On Oct. 13, Ohio coach Frank Solich was stoic after his team’s 24-21 loss to Northern Illinois. As his team slowly filtered out of the locker room and onto busses for the long trek home, there were so many signs pointing toward another season gone wrong.
Again, Ohio had lost a game that it controlled when entering the final quarter. The questions of the Bobcats defense and running game arose. It seemed as if all the problems plaguing their season at that point would continue.
“Could we have played better on offense? Could we of played better on defense?” Solich said that night.
Solich was exactly right. But that was at the beginning of Mid-American Conference play, and we’re now at the middle. There will be an end, but the growth between the beginning and middle is significant.
On Thursday, Ohio beat Ball State, 52-14. The Bobcats rushed for 411 yards, the first time they’ve broken the 400-yard mark since 2005. The defense held the Cardinals to 242 yards and just 82 on the ground.
The Bobcats have won in impressive fashion since the loss, not blinking an eye against Bowling Street nor Ball State.
Western Michigan is next, then Miami and Buffalo loom, followed by a Black Friday meeting with Akron.
Now Ohio’s story needs an ending, and this season could go either way.
Best surprise
Ohio’s front seven has drastically improved since the loss to the Huskies. It has allowed 183 yards rushing over the past two games, compared to the 255 to NIU. Without the improvement, the Bobcats wouldn’t be in the position they're currently in. Ohio likes to consider itself run-stoppers, and it has gotten back to that principle recently.
Worst surprise
Jalen Fox hasn’t played in a MAC game yet. He showed signs of dominance last season and early this season. While younger players have shown promise, his presence the past two games would’ve made a huge impact. His status moving forward is unknown.
Breakout player
Marlin Brooks has emerged as the best cornerback in Ohio’s secondary. With the absence of Fox, Brooks has taken charge and impressed. Against Ball State, he had four tackles and a forced fumble.
Biggest remaining question to be answered
Can Ohio win games in November? The Bobcats may have had their best season of the Solich era last season, but it didn’t end the way a historic season should: losing the last two games and failing to make it to the MAC Championship Game.
Most important remaining game
Western Michigan and Miami are big games, but the Buffalo game is the most important. Beating the Bulls would punch Ohio’s ticket to Detroit if it wins out. If Ohio takes care of business, this could be for the MAC East championship.
Projected final record
Ohio is playing well enough right now to continue to win games, so 9-3 is the pick that makes sense. But it’s a tough road and 8-4 seems more likely.
