Six games into the 2016 season, Ohio is at the midway point of its year. The Bobcats are 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-American Conference.
The football beat writers at The Post put together a report card for the team, from offense to defense.
Offense
Charlie Hatch | Sports Editor: B
For not having the starting running backs, Ohio still has a running game. In terms of passing, Ohio has been efficient and productive moving the offense. The line is strong and the skill positions are improving with each week. No reason to complain here…
Andrew Gillis | Asst. Sports Editor: B+
They were down to "nearly" pulling students out of the crowd for running back, and this unit has performed well enough to win four games. They’ve had some duds, but overall, a very impressive group with a new starting quarterback, re-worked line and strong receivers.
Cameron Fields | For The Post: B
The offense appeared as though it could be one of the best in the Mid-American Conference at the start of the season. With multiple running backs, including starting running back A.J. Ouellette, battling injuries, Ohio’s offense hasn’t lived up to its potential. The passing attack is still respectable, and the rushing attack has rebounded, too. But the inconsistencies from this unit are too much to give it any more than a B.
Defense
CH: A-
The defense, as expected, is the best unit for Ohio. The defensive line cracks down on the running game and the secondary leads the conference in interceptions. Those are positive stats. Plus, the linebackers are just as strong. Barring any injuries, the Bobcats might have the strongest defense in the MAC.
AG: B+
We all thought the defense would be strong. Not first in the freaking nation in sacks strong. With 25 sacks and 110 yards allowed per game on the ground, Ohio ranks first and 20th in the nation, respectively. The secondary needs to improve, however, it ranks 83rd in passing yards allowed. Strong showing so far, but stronger teams are down the pipe…
CF: A
The defense has not disappointed for Ohio thus far, totaling a MAC-leading nine interceptions and a conference-leading 16 turnovers. Along with Ohio’s defense forcing turnovers, it also leads the conference in sacks with 25. This defense is perhaps one of the best defenses in the MAC, and it has few weak areas.
Special Teams
CH: A
Coach Frank Solich called special teams the most consistent group on the team. He’s right. Both the punting and kicking game have hindered opponents, either by field position or guaranteed points inside an opponent’s 30-yard-line. Plus, Ohio is using first-year players.
AG: A
How could I logically put anything other than an A for this unit? Louie Zervos is second in the country with 15 made field goals and Michael Farkas has been great situationally, punting every which way Ohio needs him too. Oh, and they’re both freshman.
CF: A
Like its defense, Ohio’s special teams unit is one of the most consistent ones in the MAC. Kicker Louie Zervos is first in the conference in field goals made (15) as well as field goal percentage (78.9 percent). Along with Zervos, the Bobcats have a solid punter in Michael Farkas. Farkas provides good field position for Ohio, putting the defense in the best position to succeed.
Overall
CH: A-
Look, 4-2 is a good record. Starting conference play undefeated is even better. If Ohio can beat Eastern Michigan this weekend and then win away at Kent State, the Bobcats will have a perfect October and will be in good shape for a possible East Division title.
AG: B
If the Bobcats could capitalize in the redzone we could be talking about a 6-0, ranked team right now. But with missed scoring opportunities against Texas State and Tennessee, here we sit. The defense is about where I thought it would be, though the front seven might be better than expected. Solid, but not outstanding season so far for the Bobcats. With the MAC East there’s nothing to lose at this point, we could be talking a very different conversation on the first Saturday of December.
CF: B+
At 4-2, Ohio has nothing to be ashamed of. The Bobcats are tied with the Zips for first in the MAC East, and they have a defense that teams will respect. What Ohio needs to improve on, however, is its consistency on offense. The offense tends to stall at times, especially if it can’t create some decent holes for the running backs. The Bobcats aren’t a team that likes to air it out — they will have a balanced attack on offense. If the offense can string some good performances together, however, this team should be in good shape as it prepares for the second half of the season.
