With two games left in the season, the Ohio football team finds itself in unfamiliar territory - in contention for the Mid-American Conference East Division title.
Despite losing 30-21 to Toledo in their last game, the Bobcats can claim first place if they win out and get help with a Miami win tonight against Bowling Green.
However, Ohio (4-5, 3-3 MAC) must focus on its own play beginning with tonight's contest at Akron (4-5, 3-3 MAC).
Well
it's kind of surprising to still have a chance but I'm happy Ohio linebacker Michael Graham said. Either way we play hard and go out
but just to know we're not just playing for pride and things like that. We still have a chance - that definitely helps to add to our motivation.
Ohio's defense will face an Akron offense that has struggled establishing the run on opposing defenses. Leading the Zips' offense is wide receiver Domenik Hixon, who ranks fifth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (181.1).
After nine games, Akron quarterback Luke Getsy has thrown for 15 touchdowns and nearly 2,300 yards, averaging 252 yards per game through the air.
They are a team that has a quarterback doing exceptionally well
Ohio coach Frank Solich said. If you look at what they're all about offensively
they have a quarterback that throws the ball very well. We have not done a great job of slowing down really good throwing quarterbacks. That will be a challenge for us.
Solich stressed the importance of focusing on how Ohio can improve from last week's loss.
We're not focusing too much on what Akron is all about
Solich said. They're going to be what they are when we line up and play them
and that will most likely be a good football team. The only thing we can control is what we are. We need to control that by playing more consistently on both sides of the ball.
Ohio running back Kalvin McRae, 12th in the nation with an average of 116 yards per game, will be the focus of Ohio's offensive attack, and his success will set the table for the Bobcats' passing game.
Our running game has been very good this year
so I think they'll try to stuff the box on us
which will open up the passing game right off the bat
quarterback Brandon Jones said. I think we have to come out - we have to get the run going so they have to focus on stopping it more; that way it will open up the pass
