After a week of venue changes and hurricane angst, it’s time to play football.
Ohio (1-0) will take on Virginia (1-1) on Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville.
Kickoff is set for 3:32 p.m. CDT (4:32 p.m. EDT) and can be seen on ESPN2.
Here is how to follow along to the game, what you need to know — from depth charts to the injury report to reading — a guide to gameday in Nashville and predictions for Game 2 of the season.
Following along
How to watch: The game was originally slated to be on Atlantic Coast Conference Network Extra, but the time change meant a bump up in the TV slate.
Ohio vs. Virginia can now be seen on ESPN2 or online here. Joel Meyers and Forrest Conoly will be on the call, and Jay James will be on the sideline.
How to listen: The game can be heard on the Ohio IMG Sports Network — Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius will be behind the mic. The broadcasts are available online through ohiobobcats.com and tunein.com/ohiobobcats.
How to find stats: Click here for stats.
Matchups
When Ohio passes…
Whether it’s Nathan Rourke or Quinton Maxwell, Ohio can pass the ball. Maxwell nearly had a career high in passing yards against Howard, and Rourke led the Ohio offense to nearly 40 points per game last season. The offense — passing the ball — is in good hands with either one. It’s unfair to gauge the Virginia secondary, considering it played in a driving rainstorm last week against Indiana. The numbers are skewed.
Edge: Ohio
When Ohio runs…
A.J. Ouellette rushed for just over 1,000 yards last season. Maleek Irons is capable of having a 1,000 yard campaign this season to compliment Ouellette. Rourke had 21 touchdowns on the ground last season. Ohio returned four offensive linemen from last year’s team. You see where we’re going with this.
Edge: Ohio
When Virginia passes…
Ohio will welcome the return of Jamal Hudson and captain safety Javon Hagan to the starting lineup; both missed the Bobcats' season opener with injuries. In their absence, Ohio gave up 645 total yards to Howard. That number should drop significantly. Virginia is a run-first unit that struggles through the air from time to time, but what we have seen from Ohio so far could mean a heavily-involved passing game from Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins.
Edge: Draw
When Virginia runs…
Perkins is a big, physical body who can make plays on the ground better than he can with his arm. The Cavaliers will face a Bobcats’ front seven that is thin and inexperienced. Ohio is trying to solve some questions up front, and Virginia will try to exploit Ohio’s defensive front.
Edge: Virginia
Special teams
The Bobcats have one of the country’s best punters, Michael Farkas, and one of the best kickers in the Mid-American Conference, Louie Zervos. They’ll also send Papi White and DL Knock out to return kicks, and both are capable of making plays.
The Cavaliers’ special teams seems to always determine games, either good or bad. Ohio will have to avoid do-it-all return man Joe Reed in special teams.
Edge: Ohio
Depth charts
Ohio injury report
Players in italics are starters.
Out: WR Elijah Ball (knee), OL Cole Irland (knee), OL Adam Notestine (shoulder), TE Mason Bernhardt (undisclosed), WR Jerome Buckner (knee), DE Austin Conrad (foot), DE Juan Watkins (shoulder), DE Amir Miller (leg), TE Noah Hoffman (undisclosed), LB Marcus Brunson (undisclosed).
Questionable: DE Antrez Baker (knee), OG Durrell Wood (undisclosed).
Probable: S Javon Hagan, CB Jamal Hudson, LB T.J. Robinson, WR Tyler Tupa.
Guide to Vanderbilt Stadium
Admission for Saturday's game is free, as is parking. Fans are encouraged to park in the surface lots across from Gate 2 (Address: 3000 Dudley Ave., Nashville, TN 37212). To access the surface lots, enter via Vanderbilt Place.
Spectator entry will be through Gates 2 and 3 only. Gates open two hours before kickoff. There is a clear bag policy. Ohio fans are encouraged to sit on the visitor side of the stadium (sections P-V).
Concession sales will be limited: Four concession stands will be open. In addition, several food trucks will be outside. No food or drink can be brought into the stadium.
Reading guide
- Ohio coach Frank Solich addressed the media Monday
- MAC teams are playing Power Five opponents, and some of them are playing at home
- The first Post Sports mailbag
- Ohio has found success with run-pass options, or RPOs
- The move to Nashville, as told by players
- A Q&A with Virginia beat writer Mike Barber
- Roundtable on the matchup
- Everything you should know about the Cavaliers
Predictions
Spencer Holbrook: I also truly feel like this game is a toss-up. Virginia’s running attack can make noise against Ohio’s front seven, but I’m not entirely confident in Virginia’s run-stopping ability. I think both teams try to limit possessions and control the clock with the run game. In the end, I have Virginia winning 27-24 in a weird but fun game. But if special teams play any part in this game, Ohio could flip that score.
Pete Nakos: Complete toss-up. Ohio’s defense could be worn down early, but the same goes for Virginia’s. Both teams have strong rushing attacks capable of grinding out drives. Whoever has the lead at halftime wins the game. Ohio wins 35-28, but if the Bobcats don't win the turnover battle, who knows.
