Questions about football? Football reporters have the answers.
You asked and The Post answered. With Ohio’s season opener against Idaho on Sept. 3, The Post answers questions some readers have.
How tough is the season-opening matchup? I'd make the trip. But, you know, the game is on a Thursday night. - Jim
I hear you, Jim. This matchup is not as tough as it seems. Ohio’s offense looked a little rough during summer camp with some dropped balls by receivers and quarterback Derrius Vick scrambling out of crumbling pockets. Yet, Idaho gave up 37 points per game last season and this season opener is a perfect chance for the Bobcats to flex some offensive power. A season opener at Idaho on a Thursday might be concerning, yes, but last time these two teams met it was 36-24 in favor of Ohio. -Luke
Hey, Jim, I wouldn’t say it’s an easy game, but it’s not against Ohio State or Oregon, either. I think a lot of people are writing off the Vandals without actually knowing anything about the team. Idaho wide receiver Joshua McCain averaged 105.6 yards a game and finished 2014 with nine touchdowns. Those numbers smell like a budding NFL prospect. -Charlie
Are the receivers equally comfortable with the QBs after both played significant time last year? - Chad
Yes and no. I know that seems like a cop-out answer, but this year’s receiving corps is like the Millennium Force at Cedar Point: up and down. Sebastian Smith is going to be reliable for Ohio’s “quarterback-carousel,” but things look a little slim after that. At practice Tuesday, Jordan Reid blew by the Bobcats’ secondary and Vick lobbed a beautiful 30-yard pass down the field. The outcome? A drop. Quarterback JD Sprague had similar issues on bubble screens with some receivers dropping the ball. -Luke
Greetings, Chad, the receivers are probably on the wrong end of the quarterback position battle. That said, the quarterbacks look consistent in practice. As Luke mentioned, the receivers might need a little more work. I wouldn’t be surprised if the ‘Cats took advantage of running back depth early on. -Charlie
How many mascot rumbles will there be this season? - @LoneStarCanary
I would love to see Rufus and some Mid-American Conference mascots tussle on the sideline. My guess? At least two. -Luke
Not enough. The MAC will do anything for attention, so a few jabs wouldn’t be surprising. Little known fact, but the mascots find some interesting ways to entertain themselves during the cold November mid-week games no one attends. But they watch on TV, right? -Charlie
Is a hot dog a sandwich? - Christian
So glad you’re interested in the Bobcats, Christian. But to answer your question: Yes. It’s two buns with a piece of meat in the middle. Well, would you consider a hot dog bun one piece or two — because it splits? - Luke
Christian, thank you for contacting us. No, it’s not a sandwich. There are so many more important questions with hot dogs. Sausage or pretzel bun? Stadium or Ballpark Mustard? Those are real questions. Ask me those. -Charlie
— Thanks for the questions, see everyone next week.
Editor's Note: Jim, Chad and Christian are all former Post reporters.
@Lukeoroark
@charliehatch_
