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Know the Opposition: Ohio
David ThurmanSep 16, 2010
Mascot: Bobcats
Stadium: Peden Stadium (24,000)
2009 Record: 9-5 (Lost to Marshall 21-17 in Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl)
2010 Record: 1-1
Head Coach: Frank Solich (6th season at OU, 33-32)
Letterman Returning: 64 (18 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 6; Defense - 6; Specialists - 1
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wideouts)
Returning Stars: WR/PR LaVon Brazill & LB Noah Keller
Notable Alumni:
Matt Lauer - Co-host of The Today Show
Arsenio Hall - Actor and comedian
Piper Perabo - Actress
Jay Mariotti - Sports columnist and TV personality
Paul Newman - Academy Award winning Actor and Director
Mike Schmidt - MLB Hall of Famer
Peter King - Head NFL writer for Sports Illustrated
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Stadium: Peden Stadium (24,000)
2009 Record: 9-5 (Lost to Marshall 21-17 in Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl)
2010 Record: 1-1
Head Coach: Frank Solich (6th season at OU, 33-32)
Letterman Returning: 64 (18 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 6; Defense - 6; Specialists - 1
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wideouts)
Returning Stars: WR/PR LaVon Brazill & LB Noah Keller
Notable Alumni:
Matt Lauer - Co-host of The Today Show
Arsenio Hall - Actor and comedian
Piper Perabo - Actress
Jay Mariotti - Sports columnist and TV personality
Paul Newman - Academy Award winning Actor and Director
Mike Schmidt - MLB Hall of Famer
Peter King - Head NFL writer for Sports Illustrated
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Click here for photo and bio...
Ohio Overview:
The Ohio Bobcats roll into town this weekend for the second time in three years, and Buckeye fans can only hope the outcome this time is more encouraging than in Setpember, 2008. On that occasion, an offense missing Beanie Wells looked lost, and Ohio State actually trailed 14-6 in the third quarter, before rallying to a 26-14 victory. It would be an upset of monumental proportions if something similar occurs again this year. A 1-1 Ohio squad, led by veteran coach Frank Solich, enters this contest after handily defeating FCS opponent Wofford in week one, before losing to MAC rival Toledo last Saturday.
On offense Ohio has two experienced quarterbacks, but neither of them is tremendously impressive. Phil Bates was tapped to start this season, but was hurt in game one, and the job fell to Boo Jackson, who started way back in 2008. Jackson is athletic, but has not been overly succesful running the ball (34 yards on 22 carries), and while he has completed over 60% of his passes, Boo has only one touchdown compared to four interceptions. He did play quite well back in '08, throwing for over 2300 yards and 19 touchdowns, so the Buckeyes need to be careful not to take him too lightly.
Ohio Overview:
The Ohio Bobcats roll into town this weekend for the second time in three years, and Buckeye fans can only hope the outcome this time is more encouraging than in Setpember, 2008. On that occasion, an offense missing Beanie Wells looked lost, and Ohio State actually trailed 14-6 in the third quarter, before rallying to a 26-14 victory. It would be an upset of monumental proportions if something similar occurs again this year. A 1-1 Ohio squad, led by veteran coach Frank Solich, enters this contest after handily defeating FCS opponent Wofford in week one, before losing to MAC rival Toledo last Saturday.
On offense Ohio has two experienced quarterbacks, but neither of them is tremendously impressive. Phil Bates was tapped to start this season, but was hurt in game one, and the job fell to Boo Jackson, who started way back in 2008. Jackson is athletic, but has not been overly succesful running the ball (34 yards on 22 carries), and while he has completed over 60% of his passes, Boo has only one touchdown compared to four interceptions. He did play quite well back in '08, throwing for over 2300 yards and 19 touchdowns, so the Buckeyes need to be careful not to take him too lightly.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Jackson does have some decent targets, including LaVon Brazill, a speedster from Florida who returned three punts for touchdowns last year (which ought to get the Buckeyes' attention). A larger target is Terrance McCrae, who caught 9 touchdowns a seson ago, and who, at 6'4", can cause some matchup problems. The other starter is Cincinnati native Riley Dunlop who is the only receiver to find the end zone so far in 2010. Tight end Jordan Thompson is employed mostly as a blocker.
At running back, Ohio features Vince Davidson and Ryan Boykin, but neither will put great fear into the defesne. Boykin is the bigger of the two, and probably the more dangerous, in my opinion. They run behind a young offensive line that features three sophomore and two junior starters. There is a decent amount of size and experience on the line, in spite of the youth, with RT Joe Flading leading the way.
Truthfully, not much about this offense stands out. They weren't explosive a year ago, and don't look much different thus far in 2010. If Ohio's offense finds the end zone more than once in this game it will be surprising.
The Bobcat defense is a little more stout, and was the strength of the team a year ago, when they finished 9-5. So far in 2010 they are surrending only 232 yards and 15 points a game, although they are about to make a huge jump in competition.
The defensive line is led by huge nose guard Marcellis Williamson, who tips the scales at 340 pounds. All four starters from a year ago return, and enable the line to be a strength of the defense. End Dak Notestine is efficient at getting in the oppoent's backfield, and must be accounted for. Don't be surprised if these guys cause more trouble than expected.
At linebacker Ohio returns only one starter from '09 in Noah Keller, but he is special. A season ago he was credited with 155 tackles and was named first team MAC. So far this year Keller leads the team with 20 tackles and has the squad's only sack. The outside backers are a bit undersized but boast quickness and are sure tacklers. Still they have to be concerned about running into Zach Boren.
