There is significantly less buzz about the start of the Bobcats’ football season this year — and the expectations attached to the team are not what they’ve recently been.
There is significantly less buzz about the start of the Bobcats’ football season this year — and the expectations attached to the team are not what they’ve recently been.
While the team is not starting the season against an opponent as prestigious as Louisville or Penn State, fans should care about what is ultimately a much more important game against Kent State — one that could help position the Bobcats for a Mid-American Conference title, or diminish their chances before the calendar hits September.
And although some of the bigger names associated with the team, such as Tyler Tettleton, Travis Carrie and Donte Foster, are no longer appearing in the lineup, we feel that there are several players who will step up in their absence.
For starters, there is defensive lineman Tarell Basham, who we profiled in Thursday’s Post. Basham was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American Team last season, even though he started just five games. He’s already been nominated for multiple awards entering the season. Add in senior defensive lineman Antwan Crutcher, who recorded 50 tackles last season, and the Bobcats have the makings of a dominant front four.
Then, there’s new starting quarterback Derrius Vick. The junior has met the eye test when entering games off the bench, and we’re excited to see what he can do when given ample playing time. Vick isn’t afraid to take chances, whether it be with his arm or his legs.
And about those lessened expectations, well, we’re confident they will soar back up if the Bobcats can avenge last year’s home loss to the Golden Flashes and start the season off with a very important conference win.
Editorial represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.
