappointing season in 2007 with just six wins, after getting nine wins in 2006.  The team was very average: They went 6-6, but they also had an even record in conference games, home games, and road games as well.  This year's game takes place Week One in Laramie.

 

Offense

The team returns eight starters on offense.  Last season they averaged a solid 30 points per game.  The Bobcats have to break in a new quarterback for the third straight year, but starting QB junior Theo Scott saw time in 10 games last year, so he did gain valuable experience.  In those 10 games, Scott threw five touchdowns to three picks and had a 57.8 completion percentage.

Scott is somewhat of a dual-threat quarterback.  Head coach Frank Solich says of Scott, “He understands our system and is a good combo runner and thrower.  We are able to use him in shotgun formations and as a running threat as well.”

The running game will have to replace the school's all-time leading rusher, Kalvin McRae.  The leading candidate is playmaking junior Chris Garrett, who is making the move from wide receiver to tailback this season.  Garrett is an excellent punt and kick returner with his elusive running style.  The coaches also plan to use Garrett in the short passing game to utilize all of his skills.

The other back will be sophomore Vince Davidson, who heads into the fall as part of the rotation.  Davidson appeared in seven games last season.  Another back who could get a few carries is sophomore L.J. Flintall, who Coach Solich feels has the ability to find the holes made by the offensive line.

The receiving corps has only had to be a supporting aspect of the offense because of the strength of the running game.  The Bobcats’ top returning wide receiver is junior Taylor Price, who led the team last season with 464 yards receiving and four touchdowns.  LaVon Brazill who is the only other returning starter.  He is very raw and is "learning on the fly," according to the coaches.

While the team is low on experience, the Bobcats will frequently use a two tight end formation and have a pair of solid performers returning, led by their leading returning tight end, senior Andrew Mooney.  The passing game should be OK with the multiple options of tight ends and receivers.

 

Defense

The defense was nothing special.  They had a tough time creating turnovers and gave up 30 points per game.  They do return seven starters on the defensive side.

The one odd stat was that the Bobcats defense placed third in the MAC in both tackles for loss and sacks.  Conversely, Ohio’s front four had difficulty stopping the run, allowing 186.4 yards rushing per game, which ranked 91st nationally.  If they are able to at least be mediocre on rush defense, then this side of the ball should be much better.

A key player who missed last year was Ernie Hodge.  After an impressive 2006 freshman campaign, off the field matters took him away from the team, and Hodge took a redshirt in 2007.  He’s back and moves from defensive end, where he recorded 38 tackles as a freshman, to tackle to help strengthen the line.

Defensive end is the strongest part of the line.  With both starters back in Corey Moncrief and A.J. Oxley, the DEs should be able to improve the subpar rush defense.

The defensive back position is the best part of their defense, and last year Ohio was second in the league in pass efficiency defense while allowing a fifth-best 221.1 yards passing per game.  The secondary will now have the depth they needed with three starters returning and the entrance of a few junior college defensive backs who should see immediate playing time.

 

Early Prediction

This should be a defensive showdown since both teams have good defenses.  Looking back at last year and the number of turnovers, anything can happen.  Look for Wyoming to win because they do not lose at home or early in the season.