Secondary is the biggest concern for the Bobcat defense but does set up the game's most compelling matchup, with fine senior cornerback Julian Posey going against his younger brother, DeVier. Advantage: baby brother! Safeties Steven Jackson and Gerald Moore are decent, although Moore was hurt in the Wofford game and is questionable. Buckeye receivers should be able to get open against this average group.
Matt Weller does the kicking for the 'Cats, and is solid, but punter Paul Hershey is a liability. Posey and Brazill are speedy returners, who are, no doubt, licking their chops.
Game Outlook:
Ohio State has been slow out of the blocks in many of these instate rivalries, and one can hardly blame the Buckeyes if they are less than inspired a week after playing such a big game. But great teams put away lesser opponents, and one need look no further back than the Ohio game two years ago for motivation. While I doubt the offense is quite as sharp as fans desire, I do think the Bucks will be able to move the ball consistently and hit on a few big plays. Without doubt they will want to work on their red zone offense, and I look for more touchdowns and less field goals when the team gets inside the ten yard line. Knowing Tressel, he will do everything he can to get Brandon Saine's confidence back up after a rough game on the ground against Miami. Both Saine and Herron should find room to run behind an improved line, and before the day is over OSU fans will get to see Hall and Berry enter the fray. Ohio has a stingy, well coached defense, which may frustrate Pryor and the boys at times, but Ohio State has too much talent to be stymied all day.
On the otheer side of the ball it is hard to see the Bobcats having much success. Although they may hit a big play or two, it will be a surprise if Ohio can sustain many drives. The OSU defense is far faster than anything they have seen, and you can't simulate that kind of speed.
Above all, Tressel and the staff have to be focused on their coverage units, and if special teams spit the bit again, it might be one of those rare days where JT actually lets out an expletive!
Overall this one should not be a repeat of '08, but should be an easy, if slightly boring, victory.
Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:
Dave: OSU 38-7
Drew: OSU 31-6
At running back, Ohio features Vince Davidson and Ryan Boykin, but neither will put great fear into the defesne. Boykin is the bigger of the two, and probably the more dangerous, in my opinion. They run behind a young offensive line that features three sophomore and two junior starters. There is a decent amount of size and experience on the line, in spite of the youth, with RT Joe Flading leading the way.
Truthfully, not much about this offense stands out. They weren't explosive a year ago, and don't look much different thus far in 2010. If Ohio's offense finds the end zone more than once in this game it will be surprising.
The Bobcat defense is a little more stout, and was the strength of the team a year ago, when they finished 9-5. So far in 2010 they are surrending only 232 yards and 15 points a game, although they are about to make a huge jump in competition.
The defensive line is led by huge nose guard Marcellis Williamson, who tips the scales at 340 pounds. All four starters from a year ago return, and enable the line to be a strength of the defense. End Dak Notestine is efficient at getting in the oppoent's backfield, and must be accounted for. Don't be surprised if these guys cause more trouble than expected.
At linebacker Ohio returns only one starter from '09 in Noah Keller, but he is special. A season ago he was credited with 155 tackles and was named first team MAC. So far this year Keller leads the team with 20 tackles and has the squad's only sack. The outside backers are a bit undersized but boast quickness and are sure tacklers. Still they have to be concerned about running into Zach Boren.
Secondary is the biggest concern for the Bobcat defense but does set up the game's most compelling matchup, with fine senior cornerback Julian Posey going against his younger brother, DeVier. Advantage: baby brother! Safeties Steven Jackson and Gerald Moore are decent, although Moore was hurt in the Wofford game and is questionable. Buckeye receivers should be able to get open against this average group.
Matt Weller does the kicking for the 'Cats, and is solid, but punter Paul Hershey is a liability. Posey and Brazill are speedy returners, who are, no doubt, licking their chops.
Game Outlook:
Ohio State has been slow out of the blocks in many of these instate rivalries, and one can hardly blame the Buckeyes if they are less than inspired a week after playing such a big game. But great teams put away lesser opponents, and one need look no further back than the Ohio game two years ago for motivation. While I doubt the offense is quite as sharp as fans desire, I do think the Bucks will be able to move the ball consistently and hit on a few big plays. Without doubt they will want to work on their red zone offense, and I look for more touchdowns and less field goals when the team gets inside the ten yard line. Knowing Tressel, he will do everything he can to get Brandon Saine's confidence back up after a rough game on the ground against Miami. Both Saine and Herron should find room to run behind an improved line, and before the day is over OSU fans will get to see Hall and Berry enter the fray. Ohio has a stingy, well coached defense, which may frustrate Pryor and the boys at times, but Ohio State has too much talent to be stymied all day.
On the otheer side of the ball it is hard to see the Bobcats having much success. Although they may hit a big play or two, it will be a surprise if Ohio can sustain many drives. The OSU defense is far faster than anything they have seen, and you can't simulate that kind of speed.
Above all, Tressel and the staff have to be focused on their coverage units, and if special teams spit the bit again, it might be one of those rare days where JT actually lets out an expletive!
Overall this one should not be a repeat of '08, but should be an easy, if slightly boring, victory.
Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:
Dave: OSU 38-7
Drew: OSU 31-6
Ant Daps Up Spurs Mid-Game 💀
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
