Sports Editor Charlie Hatch explains why the upcoming school year will be different than any previous year in recent history for the Bobcats.
We do not know what to expect from the Ohio Bobcats this year. That is a weird thing to say, but it is reality.
Over the past couple years, picking which teams will be successful has been a fairly easy task. Last year, the focus was on volleyball, women’s basketball and softball.
This year? Well, Qué séra, séra.
And to be honest, it’s a cool scenario.
With so many teams in transition, there are bound to be successes and failures that will continue to generate intriguing storylines. The Post looks forward to bringing them to you.
The volleyball team is fresh off a Mid-American Conference title, but lost the core of its team. Now what?
The football program should have as strong a season as a year ago, and should earn a bowl appearance. Can the team get through a full season without injuries and another rough spell in conference match ups, and defeat SEC opponent Tennessee?
Women’s basketball lost one of the best players in program history. Can the group still have a legitimate shot at a conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance?
And then there’s men's basketball. After the majority of fans expected a mediocre season last year, the Bobcats went on to finish second in the conference during the regular season. With almost the entire roster returning, will they be the frontrunners to win the MAC, too?
If Ohio is considered a “basketball school,” could the Bobcats have two teams in the NCAA Tournament at the same time, just like the Buffalo Bulls last season? Maybe. Maybe not.
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Regardless, the upcoming school year is shaping up with more unexpected outcomes than anytime in the last four years.
Whatever the case may be, we look forward to bringing you coverage, fascinating stories and a full year of uncertainty. Hopefully for Bobcat fans, that’s a good thing.
@charliehatch_
gh181212@ohio.edu
