Ohio Bobcats Football

The Troy Trojans are the "Boise State" of the Sun Belt Conference, winning at least a share of it for five straight years. I think they are a program on the rise, and with good recruiting, have the athletes to continue to win. They have often represented the Sun Belt in the New Orleans Bowl, appearing three of the last five years. Ohio is 0-4 all time in bowl games, but is another program on the rise.

Troy was challenged a bit more than usual this season in conference play, having lost a couple to Sun Belt opponents. Troy relies heavily on Corey Robinson spreading the field with the passing game. He produces points, but could be safer with the ball. Robinson tends to be a streaky passer, so watch out if he gets hot, but shield your eyes if the defense rattles him. Shawn Southward, DuJaun Harris, and Chris Anderson have led the running attack.

Ohio is a very solid football team. They don't "wow" anybody with big plays, fancy offense, or exotic blitz packages. Losses to Toledo and Kent State cost them a trip to the MAC Championship. To be successful the team needs to focus on their seven game win streak. During that stretch, Vince Davidson and Phil Bates split carries en route to over 1000 yards. Quarterback Boo Jackson can kill you with his legs and solid arm strength. However, he needs to limit the turnovers, which seem to come in clutch situations and stood out during Ohio's loses. Terrence McCrae will need to get open early and often, as he's really the only consistent red zone threat on his team's group of wide-outs.

Prediction

These teams are offensive opposites, with Troy passing better, and Ohio a force on the ground attack. Troy gives up 31 points a game this season, Ohio only gives up 22 on average. I think this game is a shoot out that Ohio slowly takes over by the fourth quarter with clock management and slightly better defense.

Ohio- 32 Troy-24

Twin brothers Omar and Octavius Leftwich look almost identical, so they compete to distinguish themselves. 

By signing to play football at Ohio this fall, the twins have had another chance to one-up each other.

"We always compete in everything, from grades to who looks better," Omar Leftwich said. 

After each spent a year at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS, Octavius, a safety, struck out on his own, transferring to El Camino College in Torrance, CA. 

Now, the two brothers have reunited in the Ohio secondary with three years of football eligibility remaining. 

"Ohio got two guys that normally wouldn't be MAC-level players," said Jeff Sims, head football coach at Fort Scott. 

"These guys are good football players and could have went to a Missouri or Kansas. The Ohio coaches have done a tremendous job identifying talent."

Omar originally committed to Ohio then reneged. He received offers from Bowl Championship Series schools such as Arkansas and Kansas, but Ohio offered his brother a scholarship. That, along with a sense of loyalty, compelled Omar to recommit, Sims said. 

"Having my brother attend Ohio helped just because I didn't want to leave for a school by myself, and it's better for my family," Omar said. "I also liked how well the players got along with each other and how big the campus was. I like the fact that I wouldn't have to take a bus or drive to every class."

Octavius said the connections he made with the Ohio coaches and players were a factor in his decision to sign with the Bobcats.

This season, the brothers have continued to compete with each other: who is faster, who can catch more balls, and who can hit the hardest, Octavius said.

Although they are nearly identical in size and stature, you might not recognize them as twins if you watch them play.

"They play a completely different style," Sims said. "Octavius is much more physical; Omar is more athletic. They're separate individuals. Even though they're identical twins, they have their own personalities." 

After watching Omar play for two years, Sims commended him on his athleticism. 

"He's long-armed, and his size makes him a very tough corner to play against," Sims said. 

"I hope to bring my work ethic, competitiveness and a person that can be counted on in every game to do his job," Omar said.

Octavius echoed his brother's high expectations.

"Speed, physicality and somebody that likes to hit the ball carrier," he said.

After completing a desperation touchdown pass with no time remaining, Ohio lined up to go for two and win the game. But as quarterback Boo Jackson released the ball, his receiver fell down, the ball fell to the ground and Marshall’s sideline erupted in celebration.

Jackson’s 36-yard touchdown heave to Terrence McCrae as time expired was not enough as the Bobcats fell to the Thundering Herd 24-23 in heart-breaking fashion.

