As the Ohio offense consistently drove down the field Saturday, the Bowling Green defenders looked like stumped high school juniors taking the SAT: weary, confused and scrambling for answers.
The Falcons never figured out the Bobcat's two-pronged quarterback attack as the offense tallied 42 of Ohio's 49 points. Quarterbacks Boo Jackson and Phil Bates combined for 332 total yards on the day.
Just as the Falcons became comfortable with Jackson's passing ability, Bates was inserted to run. If they figured out Bates, Jackson substituted into the game. With the defense confused all afternoon, the quarterbacks reveled in the opportunity.
It felt pretty good
Jackson said. We were flying around at a fast pace and it was definitely something they couldn't prepare for.
Their distinct attributes caused the pair to nickname itself Thunder and Lightning the week after the Marshall game. Bates barricades through defenses, while Jackson calmly and quickly strikes with precision passes.
You can't teach speed like Phil has Jackson said. If you prepare for his run we'll hit you with the passing attack. There's two dimensions to this offense
and you want that.
The quarterback controversy that surrounded the team at the beginning of the year has turned into a smooth rotation. With the success of the duo, Solich has no plans to name a real starter.
We haven't even talked about that to be honest
Solich said. It's become a normal routine for us to practice the way we have been.
We seem to be in a groove with what we're doing, so I don't think we'll vary too far from that.
Although the quarterbacks have been assigned distinctive roles
they dabble with the other's strengths. Jackson ran for 53 yards on 11 carries
and Bates struck through the air with a 47-yard pass to Donte Foster as the Falcon defense crept up to stop the run.
I'm just thinking, 'Don't miss,' Bates said. It feels real good to jump back with everyone coming up. I'm just able to dump it downfield after that.
Because of earlier injuries to Bates
the system has been used against only Marshall and Bowling Green
which means the offense has only skimmed the surface of possibilities.
Last Saturday gave a glimpse into the modifications Ohio can use with the duo. Bates lined up at wide receiver on a few plays and motioned into the backfield.
Offensive coordinator Tim Albin has embraced the transition of the offense. Jackson said the coach was up at 3 a.m. devising plays before the Marshall game.
It's amazing, Bates said. The sky's the limit with this thing. What we gotta do is just execute and stay focused.",",2,Sports,Will Frasure,32669b.jpg,",",",",","
32668,2010-10-15 00:42:00,Basketball: Redshirted transfer quits hardwood
hits books,Redshirt junior forward Alex Kellogg released a statement yesterday that said he will not play basketball for the Bobcats this season
citing personal reasons and the desire to focus on academics.,Redshirt junior forward Alex Kellogg released a statement yesterday that said he will not play basketball for the Bobcats this season
