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2009 Ohio Bobcats NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 2, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Ohio Bobcats 2009 Predictions The Ohio Bobcats had a season of close calls in 2008, it just so happens that they all went the other way. The Bobcats finished the season just 3-5 in the Mid-American East division and 4-8 overall, but 5 of those 8 losses were games this team could have easily won. With 14 returning starters coming back in 2009, the Bobcats could be looking to return to their form of 2006 where they finished in first place in the East and earned their first bowl game appearance since 1968.

On offense the Bobcats have seven starters coming back, but there are some questions on who will end up being the teams starting quarterback. Last year Theo Scott earned the job over junior college transfew Boo Jackson, but Scott was hurt in the second game of the year and Jackson ended up being the teams go to man under center. These two seniors will likely battle it out again in 2009, and its unclear who has the upper edge heading into the fall, as both can not only throw the ball but run with it as well. The top two running backs from last season are back in sophomore Donte Harden and senior Chris Garrett. While Garrett led the way with 529 yards and 5 scores last year, there is a lot of talk that Harden will be the go to man in 2009. At wide receiver the Bobcats also bring back their top two threats in senior Taylor Price, and junior LaVon Brazill. Price was the go to guy last season with 51 catches for 694 yards and 5 scores, but don’t be surprised to see sophomore Riley Dunlop get into the mix as well. While Garrett might not be the biggest threat running the ball this season, he will still be used as a pass catching back out of the backfield, after grabbing 24 passes for 290 yards and 2 scores last season. The offensive line has a couple of holes to fill, and the biggest one comes at left tackle where senior Chris Rodgers is expected to start. The one player the line can’t afford to lose this season is senior center David White, who should play a big part in redshirt freshman Eric Herman’s ability to play well at the open left guard spot. Overall I think this unit could really surprise some teams if they can hold onto the football and the two new starters on the offensive line play up to their potential. Bet the Bobcats this season at Sportsbook.com.

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On defense the Bobcats also bring back 7 starters from last season, but this side of the ball figures to get even better. Up front the Bobcats bring back both ends in junior Curtis Meyers and senior Ernie Hodge, while they see no problems in the middle as junior AJ Oxley steps into the starting role alongside junior Ernie Hodge at defensive tackle. Where this unit is at its strongest is at the three linebacker positions, as all three expected starters have the talent to earn all-conference honors. Junior middle linebacker Noah Keller is the best of the bunch, but not far behind him is senior outside backers Errik Ejike and Lee Renfro. In the secondary the Bobcats have both an open spot at corner and strong safety, and it looks as though sophomore Travis Carrie will play opposite of senior Thad Turner at corner, while Senior Patrick Tafua takes over at strong safety along side senior free safety Steven Jackson. Carrie showed coaches flashes of what he was capable as a freshman last year, and many believe he is going to shine as a starter this season. Another guy to watch out for is Jackson, who was third on the team last year with 71 tackles, and also had 2 interceptions and 2 tackles for loss. Overall this unit is pretty well rounded and should have no problem keeping this team in games. Bet the Mid-American Conference this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: Tie 2nd in MAC East. I think the Bobcats have a very good shot at winning the East this year, but I have them losing a heartbreaker in the season finale at home against Temple to leave them one game out of first place tied for 2nd with Akron.

For those of you looking to get an early edge on your NCAA football picks this season, be sure to stop back for our expert NCAA football predictions and the latest college football odds at Betfirms.

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