Though Ohio coach Frank Solich said the Bobcats’ decision to go for two was debated, the players were behind the call.

“With the momentum we had, we felt we were unstoppable,” Jackson said. “It was a good call by coach. We had the momentum and if we would have caught that ball we wouldn’t be sad right now. “

Solich also stuck behind the call.

“When it doesn’t work, it’s tough for everyone within the program. When it works, everyone is jumping up and down,” he said. “We thought we had a shot and that’s why we took it.”

Ohio led 17 to 16 entering the fourth quarter, but a 14-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in which Marshall converted four third-down plays gave the Herd the lead for good.

“It was clearly a big disappointment for our ball club,” Solich said. “But, I thought we did some things in the second half that shows we are a team that has character and a team that never quits.”

Jackson and fellow quarterback Phil Bates switched off under center throughout the game with Jackson playing on the majority of third and fourth down plays.

Bates left the game with a shoulder injury in the third quarter and did not return.

Jackson completed 11 of 20 passes for 155 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while Bates led the team with 65 yards rushing and completed one pass for 46 yards.

“There were certain things we were going to use Phil for in the ball game, but then he got hurt,” Solich said. “I thought Boo played his best football of the entire year.”

In spite of the success they had with the dual-quarterback system, Solich said he doesn’t expect to stick with that formula in the future.

“Boo’s got to do a little running and Phil’s got to do a little throwing,” he said. “You don’t have a chance to game plan it so we were able to do that tonight. But you have got to be a more complete quarterback.”

Despite the loss, the Ohio players seemed up beat after the game, and optimistic about the team’s future.

“It’s a great thing that our offense is finally clicking,” Jackson said. “From preseason until now, everyone has been talking about the talent we have. Everyone was on the same page for the first time this season.”

College football has exciting and interesting games almost every single week, and these past two were no different. There were two in particular that stand out in my mind. Both involve Division I FCS schools, and they both involve the Colonial Athletic Association.

Last Saturday, James Madison University of the CAA took down Division I FBS No. 13 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Today UMass, also of the CAA, traveled to Michigan Stadium and gave No. 20 Michigan a real football game, eventually losing 42-37. UMass led for much of the first half, and came extremely close to pulling off an Appalachian State-esque upset.

With the CAA making waves, there have been whispers of the conference moving into the FBS and replacing the lowly Mid-American Conference (MAC). What do we make of this? What should happen? More importantly, what will happen?

First of all, I think the CAA is definitely underrated as a conference. FBS opponents, especially BCS opponents, are expected to beat these teams in massive blowouts. As we have seen, this is certainly not always the case. Although the FCS is generally weaker, they have been able to grab wins away from the Big Boys, with the CAA winning 19 games against the FBS since 2000, with at least one win coming in eight of the last nine years.

The MAC is widely regarded one of the weakest FBS conferences. In 2009, the MAC went 0-5 in bowl games, and managed just three wins against BCS opponents, with MAC victories over Colorado (by Toledo), Michigan State (by Central Michigan), and Purdue (by Northern Illinois). The only win that stands out is Central Michigan's victory against Michigan State, a middle-of-the-road Big Ten team.

The previous year, the MAC won four games against BCS opponents, but again went 0-5 in bowl games. I think's it a reasonable assumption that there are at least a few CAA schools that could beat MAC schools, such as UMass, James Madison, and defending FCS champion Villanova.

In my personal opinion, the CAA overall isn't quite good enough to move up to the FBS, and the MAC isn't weak enough to move down. They're probably almost equal, so there's no reason to flip-flop.

It's even more unlikely on a practical level. There's a lot of politics in college football, so there's absolutely no way the MAC would allow themselves to be demoted, especially when there's talk of expansion. And there's no way the FBS conferences commissioners and directors would allow the CAA to be promoted, since they generally prefer the status quo. Plus, the adjustment the CAA teams would have to make going from a playoff to the BCS would be huge.

In the end, things will stay as is, but there's no stopping the debate.

