The Bobcats will host Idaho for their first home game, looking to for their first offensively and defensively balanced game of the season.
The saying ‘home sweet home’ couldn’t fit the Bobcats’ situation any better.
After three grueling weeks on the road, Ohio will return home for the first time this season Saturday to host Idaho.
Last week, the Bobcats were outgained 705-377 in a game they’d like to take back, but coach Frank Solich believes that they will bounce back after a good week of practice.
“There’s ways to certainly get much better in both (offensive and defensive) units,” said Solich, who is 14-6 at Peden Stadium in September. “I still feel good about the quality of athletes that we’re working with. I feel good about their attitude, their work ethic.”
Although Idaho is still winless, Ohio won’t be able to take the Vandals for granted this week. Vandals redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Linehan has tossed 686 yards and six touchdowns through the air, with three interceptions. He’s also completed more than 60 percent of his passes.
“He sits in the pocket, pass rush doesn’t seem to bother him,” said Solich. “(He’s a) very poised quarterback, he goes through the right reads, so we’ll be very much tested with what they’re all about there.”
The defense will face adversity for the fourth straight week after allowing 44 points and letting Rakeem Cato throw for 425 yards and four touchdowns last week.
Solich said the offense is still a “work in progress,” but he hopes it will be consistent from the first play from scrimmage this week.
The Bobcats attempted big plays at the beginning of the Kentucky game two weeks ago, but they backfired when receivers dropped four of quarterback Derrius Vick’s first six tosses. Ohio called a deep pass on the first play last week at Marshall and Chase Cochran reeled in a 53-yard reception.
“I think you’ll see more of a rotation of guys getting in with fresh legs, because all of us can make plays,” redshirt freshman wide receiver Brendan Cope said. “It will be a high-paced offense with some rotation, but we have a group of guys that can do that.”
The Bobcats will march onto the field Saturday looking to claim their fifth straight home-opening victory. Last season Ohio defeated North Texas 27-21 in its first home game.
“For it being a home game, everyone is ready to prove ... that we are a (Mid-American Conference) East Division and MAC Championship team,” redshirt freshman Justin Wyatt said. “We’re willing to get our 11-game win streak together.”
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