2010 NCAA football preview: Ohio
When Frank Solich was named the successor to Tom Osbourne at Nebraska he could not have asked for a better situation. The Cornhuskers had been one of the most successful teams in college football at the time; as a long time coordinator with the team the transition to head coach was fairly easy.
The standard for success became clear when he was fired after posting a 9-3 record.
After taking a season off he was given the chance to get back in the game with the Bobcats of Ohio University. Unlike when he took over the Cornhuskers, the Bobcats were not prepared to win. In the four seasons prior to Solich getting hired in 2005 the team failed to win more than four games in any one season.
With less to work with, Solich has not seen as much success as he did with Nebraska. Twice he has won the MAC East, twice he has finished with just four wins, and once he finished 6-6. Last season happened to be an up year that saw him lead the Bobcats to a 9-5 record and a berth in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
It would not be surprising to see Solich take the Bobcats back to a bowl game in 2010; however, for that to happen he will need to answer some questions in the backfield and behind center.
Offense
Quarterback will be one position which the Bobcats will not suffer at, but will likely improve. Boo Jackson was the starter before getting hurt during the second game in 2009. In 2008 he threw for 2355 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He is the school’s record holder in passing yards per attempt, passing efficiency, and total offense per play; his yardage total and completion percentage from 2008 are also the second highest in school history.
He will have a good group of receiver to work with as well. LaVon Brazil had 53 catches for more than 700 yards and six touchdowns, and should do even better with Jackson under center. Terrence McCrae and Steve Goulet round out the trio of senior receivers (including Brazil) that could help Jackson break the record setting marks he had two seasons ago.
However, the rushing attack was not very good last year and really needs to improve if the Bobcats are going to go back to a bowl game. That task will likely fall to junior Donte Harden, but if he can’t improve off of his 3.9 yard per carry average he will not have the job for long.
Defense
A good defense should be even better in 2010. Last season the unit was 45th in the nation and fifth in the conference, but where they excelled was in not letting teams score (28th in the nation and second in conference).
The rush defense should be much better this season with the front four returning intact; seeing that they ranked seventh in the conference they will need to improve for the team to challenge in the MAC again. Ernie Hodge is a load inside playing tackle; playing next to another even bigger player in Marcellis Williams will provide the Bobcats with a tough interior presence. The ends are both a little on the small side, but Stafford Gatling and Dak Notestine make up for it by utilizing there speed.
The best player from last year’s defense returns in linebacker Noah Keller. Keller led the Mac and ranked sixth in the nation with 11.1 tackles a game. However, he may have too much expected of him with to small linebackers starting beside him in sophomores Alphonso Lewis and Jelani Woseley.
For the Bobcats to get back to a bowl game, the offense will need to click with their former leader, Jackson, back in-charge. They will also have to count on a defense that lacks size in every position but the interior line. If they can manage to perform then another nine-win season and bowl bid could be within reach.
Tags: