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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-6 (5-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Jim Grobe Returning starters: 11 (offense 5, defense 5) Outlook With a single game yet to be played, the 1999 season already is shaping up as the most exciting in school history. Why? One date on the calendar. The Bobcats play Ohio State for the first time since 1902 despite the schools being separated by just 80 miles. The Buckeyes will be just the second ranked team that Ohio has faced in coach Jim Grobe's five seasons in Athens. Additionally, the Bobcats will face another Big Ten foe in '99, as they open at Minnesota. The aggressive scheduling mirrors an upturn in fortunes for the program. Ohio has enjoyed three consecutive winning seasons in MAC play, but faces an uphill climb to maintain that standard of excellence. Large holes need to be filled on both sides of the ball, and the conference's East Division is an increasingly competitive place. Offense Traditionally a strong running team that passed only out of necessity, or to give the backs a break, Ohio must cope with the loss of the top two rushers in school history. This year both aspects of the attack must be addressed. Much of that responsibility will fall to quarterback Dan Jordan. Last year he played in seven games and demonstrated an ability to both run and throw. His most extensive action came in a 45-0 loss to Wisconsin. The return of running back Raynald Ray will ease Jordan's transition to full-time starter. Ray is a capable receiver as well as runner, and is the team's fastest player. Last year he showed flashes of it while handling kickoffs. This year he'll be asked to carry much of the load on offense. Tackle Erik Davis and center Mike Varone bring experience to the line. Davis, a 6-5, 300-pounder, and Varone, (6-3, 280) are excellent run blockers. Steve Gaydosz is another player with experience up front. He is slated to start at right tackle. Derrick Jenkins should get the start at split end. It's a good sign if: Ray is capable of elevating his game to a new level.It's a bad sign if: The running game goes dormant this year. Defense Ohio returns four of its top five tacklers from '98. The linebacker position is a particular strength for the Bobcats, with Leigh Barbour and Mark Calgaro. Barbour sat out of spring drills following knee surgery but he is expected to lead the defense into September and beyond. Last year he had three sacks and finished second on the team in tackles with 96. Speed is his primary asset -- four times he posted 10 or more tackles in a game. Barbour will hold down one outside spot, while Calgaro will line up in the middle. At 6-3, 230 he is a standout run-stuffer and is capable of picking up a tight end or a running back curling over the middle. Sophomore Tom Weilbacher will get a chance to start as the other outside 'backer. The line suffered some key losses but there is talent waiting in the wings. Look for Lamar Martin to step into a starring role at nose guard. While just a freshman, he possesses superior quickness for a 260-pounder. He will have his hands full displacing senior John Kraus, however. Art Adams (6-4, 260) and Mike Fox (6-4, 270) are atop the depth chart at right and left end. Free safety David Walker will look to up Ohio's interception total, which was a disappointingly low 11 last season. Donnie White is the other returnee to the secondary. He will fill one cornerback spot while sophomores Greg Baskin and Matt Weikert will compete for the other. It's a good sign if: Young players develop quickly on the line.It's a bad sign if: Interceptions continue to be a rarity. Special Teams Dave Zastudi finished fourth in the nation in punting with a 45.3-yard average on 50 kicks. Among them was a 75-yarder against Akron. Freshman Nick Mannella is expected to take over at placekicker. -- John Crowley |
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