Coach Frank Solich spoke with the media Monday and discussed the Bobcats win over Rhode Island in the first game of the season and their upcoming road trip to Heinz Field to play Pitt in Week 2.
— Solich was pleased with how the offensive line, which only returned two starters from last season, performed Saturday. Rhode Island only sacked quarterback Nathan Rourke once.
"With those guys, a mistake there shows immediately," Solich said. "I thought they played well. Coach (Allen) Rudolph has gotten a hold of those guys, and they know he can make them better. They're dead-set on approaching technique. I think that's going to resolve in really good line play as we continue through the year."
— Overall, Solich was impressed with what he saw from Ohio on Saturday, but he didn't enjoy how the offense only had three drives in the first half. That was because the defense struggled to get off the field and committed three first-half penalties that each gave the Rams an extra set of downs.
"That's not what you look for," Solich said. "(Rhode Island) could wear down your defense pretty early with how they were going against us at the beginning. Defensively, there's some things to work on."
— Expect the Bobcats to continue using a rotation of running backs in Week 2. Solich said he was pleased with what he saw in each running back Saturday, and the Bobcats appear ready to continue to spread out snaps until someone breaks out from the pack.
"I'm really satisfied with what they showed in the first game. I think coach Albin is wanting to get those guys a good amount of playing time. If one or two guys surface as the best, then they'll get the vast majority of the reps."
— Solich delivered high praise for Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who threw for 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 games last season as a sophomore. Last week against Virginia, Pickett went 21-for-41 with a touchdown and two interceptions. That didn't hinder Solich's praise for Pickett and Pitt's offense, though.
"He's a tremendous athlete," Solich said. "He has good size, he can run and he's an excellent thrower. You know it's a very explosive style of offense, and it's one that will be difficult to slow down. They'll just keep getting better. I don't have any doubts about that."
— Rourke is two touchdowns away from breaking former Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton's record of 82 career touchdowns. Solich reflected on how far the explosive quarterback has improved since he made his debut two seasons ago as a sophomore.
"We thought he was an excellent player coming in, but until he comes to your campus and really shows it, you're not sure," Solich said. "He's been more than what you had hoped for. Not just in his athleticism and throwing ability but as a leader. He's a smart, smart player. You couldn't ask for anything more as a quarterback."
— Linebacker Jared Dorsa received Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors after he made five tackles and a half a sack Saturday.