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA postseason kicks off Dec. 19, with 34 games being played in a three-week span. Seniors will get their last hurrah, and teams will attempt to end their seasons on the winning side, in the hopes of improving recruiting that follows afterwards.

The Sportmeisters will preview each of the 34 games that lie ahead and provide our predictions as well. Let’s get to it!

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Dec. 26, 1:00 PM, Detroit, Michigan

Ohio (9-4) vs. Marshall (6-6)

About Ohio

The Bobcats roll into their bowl as the MAC East Champions but ultimately lost their championship matchup against Central Michigan. Before that loss, they won four games in a row.

Ohio doesn’t boast a prolific offense or defense, but they know how to get the ball back. They are first in FBS with 36 forced turnovers, led by junior LB Noah Keller (137 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, interception). Senior LB Lee Renfro also contributed 105 tackles on the season, along with two sacks.

The Bobcats boast three receivers with at least 500 yards and five touchdowns: senior WR Taylor Price (735 yards, five touchdowns), junior WR LaVon Brazill (689 yards, six touchdowns), and junior WR Terrence McCrae (534 yards, eight touchdowns). Senior QB Theo Scott (2,258 yards, 19 touchdowns) is expected to have recovered from the ankle injury he sustained prior to the MAC Championship.

Ohio has the benefit of playing a disheveled Marshall squad with a new coach, so the weapons they possess should work in their favor.

About Marshall

The Thundering Herd stumbles into a bowl game, winning one of their last four to just qualify for bowl eligibility. Add to that the abrupt resignation of coach Mark Snyder (21-37 in five years), and Marshall fans probably have minimal hopes.

Nevertheless, defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrows is preparing a squad that, despite being in the lower half of most offensive categories, still boasts a 1,000-yard rusher. Junior RB Darius Marshall has 1,054 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season, even while missing the last two games of the season with an injury. He is expected to play, however.

Junior LB Mario Harvey is the heart and soul of the defense, contributing 105 tackles and five sacks.

Holding on to the ball and playing smart ball is the only way Marshall has a chance at victory.

The Matchup

Ohio is in its fourth bowl game, first since 2007, and is still looking for its first victory. They look for their first 10-win season since 1968, also the last time they won the MAC.

Marshall is back in the bowls for the first time since 2004, as they look for their first win since 2002. They hold a 5-2 record in bowl games.

Ohio holds the all-time advantage, 29-17-6.

With Darius Marshall back, the Herd have a chance. Ohio has given up 145.08 yards a game on the ground, and with Ohio’s ability to create turnovers, keeping the ball on the ground opens up more options.

For one, it allows an offensive line that has given up 23 sacks on the season a chance to take pressure off QB Brian Anderson. Now, should Ohio fight back with run blitzes, look for Anderson to take a few shots with single coverage on the outside. Again, though, he needs to be aware of a Marshall defense that has 20 interceptions on the season.

For Ohio, their key is the rapport that Scott possesses with Price, Brazill, and McCrae. Any one of them can turn a short pass into a touchdown, and it forces Marshall to be creative in their defensive schemes. Too many double teams on one person will open up more weapons on the rest of the field.

The Prediction

Ohio is the better team, and that will be shown early and often. Marshall will attempt to keep it close with the running attack, but Ohio’s speed and weapons take the game 38-14.

Ohio 26 BUFFALO (-1.5) 24

Buffalo will be without top back Ike Nduka (598 yards at 6.2 ypr) but freshman Jeffvon Gill ran for 172 yards on 23 carries last week in his first extensive time, so Nduka may not be missed. Bulls' quarterback Zach Maynard will miss the first quarter due to suspension, but Buffalo will probably run the ball more with backup Jerry Davis in and that probably won't hurt too much since I expect Buffalo to average 5.0 yards per rushing play in this game.

Ohio defends the pass pretty well (5.4 yards per pass play allowed to quarterbacks that would average 5.6 yppp against an average team), but Maynard is a pretty decent passing quarterback (6.4 yppp against teams that would allow 6.4 yppp to an average QB), so the Bulls should move the ball at about an average rate in this game.

