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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 9:08 AM ET Bobcats talented enough to take on Marshall By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Ohio Bobcats 2000 record: 7-4 (5-3). Coach: Brian Knorr (first year). Starters returning: 9 offense, 8 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: New coach Brian Knorr was an assistant for five years and then defensive coordinator under Jim Grobe, who left for Wake Forest, so don't expect many changes for the Bobcats. That means the Multiple-I, which produced the nation's second best rushing attack (323 ypg), is back led by quarterback Dontrell Jackson, who rushed for a team-high 864 yards. As usual, Ohio has plenty of depth in the backfield but must replace Z-back Raynald Ray, the team's leading receiver and fourth leading rusher. Defensively, the Bobcats return eight starters led by strong safety Chris London and linebackers Tom Weilbacher, the team's top tackler, and Matt Weikert. Still, the secondary allowed several big plays last season including five TD passes that covered between 37 and 65 yards. Keep an eye on: Senior punter Dave Zastudi. Yes, he's a punter, but Zastudi is a three-time MAC punt leader, just the fifth player to do so, as well as an All-American and Ray Guy Award candidate. That's pretty impressive. Key game: The Oct. 6 game against Toledo is huge, but no game is bigger than Marshall in the regular season finale. It's a good year if ... Ohio challenges for the East Division crown. Of course, two things need to happen: The secondary has to avoid giving up the big plays and, offensively, the passing game need to be more conistant.. If those two things happen, and Marshall slips, Ohio could pull this off. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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