Last week's game with Marshall was built up as a battle of two of the best defenses in the Mid-American Conference. This week's game, however, will be a match-up of strength versus strength, as Ohio takes its top-ranked defense on the road to square off against Toledo's top-ranked offense.
The Bobcats (3-3 overall, 1-2 MAC) are looking to bounce back from a three-point loss at the hands of East Division-leading Marshall. The opponent gets no easier this week as Toledo (4-2, 3-0 MAC) is tied for first place in the West Division.
The team took the Marshall loss for what it is
linebacker Ma'tron Church said. We've got to let that go in the past. We can't blame nobody for it it was a team effort. We just didn't get it done. But now we're going to Toledo; they're supposed to be the West's best.
The Ohio defense is faced with the task of stopping an offense that has averaged 38.6 points and 490.8 yards of total offense per game. In the past four games, Toledo has scored 198 points.
Awaiting the Toledo offense will be the Ohio defense. The Bobcats lead the conference in scoring defense, total defense, turnovers forced and turnover margin.
I can guarantee they haven't ever seen a defense like ours Church said. You don't know where it's going to come from
when it's going to come
but we got guys flying all over the place.
Church said the defense has to bring a nasty attitude to Toledo in order to win.
We're going to have that attitude this week
he said. They're really tough players. If we're going to get it done then we're going to have to hit them in their mouth
with everything we got. And that's what we plan to do.
While Toledo's offense is ranked high in every category, its defense ranks near the bottom in most categories. The Rocket defense has surrendered 463.3 yards per game. Establishing a running game Saturday could be critical for Ohio.
If we get our running game going
we can control the clock and keep their offense off the field
running back Kalvin McRae said. We control the clock
we got our defense rested against their offense.
Ohio coach Brian Knorr said that eliminating unforced errors will be a key factor against Toledo.
If we reduce (errors) and continue to do the key things as far as taking care of the football and playing good defense
I think we'll be fine