Ohio is 0.5 yards per play worse than average offensively (5.2 yppl against teams that would allow 5.7 yppl to an average team) but Buffalo is 0.5 yppl worse than average defensively (5.7 yppl allowed to teams that would average 5.2 yppl), so Ohio should also be able to move the ball. The big difference in this game is special teams, which is an area that Buffalo really struggles in and Ohio's good field goal kicker or Buffalo's bad one could be the difference in what should be a close game. I'll lean with Ohio.

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Ohio (-3.5) 29 AKRON 20

Ohio is a pretty good team. The Bobcats are 3-2 with their two losses being by a combined 8 points to Connecticut and Tennessee. They're certainly much better than and Akron team that is struggling offensively with their backup quarterback at the helm.

The Zips have averaged just 4.3 yards per play in two games since starting quarterback Chris Jacquemain was suspended from the team (against teams that would allow 5.4 yppl to an average team) and Ohio's stout defense (4.9 yppl allowed to teams that would average 5.1 yppl) should keep that attack in check.

Ohio's offense has been great in 3 games since veteran Theo Scott took over the starting quarterback job for an injured Boo Jackson, as the Bobcats have averaged 6.7 yppl, including 8.4 yppl last week against Bowling Green. Akron, meanwhile, has allowed 5.6 yppl to teams that would average only 5.1 yppl against an average team.

My math model gives Ohio a solid 55.1% chance of covering at -3 1/2 points.

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2009 Ohio Bobcats Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Frank Solich, 5th year (23-26 at Ohio, 81-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Tim Albin (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jimmy Burrow (5th year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Boo Jackson)

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Offense: The Bobcats return six starters on offense, including senior Boo Jackson (6-1, 199). However, Jackson was pushed in the spring by senior Theo Scott (6-2, 209), who started in 2007 and missed most of last season with a broken collarbone. Jackson stood in for Scott last season and threw for 2,355 yards with 19 TDs and 333 yards rushing. The offensive identity is changing to a more base-spread look. The top four running backs return, including senior Chris Garrett (5-8, 190), who ran for 529 yards last season. The top receivers are also back, including senior Taylor Price (6-1, 209), who caught 51 balls for 694 yards and five scores in 2008. Up front, they return two starters and this is the major concern on the line.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit allowed 27.3ppg (70th in the nation) and 348.6 yards per game (54th in the nation). They need to force more turnovers as the Bobcats finished 110th in the nation with a –12 turnover ratio. Up front, they need senior Kris Luchsinger (6-4, 258) and junior DT Ernie Hodge (6-4, 292) as returning starters to stop up. Luchsinger recorded 3.5 sacks last year. The linebacker is the strength, led by sophomore MLB Noah Keller (6-1, 236), who led the team with 104 tackles last year. Senior OLB Lee Renfro (5-10, 210) also returns after making 83 stops last year. The secondary returns two starters, but loses NFL draft pick Michael Mitchell to the NFL. Senior Steven Jackson (6-2, 192) is the most dependable returning starter with 71 tackles.

Outlook: Ohio faces Uconn and Cal Poly at home, while taking on North Texas and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. Conference road games against Bowling Green and Buffalo will be tough. Frank Solich’s squad needs to take a step closer to the conference elite this season. That will be a very tough task.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

If you thought Buffalo would be frazzled by the Tuesday night ESPNU-broadcasted game, then you were way off. The visiting Bulls looked as good as can be in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats, racing out to a 14-0 with rushing touchdowns from James Starks and Brandon Thermilus in an eventual 32-19 victory in Athens.

After Ohio cut the lead to 14-7, Drew Willy found Naaman Roosevelt to extend the lead to 21-7. A.J. Principe added a field goal at the end of the first half to get the Bulls to halftime with a 24-7 lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, Boo Jackson ran in from eight yards out to cut the lead to 24-13, but the Bulls blocked the extra point and took it back for two, giving them a 13-point lead, 26-13. Following a Buffalo punt, Ohio scored another touchdown, but Barrett Way missed the extra point, which still allowed the Bulls to maintain a seven-point lead, 26-19.

