After a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, Ohio toppled Idaho 45-28 in its 2015 regular season opener. Here are four thoughts to take away from the Kibbie Dome.
Off the blocks
Sure, Ohio coach Frank Solich will be disappointed with redshirt senior quarterback Derrius Vick’s fumble on the team’s second drive, but it was the perfect start to the season.
The Bobcats efficiently advanced down the field with a 75-yard drive touchdown, capped off with a Vick pass to redshirt sophomore Brendan Cope.
When Ohio got on defense, redshirt sophomore Quinton Poling had a sack, followed by a forced fumble on the next play.
Both the offensive and defensive units had perfect starts in their introductory series, respectively.
Quarterback talent show
We talked about the quarterback situation throughout the summer and fall camp. Solich finally made the decision that Vick would be the starting quarterback this past Sunday.
Yet Vick’s opening drive, as well as his final game stats, proved he’s the best quarterback for the Bobcats, at least for the time being.
Vick went 13-of-16 for 192 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also ran for 34 yards on nine carries.
Yet that doesn’t mean redshirt junior J.D. Sprague didn’t produce a solid performance. Sprague was 7-of-9 for 92 yards and a touchdown, in addition to two rushes for five yards.
Combined, the two quarterbacks had QB ratings of over 200.
Running back roulette
The Bobcats dominated in all aspects of Thursday’s game. But it should be noted how effective the running backs were.
We knew offensive coordinator Tim Albin wanted to feature multiple backs, each of them efficiently pounded the ball.
Senior running back Daz Patterson led the way with 13 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore AJ Ouellette, who was expected to receive the majority of carries, only had nine carries for 28 yards.
Redshirt freshman Papi White only had three carries for 13 yards, but made an impressive 24-yard reception in the second half.
Was Ohio good or Idaho bad?
I guess this is debatable, but it’s hard to judge based on Ohio’s fast start. Idaho was never able to settle down and adjust. Instead, the Vandals continuously played catch up, but never got within double digits.
The Bobcats looked promising on all sides of the ball, putting the group in pole position for the Battle for the Bell next Saturday.
gh181212@ohio.edu
@charliehatch_
