The Ohio football team is known for its running game, but in the first two outings the Bobcats have surprised everyone with big-play passes.
At Iowa State on Saturday, Ohio had an aerial attack that resulted in an unusual 237 yards passing. It was the most for the team since 1993. Ohio wide receivers Anthony Hackett and Scott Mayle became the first pair of Ohio receivers to record more than 100 receiving yards in the same game in more than a decade. The team rushed for only 167 yards, compared to its 2002 average of 239.8 yards per game.
"We'd like to do a better job running the football because that enables us to control the clock a little more," Ohio coach Brian Knorr said. "But we will take the big plays."
The Bobcats focused on running the ball in their 17-3 victory against Southeast Missouri State in last week's season opener, but not without demonstrating an ability to throw the ball as well. Mayle caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Hawk to open the scoring in that contest.
Chemistry 101
Hawk and Mayle appeared to be a good combination in the spring and have carried the trend through the first two games. They connected on 49- and 41-yard completions in the Green and White Game but have become even better since. Against Iowa State, Mayle caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Hawk in the first quarter for the longest reception of the day and the second-longest completion in school history.
"Scott and I have our timing down I think, and once that happens it's not really hard because he is so fast," Hawk said. "It's just basically get it out there, and he'll get it. I feel good throwing with him."
Slippery Fingers
Ohio has had trouble holding onto the ball early, fumbling seven times in two games and losing the ball on six of those. Sloppiness marked Ohio's game against Southeast Missouri State, however. The Indians lost two of three fumbles, and the Bobcats lost all four of their fumbles.
"We just need to hold on to the ball," quarterback Fred Ray said. "We know we're going to get hit so we just need to protect the ball more."
Through two games last year against Pittsburgh and Northeastern, Ohio had 11 turnovers but recorded just 14 in the remaining 10 contests.
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by Laurel Scheffel