The Bulls didn't take too long to answer the call, however. Following the Bobcats touchdown, James Starks and the Bulls answered with a 52-yard touchdown run, but the extra point was blocked and Buffalo held a 32-19 lead with seven minutes to go.

Ohio tried to answer with a deep pass. The pass was caught, but a fumble gave the Bulls the ball and they kept it to end the game and walk out of Athens with the 32-19 win.

The Bulls turned the ball over just once, a fumble early in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Bobcats turned the ball over five times, on four fumbles and an interception. Ohio was lucky it wasn't more, as the Bobcats fumbled the ball six times but regained possession on two of those occasions. Ohio outgained the Bulls in yardage, 417-393, but Buffalo ran the ball for a season-high 278 yards. James Starks ran for 185 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns.

The Bulls moved to 4-4 (2-2 MAC) and gained a share of the MAC East lead. Ohio fell to 2-7 (1-4 MAC) and now sits in last place of the East. Buffalo will host Miami (Ohio) on Election Night on ESPN2; Ohio next plays Bowling Green on Nov. 8.

Friends and former colleagues facing off

Just before Halloween, in what could be a frightening game, the Buffalo Bulls football team travels to Athens, Ohio to face off against conference foe the Ohio Bobcats. The spooks and goblins are sure to be out in force. With temperatures potentially plunging, conference divisional rivalries could heat things up.

Will Ohio quarterback Boo Jackson be scary? Will Buffalo Drew Willy knock 'em dead or draw a blank?

History from Huskerland

Tom Osborne hired former Husker standout fullback and state high school championship coach Frank Solich to coach his freshman team. Osborne recruited eventual Heisman finalist quarterback Turner Gill. After a Canadian CFL career cut short when Gill followed medical advice, and a brief stint in minor league baseball, Turner joined the Huskers on the sidelines.

Two former Husker assistants: a former running backs coach and later head coach versus a former quarterbacks coach, assistant head coach, and later receivers coach. Both are Mid-American Conference Eastern Division (MAC) head coaches now. After 152 weeks on the same sidelines, now they face off annually.

Meet the coaches

Frank Solich is in his fourth year leading the Bobcats of Ohio. Solich was an Ohio standout running back before setting records at Nebraska.

Third-year Buffalo Bulls head coach Turner Gill is looking up and being mentioned for other openings. The Mid-American Conference would hate to lose him.

Rushing Keys

Both had 1,000-yard rushers last year. Solich's Kevin McRae rushed for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. Gill's James Starks became the Bulls’ first 1,000-yard rusher since jumping to the I-A division.

McRae graduated, and Starks is a junior with a chance to match McRae's feat. Bobcat's Dante Hardin is not on pace through six games to reach that goal this year.

Passing Keys

Junior Boo Jackson leads the Bobcats with over 1,100 yards passing and another 129 on the ground. His favorite targets are Taylor Prince, Lavon Brazill, and Andrew Mooney. The Bobcats have connected with redshirt freshman Hardin coming out of the backfield to keep defenses honest.

Drew Willy has all of the Bulls' passes thrown this year. Naaman Roosevelt is his favorite target, and he has connected with wide receivers Hamlin and Jackson as well as tight end Rack 10 or more times so far. Bulls rushing leader James Starks has slipped out of the backfield for eight catches as well.

Special Teams

Both Ohio and Buffalo have one kickoff return for a touchdown this year.

Defense

The Bobcats’ eight interceptions this year are twice as many as the Buffalo Bulls' four.

Record

As of today the Bobcats have a 1-5 record with losses to two ranked opponents (Northwestern and Ohio State). The Bulls are 2-3 with a loss to top five Missouri.

Each has two more games before they face off. Buffalo could win against Western Michigan and Army to be 4-3 at kickoff. Ohio may be able to dispatch Kent State and Temple to own a 3-5 record by October 28.

Ohio's 42-21 loss to Western Michigan was filled with miscues. Comparing this week's Buffalo's results to them may not show the likely outcome.