Ohio's defense won 62-18 in its spring football game Saturday.
Snow flurries. Twenty degrees and some wind chill. Dropped passes. Under three yards per play. Eighteen total points.
Putting it bluntly, Saturday's spring game was tough on Ohio's offense, losing to the defense 62-18.
“I think the offensive line was poor today, and I thought our receivers dropped way too many balls today,” coach Frank Solich said. “There was no consistency, no rhythm on offense.”
The cold weather could have been a reason for the offense’s woes throughout the game. The offense’s quarterbacks had a difficult time connecting with receivers, as some throws seemed off the mark.
“We play in this kind of weather a lot in Mid-American Conference football,” Solich said. “I don’t think we can ever use that as a reason for not playing well.”
Solich said the offense had issues with execution and "the mental side" of the game, as it has shown the ability to perform at a high level during spring practices.
But he’s really not sure why the offense performed poorly Saturday.
Throughout the spring season, the offense has been solid, showcasing the ability to execute against a quick Ohio defense.
Maybe the weather played a factor, maybe the offense had a tough day mentally. But, maybe the defense legitimately played well, too.
“They did their job,” running back Dorian Brown said. Brown finished the day with 30 yards on five carries.
Brown was one of the few players on the offense who made plays, almost breaking off a touchdown run in the second quarter. The Bobcats' running back core garnered 67 yards Saturday.
Along with Brown, wide receiver Elijah Ball played valiantly. Ball scored the offense’s lone touchdown off a pass from Greg Windham.
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With young players like Ball producing in this year’s spring game, the opportunity for a young player to start will only grow.
Wide receivers coach Dwayne Dixon said it won’t matter which players started last year, as players who are playing well now will get opportunities.
The offense may have disappointed Saturday, but it has players who are willing and capable of taking advantage of opportunities given to them.
“We’re going to give guys opportunities that deserve it,” Dixon said.
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