DETROIT - Do not let Ohio quarterback Ryan Hawk's composure deceive you. Sitting at a podium at Mid-American Conference Media Day, Hawk appeared calm and collected. Inside, however, he is antsy for the next month to pass for the season opener against Virginia Military Institute to arrive.
I'm just excited to play
Hawk said. It seems like it's been so long since we've played and last year with the way it ended
left a bad taste in our mouths. Especially with what we've done with the offense - I wish we could get started today.
With a 28-0 season-ending loss to Marshall Nov. 28, an era of Ohio offense -the decade-long experiment with triple-option football -officially came to an end. By January, the Bobcats had ushered in new offensive coordinator Phil Earley and a more pass-oriented attack that departed from a three-running back system.
I think it's time
Hawk said. Our skill position guys are excited about the change. Bringing in coach Earley and his system is definitely refreshing to us
and it's been good so far.
Hawk and backup quarterback Austen Everson, both of whom Ohio coach Brian Knorr said are very proficient at throwing the football
have better arms but lack the leg speed of predecessors Fred Ray and Dontrell Jackson.
They will throw to three-receiver sets led by Scott Mayle, Anthony Hackett and Stafford Owens, who combined for 42 catches and 1,052 receiving yards in 2003, as Ohio recorded its most passing yards in a season since 1991.
In college football
you have to be able to throw the football
and this offense gives us that ability
Knorr said. I think the benefits (of a passing attack) are the ability to spread the field and become more balanced. We'll also be able to take better care of the football.
Knorr added that despite the conversion, the option remains part of Ohio's offensive arsenal, though it would be used with significantly less regularity. Ohio's opponents, who had known the Bobcats' offense as synonymous with the option, have their own opinions regarding the change.
You know
I'll miss it
