Had it not been for a third-quarter collapse against Northern Illinois on Oct. 12, there’s a better chance than not that Ohio would be undefeated in Mid-American Conference play. It won in two stadiums it hasn’t won in since 2009 – a 21-20 overtime victory over Buffalo and a 34-21 final over Ball State.
The Bobcats held off then-MAC East Division leader Kent State in a shootout that featured over 1,000 total yards of offense.
They’ve set themselves up in a great position to return to December’s MAC Championship Game in Detroit for the first time since 2016. To get there, however, they have to continue their upward slope.
In recent seasons, the Bobcats have lost that opportunity by losing key games against divisional opponents. Ohio hopes to buck that trend this season.
Here’s a look at Ohio’s remaining four conference games.
* - signifies a MAC East opponent
Miami*, Nov. 6, 8 p.m.
This is perhaps Ohio’s most important game of the season. The RedHawks (4-4, 3-1 MAC) are tied with the Bobcats for first place in the East Division, and the outcome of their first midweek game might ultimately decide who will represent the East in Detroit.
Last year, the RedHawks were the ones who ultimately kept Ohio out the conference championship. They will look to do the same for their own gain.
Their only loss in conference play was to Western Michigan in a 38-16 final, and their most intriguing win was over NIU. Its intrigue is rooted in the fact that the Bobcats lost to the Huskies.
Along with implications on the opportunity to make it to Detroit, the Nov. 6 game falls upon the 150th anniversary of the first-ever college football game and is the only game among all FBS teams played on the date. Plenty of celebrations along with the game itself will highlight one of the most critical games on the Bobcats schedule.
Western Michigan, Nov. 12, TBA
Quarterback Nathan Rourke has made plenty of memorable performances at Peden Stadium, where he’s gone 12-3 as a starter since he took his first snaps under center three seasons ago.
For Rourke and 15 other seniors, the Bobcats’ home game against the Broncos will be their last as they will enjoy senior night celebrations before and after the game.
They’ll say they aren’t really focused on the emotions of it being their final time running out of the inflatable tunnel and following Rufus driving a motorcycle, and if they want to achieve their goal of making it to the MAC title game, that would be a wise statement.
The Broncos (5-4, 3-2 MAC) have been a team of two identities. When they’re at home, they’re unbeatable (5-0 home record), but when it’s time to travel, the wins haven’t happened.
Ohio took care of business against Western Michigan last season in a 59-14 final score. The Broncos currently have a healthy quarterback and running back for the first time this season, and they also boast the top offense in the conference with 461.8 total yards and should give Ohio’s improving defense a tall test.
@ Bowling Green*, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Ohio’s last two games on paper should be winnable, but in late-season games where that’s been the case, it’s struggled.
While the Falcons (2-6, 1-3 MAC) haven’t been the most impressive team this season, anything can happen in a division game.
Led by second-year coach Scot Loeffler, the Falcons have struggled to formulate any sort of identity. They’re statistically the worst defense in the conference and the third-worst offense. This isn’t a game that the Bobcats should overlook, but it should be an easy win for Ohio, who might be able to rest starters if it can grow a big lead.
@ Akron*, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.
If Bowling Green doesn’t have an identity, Akron (0-8, 0-4 MAC) doesn’t have a sense of right or left.
The Zips are at the bottom of the conference statistics, too. They’re in the midst of another program rebuild, and 2019 is a season to forget.
The one thing Akron has for it is that it’s been able to give Ohio fits. The last two times the Bobcats have had to play at Akron they’ve gone 1-1 and lost in 2017.
Akron has the potential to derail the Bobcats’ season – assuming Ohio takes care of business prior to its final game of the season.
