2011 Ohio Football Predictions
Written by Patrick Webb
Frank Solich enters his seventh season at Ohio this year. He has been able to retain both of his coordinators for his entire tenure. The Bobcats have been to three bowls over the last five seasons, including the last two years in a row. Ohio had a strong season last year, finishing 8-5 with six-straight MAC victories before a shocking loss to Kent State in their season finale.
The Bobcats will look to build off the success of last season and have the schedule to contend for an appearance in the MAC title game. This team loses their top passer, two of their leading rushers and two of their leading receivers from last year’s offense, which averaged 29.4 points per game in conference play. They also lost seven starters on the defense, including 120 career starts along the defensive line.
Offensively the Bobcats are shifting to a quicker paced offense. Phil Bates is battling Ty Tettleton for the quarterback spot. Bates completed less than 40% of his 23 attempts last season and threw 3 interceptions to his 1 TD pass. Tettleton had the edge heading out of spring ball and Bates will likely see time in multiple roles as he is the leading returning rusher (6.3 yards per carry, 3 TDs) from last year’s team.
RB Dante Harden looks to finish his career off on a strong note after averaging 4.8 yards per carry last season. Riley Dunlop, LaVon Brazil and Donte Foster all have experience and will look to replace the production of Terrance McCrae from last season. Tettleton is better suited to be a passing threat than the departed Boo Jackson, and Brazil and Foster are both capable and proven receivers.
Ohio’s greatest strength on offense is the offensive line, which returns five starters from last season and has some solid depth to the unit. Ohio could be a better offensive team this season than last, even with the loss of key skill players.
Defensively the Bobcats have a bit of a rebuilding job as they return only three players with significant experience. The will be boosted by the return of MLB Noah Keller, who took an injury red shirt last season. He has been All MAC twice (2008 and 2009). Weakside linebacker Eric Benjamin returns after a solid season last year.
The defensive line will be completely rebuilt as Carl Jones is the only returner with a lot of playing time. Jones is a bit undersized at defensive tackle but the Bobcats have potential at the ends spots with Kyle Kozak looking to impact as a transfer at defensive end.
The Bobcats really struggled versus the pass last year and gave up 280 yards+ six times last season and had only 24 sacks in a pass-happy league. They also lose three starters from the secondary including both safeties and a combined 11 interceptions from last season’s secondary. Gerald Moore will look to recapture his form from 2009 as he was lost to injury early last season. This will be an incredibly young unit.
Ohio returns both specialists. Placekicker Matt Weller has a strong leg and is accurate. Punter Paul Hershey has been a weapon with his leg and he has converted three first downs on fakes over the last two seasons. The Bobcats have two experienced returners, and this could be a strength for them this season as punt returner Travis Carrie averaged over 10 yards per attempt last season.
Schedule Analysis: The Bobcats have a bit of an easier out of conference schedule this year as they the replace an Ohio State for a trip to Rutgers, plus face Marshall at home. All four of their MAC road games are winnable as they face Buffalo, Akron, Central Michigan and Bowling Green. They’ll get Kent State, Ball State, Temple and Miami (OH) at home. This is a schedule that should produce at least 6 conference wins. Only Temple and Miami (OH) should be tough games for this team.
Season Record Prediction: 9-3 Overall (6-2 MAC)
Got something to say?
- Buy Jack's Picks
- Sports Picks
- Free Football Picks
- Football Betting
- Football Betting Forum
- Article Archives
- College Football Picks
- NFL Picks
- NBA Picks
- NCAA Basketball Picks
- Baseball Picks
- NHL Picks
- College Bowl Picks
- Super Bowl Picks
- College Football Lines
- NFL Spreads
- NBA Spreads
- NCAA Basketball Lines
- Baseball Lines
- NHL Lines
- College Bowl Odds
- Super Bowl Odds
- Betting Trends
- Gambling
- Handicappers
- Handicapping
- Matchups
- Odds Explained
- Predictions
- Standings
- Sportsbooks
- Weekly Picks
- Heisman Odds