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Ohio Bobcats (2000: 7-4) The following team preview is provided by Blue Ribbon. For the nation's most comprehensive look at this and all Division I-A teams, be sure to order the 2001 Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, on sale now at 1-800-775-2518.
Coach and programWas it a huge surprise when former Ohio head coach Jim Grobe packed up and headed south last December for Wake Forest? No, not to folks who really knew the Ohio program. Grobe had done what he came to Athens to do; make respectable the worst program in the nation. Building something out of nothing was what Grobe and his staff did after landing from Air Force.Still, Ohio lost only five starters in a tiny senior class and would be a favorite to finally topple Marshall in the East had he remained. New coach Brian Knorr would be more than happy to sneak up on everybody and win this thing, not that he would be able to sneak up on too many folks. League coaches are nearly unanimous in agreement that the Bobcats’ offense is the league’s hardest for which to prepare. Opposing teams can’t run the option well enough with their scout teams and Ohio can come to the line in three or four different formations and run the same plays, making film scouting a nightmare. Under Knorr, the Bobcats will continue to show the service academy spread, wishbone and power running sets like the I. But don’t be surprised this year to see Ohio throw out of the spread or even go to some shotgun under new offensive coordinator Greg Gregory. Knorr also has avoided the pratfall that so often will undermine young coaches -- the urge to hire too many of their inexperienced friends. The new staff differs from the old in that most of the guys don’t have service academy backgrounds. But it is an experienced staff, which will be key in the transition. Defensive coordinator Tim Kish was at Illinois last fall, for example. Things are changing in Athens. The stadium expansion adds 4,000 seats this fall by dropping the field and eliminating the track, and terraced end zone seating (similar to that at Virginia) for students and general admission will increase capacity still more in 2002. The new coaching staff kept up a common theme all spring: ”There’s a good thing going here. Let’s not screw it up.”
OffenseIs there a better pure option quarterback in the country than junior Dontrell Jackson (5-10, 175)?A year ago, Jackson led the diverse Bobcat offense in rushing (864 yards), passing (861) and total offense (1,725). The concern for Ohio comes when the Bobcats get behind and have to try to score through the air. The last two years, that’s been a fairly difficult assignment, as opponents tee off on or block the passes of the undersized Jackson. In order to throw the ball effectively, Ohio blockers must clear big passing lanes or roll Jackson out. Another strategy may be the one tried in spring -- the shotgun. Junior Chad Brinker (5-11, 210) is one of the league’s strongest backs, and is more likely to try to go through you than around you. After a 734-yard season in which he averaged five yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns rushing and receiving, Brinker missed the spring with minor surgery to correct a long-time shoulder problem. Receivers will see more action this year. It has been a popular refrain the last few years in Athens, but you almost get the feeling they mean it this year under new coordinator Gregory. Junior Joe Mohler (6-3, 200) is the leading returning receiver with 13 catches for 251 yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line is one of the league’s best, and a major reason for the mountain of rushing statistics Ohio has put up in the last five years -- the five best on the ground in Bobcat history. The guards are gigantic, and senior Nick Glowacki (6-5, 312) has a lot to prove after missing most of last year with a broken arm. That followed All-MAC honors his sophomore season.
Defense and special teamsStarting junior nose man Lamar Martin (6-1, 286) told folks in the spring that he was going to be “an All-MAC tackle this year.’’ Trouble was, this proclamation came on the sideline of the Ohio spring game, as Martin stood on crutches recovering from minor knee surgery. He was jogging again by May and should be completely healthy.The leading sack artist from last year is senior linebacker Matt Weikert (6-1, 225), with 5 1/2 sacks. No one works harder or plays harder. But he is hardly the prototype pass rusher the staff has been looking for. Ohio has tried to sign some more guys who look like rushers. Sophomores Hugh Grant (6-3, 220) and Willie Sherman (6-3, 242) may be the future here after very limited duty last year. Junior David “Bop’’ White (6-0, 190) might be the league’s best man-to-man cover corner. In 2000, White had 41 tackles and a team-high three interceptions. Punting in the MAC begins and ends with All-America candidate Dave Zastudil (6-3, 230). The fifth-year player is looking to lead the MAC in punting average for the fourth consecutive season, and was fifth in the country last fall with his 44.3 yards-per-punt average.
Bottom lineIt would be easy to pick Ohio to win the East if Grobe and his veteran staff remained. But between a new staff and a rough preseason schedule, you have to go with the sure hand at Marshall.The hard part is the season. Getting Akron in week one instead of week five is a good trade for the Bobcats. But stacking the N.C. State game just five days after West Virginia is a big risk. The two teams may be similar to prepare for on offense, but two big road games in a week are rough. That does give the ‘Cats extra time going into the big home opener with Iowa State. Oh, and Toledo comes to town the next week on the way to 11-0. Not to mention the season ends at Marshall. Ouch. |
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