After previously facing two veteran quarterbacks from Northwestern and Pittsburgh, the Ohio Bobcat defense will face an even tougher challenge Saturday from Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick.
Our first two weeks we played a pretty athletic quarterback
defensive lineman Jameson Hartke said, but (Vick) kind of tops them. He's one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.
Vick was suspended for the 2004 fall semester for a drinking violation and was cited for reckless driving and marijuana possession on other unrelated events. Despite his missed 2004 campaign, Vick has made the most of his opportunities since his return to action.
Determined not to let his troubles ruin the rest of his college career, Vick impressed coaches during spring workouts, starting at number three on the quarterbacks depth chart.
I just did everything the coaches asked me to do and everything in practice Vick said. I was just trying to execute.
It means everything. This is exactly what I hoped that Virginia Tech would do -give me another chance to prove myself and they did so it's real big.
As the brother of National Football League star Michael Vick, Marcus has received a lot of advice, but still feels he maintains within his own game.
(Michael) had a big influence on me ever since my childhood days and playing Pop Warner football
Vick said. He just kind of let me do my own thing. He told me little things
but try not to tell me too much...I try to play my own game.
A threat through the air as well as with his legs has made Vick a dangerous threat to opposing defenses.
Vick has got a little more speed than any of the other two quarterbacks we've faced
Ohio coach Frank Solich said. Both of those guys were excellent quarterbacks
experienced quarterbacks
who've done an awful lot for their teams
but Vick can hurt you through the air as well as on the ground.
The Bobcat pass defense had great success against Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko, but Vick's ability to run as well as pass will prove to be a large test.
They got a great set of defensive backs so we're just going to try to keep them off-balance with the running
the play-action pass
and do different things of that nature
