The Bobcats’ loss against Central Michigan was a step back, but Ohio looks to keep molding during Homecoming Week.
Homecoming Week will be a test of toughness for Ohio.
That has everything to do with the lack of offensive production Saturday, but even more with the players answering the question: what now?
The Bobcats have this week to prepare for Bowling Green after a less-than-satisfying 28-10 blowout loss on the road against Central Michigan.
Coach Frank Solich doesn’t doubt his team because of the constant work ethic that has been ingrained in the squads’ minds, something that hasn’t always been true in the past.
“They’re very supportive of one another, and that’s always a great place to start after a loss,” Solich said. “There’s a lot of things that need to be looked at … but, we’re looking forward to moving on.”
Offense
Ohio was clearly not in rhythm in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, after a week of practice that brought hope to improving its awareness and ability to make explosive plays.
“We weren’t able to get points on the board,” Solich said. “We missed a lot of snaps, we weren’t converting third downs into firsts.”
Although it may have been a low point in JD Sprague’s career, Solich said there’s a lot the redshirt sophomore can take from the defeat, as he will continue to be the starter under center with Derrius Vick injured.
He added that the learning curve includes the three freshman lineman that continued to be used in a cycle throughout the game for the second consecutive week.
“Obviously, that’s not a situation you want to be in very often, but it can be a learning situation for a quarterback,” Solich said. “Quarterbacks really need to anticipate, they’re under a lot of fire and need to know where the opening is going to be to get the ball released.
“Youth presents a lot of problems, but it just seems like we can get better in all of the units on offense. (With the lineman), you talk about five guys playing coordinated football, that’s got to be the case if you’re going to move the football with any kind of speed.”
Although Ohio’s leading rusher, A.J. Ouellette didn’t enter the lineup against Central Michigan, senior Tim Edmond tallied his first career touchdown and junior Daz Patterson finished with 77 yards on 12 carries.
The injury front
Cornerback Devin Jones and linebackers Quentin Poling and Jovon Johnson were injured Saturday and Solich said Jones will be out for a month, but the others are day-to-day.
The injuries are starting to pile up, which will continue to force inexperienced and young players to fill the roles on the fly.
“Without going through them individually, the back-ups are in the same boat as some of the starters with lack of experience,” Solich said. As you go through the year, the thing that you’ve got to hope that doesn’t happen to you is getting so many guys banged up to the point that they’re losing playing time.”
Currently, the Bobcats have zero seniors at the offensive line, tight end and quarterback positions, along with a slew of younger running backs.
“I think the guys that are backing up the starters are doing a decent job and they’ll continue to improve,” he said. “From an offensive standpoint, that’s a lot of young guys — I don’t want to say feeling their way along, but obviously they’re maneuvering their way through tough competition.”
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